Preview of M.C. Higgins, the Great Summary:

M.C. Higgins, the Great is a book about growing up, the period of changing from a child to an adult. In the space of a few days, M.C. Higgins learns about freedom, responsibility, and the strength of family ties. He falls in love but finds out that love is not always reciprocated, at least not as he wants it to be. He also comes to understand that his own prejudices and superstitions can hurt not only the people at whom they are directed but also himself. The novel is written in Hamilton's unique style, at once poetic and exciting, combining action with M.C.'s daydreams. Although many of the characters have a mythic, larger-than-life quality, they remain believable and moving.

The problems that M.C. faces will be familiar to most readers: the confusion of a first love, getting along with parents and siblings, learning...