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Poor Rich
Asthmatic, reclusive genius Rich Cameron has grown content with his sheltered life until one day the allergies that have plagued him since childhood suddenly disappear. With the help of a caring psychiatrist and an irreverent parrot named U2, Rich sets out into a strange new world.
- GenresFictionYoung Adult
270 pages, Paperback
First published July 28, 2010
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
August 11, 2010
I was enjoying this book initially. Rich is more plagued by his own family's neurosis than anything else. It was fun listening to his narrative as he did his day to day stuff and described his life with divorced parents who shared him quite well. One of his major problems seemed to stem from his stepfather Steve's homophobia. Rich's father realized he is gay, left Rich's mother and lives happily with his partner Brian. Rich has a great relationship with most of the players, except Steve. Rich's parrot U2 is also a fun addition who I really could have been happy hearing more from and about.
The problem for me came when it suddenly switched from Rich's narration to his short story essays in the last section of the book. These were supposed to be part of his therapy and give us a further look in to his mind, but they tended to annoy me more than interest me. I really didn't care about these stories he had written as assignments. I would have preferred to have continued with Rich's daily high school escapades.
The problem for me came when it suddenly switched from Rich's narration to his short story essays in the last section of the book. These were supposed to be part of his therapy and give us a further look in to his mind, but they tended to annoy me more than interest me. I really didn't care about these stories he had written as assignments. I would have preferred to have continued with Rich's daily high school escapades.
January 30, 2011
This book was sent to me for review over the summer. I tried to start it then, but kept putting it off for books with faster plots. I finally settled down to read it around a month ago.
Rich is certainly an interesting character. He hasn’t made many friends, hasn’t done so many things normal kids and teens do because he used to be allergic to pretty much everything. When the allergies disappear, he has to try to figure out the world and his new place in it.
The book did have its good moments. I liked when he started tutoring his classmates and the different reactions he would get. Some of his short stories toward the end were good. But it got confusing at some points. The regular plot switching to a collection of stories with an explanation for each, and then randomly shifts back to the regular plot without a smooth changeover. It seemed too jolting and forced. I prefered the first part of the book to the second.
I give Poor Rich 2/5 stars. It had its good moments, but I don’t think I’ll be reading it again.
Rich is certainly an interesting character. He hasn’t made many friends, hasn’t done so many things normal kids and teens do because he used to be allergic to pretty much everything. When the allergies disappear, he has to try to figure out the world and his new place in it.
The book did have its good moments. I liked when he started tutoring his classmates and the different reactions he would get. Some of his short stories toward the end were good. But it got confusing at some points. The regular plot switching to a collection of stories with an explanation for each, and then randomly shifts back to the regular plot without a smooth changeover. It seemed too jolting and forced. I prefered the first part of the book to the second.
I give Poor Rich 2/5 stars. It had its good moments, but I don’t think I’ll be reading it again.
February 2, 2013
Poor Rich by Jean Blasiar is about an asthmatic teen who is trying to fit in. When his asthma suddenly seems to vanish he sees his opportunity to make something new with his life. Part of this involves writing poetry and short stories.
The first half of the book is written in first person from Rich's point of view. It's in a style somewhere between Jean Shepherd and Allen Zadoff. There's a family crisis (Dad leaving because he realizes he's gay) and a parrot (U2) who has more personality than anyone else in the book.
Unfortunately, just as the book really seems to be going somewhere it stops. The second half of the book is instead, Rich's stories. Of course they're supposed to continue on the plot and Rich provides explanations behind each one. The problem is, the break the flow of an otherwise funny story. I didn't want to change gear and start reading Rich's fiction. The sudden change left me feeling cheated
The first half of the book is written in first person from Rich's point of view. It's in a style somewhere between Jean Shepherd and Allen Zadoff. There's a family crisis (Dad leaving because he realizes he's gay) and a parrot (U2) who has more personality than anyone else in the book.
Unfortunately, just as the book really seems to be going somewhere it stops. The second half of the book is instead, Rich's stories. Of course they're supposed to continue on the plot and Rich provides explanations behind each one. The problem is, the break the flow of an otherwise funny story. I didn't want to change gear and start reading Rich's fiction. The sudden change left me feeling cheated
February 6, 2011
I was sent this book for an honest review. I must say I loved the book! The author Jean Blasiar certainly has a way with words. Details rang true, descriptions that did not bog down the wording. Dialogue that sounded genuine and a few embedded letters adding to the story.
With a hint of humor, and an interesting main character who is a recluse genius, he must venture off in the real world when his allergies clear up. Very interesting and page turning adventure. If you enjoyed stories like Rainman, crazy love, and such, you may like this kind of story. I certainty was entertained while educated and would read more of this author.
A tale really about all people, anyone can relate to the prose.
Recommended and reviewed by Ami Blackwelder, author of The Hunted of 2060
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With a hint of humor, and an interesting main character who is a recluse genius, he must venture off in the real world when his allergies clear up. Very interesting and page turning adventure. If you enjoyed stories like Rainman, crazy love, and such, you may like this kind of story. I certainty was entertained while educated and would read more of this author.
A tale really about all people, anyone can relate to the prose.
Recommended and reviewed by Ami Blackwelder, author of The Hunted of 2060
Hot Gossip Hot Reviews
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews