"Writing the book had to do with dropping out of college, and with being an actor. I didn't want my whole life to go by and not do anything but recite lines. I wanted to try making something else. It was definitely the scariest thing I ever did. And it was just one of the best things I ever did."The book met with a mixed reception. "Entertainment Weekly" said that Hawke "opens himself to rough literary scrutiny in "The Hottest State". If Hawke is serious ... he'd do well to work awhile in less exposed venues." "The New York Times" thought Hawke did "a fine job of showing what it's like to be young and full of confusion", concluding that "The Hottest State" was ultimately "a sweet love story".