Richer

by Jean Blasiar

How many teens have their poetry adapted to music by today’s rock star? Every teen’s dream, but actually a nightmare for Rich Cameron. Despite his mother’s divorce, another broken home, his friend’s ruined Olympic dreams and his own major health complication, it’s a very interesting year for U2’s favorite genius. Just as his life started to make sense again, Rich receives a letter from his former au pair, leading to revelations that set the tone for an unforgettable year. The mysteries, pains and ecstasy of love will force Rich and his family to redefine what is 'normal' all over again, in this funny, touching, and thrilling new chapter in the life of Rich Cameron and his constant companion, U2.

292 pages, Paperback

First published January 18, 2011

Reviews

[Ami Blackwelder · Rating 5 out of 5]

Richer, a novel by author Jean Blasiar is a follow up to Poor Rich. Following the life of teenager Rich Cameron, the reader is immediately drawn into the main characters woes from page one. Gia (the girl who left him), U2 (his bad-mouthed parrot), Mom, and by chapter two we meet up with Dad. Parents divorced, more woe.

The life of Rich Cameron is a complicated one, because he suffers from a nervous condition as a result of his high intelligence. As a teacher and writer, I could emphasize with Rich Cameron. Kids are often ostracized for being different and I understood his complexities.

This is a gem of a book for a student who is feeling misplaced, or that because of some gift he/she doesn't fit in. I think Jean would do the school system well if she wrote up a lesson plan for Poor Rich and Richer that teachers could follow in the classroom. I'd be willing to bet teachers would read the book in class and even have students buy it if they had a lesson plan to follow.

With enough twists and turns to keep you turning the pages, and written by a deftly writing talent, I recommend this book to students, teenagers, teachers, and parents! Or even adults looking for something of literary quality to read that is not mainstream.

Reviewed by Ami Blackwelder, author of The shifters of 2040 and The Hunted of 2060

[Chelsey · Rating 3 out of 5]

This novel was hard for me to get into at first. I hadn't read the first one, Poor Rich. One of the characters being talked about, Gia, seemed to be a major character in the first, but is never a real presence in this one. Instead we're given Amy, who seems to be a possible love interest for Rich, but later is relegated to a different position in the cast of characters. The point where this really picked up for me is when I saw more of Brian, Rich's dad's partner. He showed a real desire to see Rich happy, really seemed to care about him. He was my favorite character, along with Rich's bird U2. That bird picked up the funniest sayings.

The writing style is not quite what I'm used to, so it took me a couple days to get into it, but once that happened I eagerly read through the second half. This book chronicles another interesting and crazy year in the life of Rich, who goes from not quite fitting in, to growing into his skin, becoming more comfortable with who he is. I would definitely recommend giving this a try, but make sure to read Poor Rich first.

[Babs · Rating 4 out of 5]

My 2 Cents


First, I have to say there is not one book I have not liked written by Jean. Richer is the sequel to Poor Rich which was also a great read. Rich is really coming along in this book he has some hot girls he is tutoring this go around. For those that do not know Rich suffers from a nervous condition that can cause issues. Rich is very talented and a character I like to read about over and over again. Rich is surrounded by various characters, his father and mother are divorced and his father is gay. Imagine a roommate that is a great football player he adjusts well especially with U2. U2 has some choice words he likes to use and some not so good. Life for Rich is never dull. I look forward to the next installment.

[Desilula · Rating 3 out of 5]

Review coming soon;)