Rich and Mad by William Nicholson

This is a compelling and beautifully written novel about first love, first sex, and everything in between. Maddy Fisher has decided to fall in love. And not just any sort of love: can't-eat can't-sleep crazy in love. Rich Ross is after the same thing. He's set his sights high, and he's going to make it happen. The problem is, in life's messy whirlwind of friends and lies and sex and porn, the real thing can be hard to fine. But there's always a first time for everything...


I have to say that at first, I wasn't sure on this book. I read one of Nicholson's other books when I was in Year Six, and all I can remember from it is that I hated it - but that was probably because I didn't understand it. And how do I know that? Because I absolutely fell head over heels for this book! From reading the blurb, you can kind of get a vague picture of Maddy - she's a young teen who wants to have her first love. And that is what you get: she immediately sets out to find someone to have a crush on, who is Joe. Now this is the confusing bit - from reading the title of the novel and the blurb, you think Maddy and Rich are going to be the ones falling in love. But instead, Maddy crushes on Joe, and Rich crushes on Maddy's best friend, Grace. However, that isn't the end of it. The book is full of unexpected twists and turns, and you will find yourself laughing, crying, and really believing in true love. It's such a heartwarming story and I found that I learnt a lot about myself as a teenager through the story. I really do recommend it - it is one of those kinds of books that honestly make you sit back and think about the world as the whole. It also teaches you to never judge a book by its cover. Literally.
Rating:4/5