Francis Wootton's first memory is of Kurt Cobain's death and there have since been other hardships much closer to home. At fifteen, he knows all about loss and rejection, and if he's honest, Francis - would-be poet, possible intellectual - feels he is wasted in Tyne and Wear.

Lower Fifth is supposed to be his time: but when he is diagnosed with leukaemia, a whole new world of worry presents itself. There's the horror of being held back a year at school, the threat of imminent baldness. But he hadn't reckoned on meeting Amber and finding a reason to tackle it all - the good the bad and everything in-between - head on.

In Bloom is a bright, funny, painful and refreshing novel about wanting the very best from life, even when life shows you how very bad it can be. It is a story about how to live.

About the Author
Matthew Crow was born and raised in Newcastle. Having worked as a freelance journalist since his teens he has contributed to a number of publications including the Independent on Sunday and the Observer. He has written for adults and YA. His book My Dearest Jonah, was nominated for the Dylan Thomas Prize.

Reviews
Matthew Crow writes with so much heart that In Bloom practically beats as you read it... In Bloom floored me. It became my primary relationship, people faded around me, emails remained unwritten, shops literally flooded and no friend seemed quite as interesting or engaging as the characters in the book... Matthew Crow has created an original teenage hero to join the ranks of the great. Engaging, ridiculous and brilliant all at once. Whether you are 14 or 40, run to your nearest bookshop and treat yourself to a copy at once. -- (Tamara) * Tales on Moon Lane Bookshop *
A moving and wonderfully witty tale...There are certain possible joys in reading and one of them is finding a book that is genuinely - without labouring to be so - funny... This excellent book is worth anyone's time. * Telegraph *
The Fault In Our Stars meets Adrian Mole. Moving, funny and brilliantly narrated * Metro *
Matthew Crow writes brightly with verve and a great sense of fun * Northern Echo *
This is a novel that will make you cry, it will make you smile and leave you feeling uplifted at the end * The Reading Rat *
A genuinely likeable, and more importantly believable narrator. It is when In Bloom reminds you of its British base that Crow's writing really shines * We Love This Book *
Matthew Crow quite simply has an amazing talent... A remarkable read; hilarious, touching and painfully sad with strong, earthy characters that feel like family * Shaz's Book Blog *
Lovely...really well-written...definitely give this one a go * Fabulous Book Fiend *
In Bloom is brilliant and is at least The Fault in Our Stars' equal...refreshing...brilliantly written * Bookangel Booktopia *
The characters are refreshingly different, and the story is incredibly honest and life affirming... highly recommended * The Bookbag *
In Bloom is a compelling story with three-dimensional characters, a powerful dramatic momentum and a convincingly sad denouement. I hope that some imaginative cinema producer is already taking out his cheque book * Books for Keeps *
Moving. * The Sun *
Matthew Crow puts a very distinctive spin on a [familiar] idea. In Bloom scores highly for the vein of unforced humour that runs right the way through it, and some strong characters, especially Francis's mum, who is more than a match for any of her sons' verbal jousts. * The Herald *
Francis's narrative voice makes this witty, tender tale stand out. * The Observer *



Book Information
ISBN 9781472105523
Author Matthew Crow
Format Paperback
Page Count 240
Imprint Much-In-Little
Publisher Little, Brown Book Group
Weight(grams) 204g
Dimensions(mm) 198mm * 179mm * 16mm