Flick

by Geraldine Meade

Felicity Costello, aka Flick, is pretty much like any other sixteen-year-old – except for one difference.

A difference she doesn’t want anyone else to know about.

A difference she hardly admits even to herself.

Not for the faint-hearted, Flick is a searingly honest depiction of teenage life as it is lived today.

PRAISE FOR FLICK:


'Flick is the sort of book I wish I could have read in my teens. It never talks down to the reader but still manages to shine a light on some of the darkest and most confusing moments of becoming an adult'

Graham Norton



'Impressive and accomplished' The Irish Times



'Laced with subtle emotion...Flick is that rarest of things, an Irish gay coming of age book...Geraldine Meade is one to watch' GCN



'[A] courageous first novel' Irish Examiner



'A heart-warming message for adults and teens alike - you can't help who you fall in love with'

Northside People

'Recommended reading for teenagers of any sexual orientation' Image Magazine

'...stunning debut...a brilliant first novel, full of compassion, with an utterly believable and compelling main character.'

Sarah Webb



'Never short on dramatic grit, Flick is a brave and touching tale of what happens when coming out meets coming of age in today's Ireland.'

The World of Irish Nursing



'I have to say I loved this book! I was glued to it from the first page...It's a great first novel for Geraldine Meade, and I look forward to reading more of her books in the future.'

Kiss Magazine



'It wins many points for going beyond a simple coming-out story...Looking forward to the sequel.'

Claire Hennessey



'...the book is incredibly well written and gives voice to an issue which can be difficult to discuss.'

Totally Dublin



'Flick is a brave and important first novel...Meade has created an inspiring character.'

Leinster Express



'...a rather fine novel for young adults that kept me reading until 2a.m.'

Genres: Young Adult, LGBT

277 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2011

Reviews

[Elliot]

Genre: realistic fiction, YA
2 LGBTQ main characters: lesbian and questioning

Importance of identities to plot: 5/5
Romance: 3/5
Coming out: yes

Notes: TW Homophobia, some internalized and some from family and acquaintances. Set in the UK

[Jennifer Lawler · Rating 4 out of 5]

There's been quite a buzz on the Irish young adult book scene about Geraldine Meade's debut novel, Flick.

16-year-old Flick struggles to accept her sexuality in contemporary Dublin. Peer pressure dictates she conform for the sake of an easier life, yet Flick remains true to herself - despite not knowing exactly who that self is just yet. The novel has even caught the attention of TV personality Graham Norton, who felt it "managed to shine a light on some of the darkest and most confusing moments of becoming an adult".

Recommended reading for teenagers of any sexual orientation.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good read, but I would have liked it better if the author had slowed down just a teensie weensie bit and focus a little more on Flick as a person. Her feelings were very rushed for me...although that might have something to do with how fast I was inhaling the book with my eyes!! All round great read, and wonderful writing. Loved the characters, and felt it was definitely on par with Judy Blume/ Sita Brahmachari. Well worth the read!

[Shannon Boyle · Rating 5 out of 5]

AN extraordinarly under rated Irish novel. It explores every possible adolescent issue and handles them with such care. A great Irish novel.

[Judy Wollin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Felicity, Flick, is sixteen and doing what she wants, but not necessarily what her parents want her to do. She loves going out with her friends, smoking and drinking. She has a fake ID and can go to nightclubs with her friends too. They cover for each other, so parents are unaware of what they are up to. Her social life comes crashing down when her brother’s friend rapes Flick while she is drunk. Terrified she is pregnant, sleepless from nightmares and exhausted, Flick’s life unravels. What happens, and what does she slowly learn about herself and her friends?
Highly recommended for all thirteen to sixteen-year-olds, their parents and family. Vivid life lessons.

[Lisa Redmond · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story is told in what feels like a breathless rush or perhaps it was just that I devoured this novel in a day. The voice of Felicity is captured on the page so perfectly the story is raw and real, heartbreaking and up lifting, it makes me what to read everything the author writes in the future. Ger Meade is a talented author. I have one quibble but as it would spoil the ending I won't mention it here, i don't like spoilers. If you have read the book feel free to message me about it.

[Sarah Paulson · Rating 2 out of 5]

This wasn't really my kind of book. It seemed more like a warning of what will happen if you don't out yourself as a queer rather than a real life story of a girl coming to understand her sexuality. Perhaps it is some girls' stories, but it certainly wasn't something I could relate to and I struggle with many of the same issues (depression, LGBT, etc)

[Valerie Geraldmin · Rating 5 out of 5]

AMAZING BOOK!!!!!