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christiana's review against another edition
4.0
MJ (Maureen Johnson), you know I love you. You do. But what is with this series style book? WHAT IS WITH THAT? Why would you suck me into another series? And not even let me know it was happening? I need you to be up front with me about the series and how long it's going on. I just need some answers, ok? I didn't know what I was getting myself into.
On that note, this book was great.
On that note, this book was great.
mckinlay's review against another edition
5.0
i seriously ADORE these characters. i want the third book STAT!
rainmisoa's review against another edition
3.0
This book... really made me upset. There was so many times when I actually wanted to bang my head against the wall and other acts of self-mutilation because of how angry I got! (Also, note that I am only kidding. Hurting yourself is not the way to go... even if the book really does piss you off.) It's a little sad to say this because I genuinely enjoyed Suit Scarlett. I thought it was a well-thought out book: I enjoyed the plot, the characters (minus two), and the all-around humor to the story. This one? Yeah... it was a bit painful to get through. I was so close to wanting to burn the book (Hyperbole: get used to it kids! It's something I love using!) because of everything the plot seemed to be centered around, which is basically nothing. Absolutely nothing. I basically read about some chick who's obsessed with some guy who couldn't give a crap about her... wants her back... what kind of bullcrap is that? (More on this later.) I was very disappointed in this book. My expectations was a bit high because I LOVED the first book. Now... I'm just... deflated. And that ending! ARGH! THAT ENDING!!! HOW DBJFHKLSJJFODDOKFVDJIJDSIFHDUHFVDHUIHOLAZJ! YES! I WAS THAT UPSET WITH IT!!! >_<
There's no doubt in my mind that Maureen Johnson knows how to write a book. I can see it. It is very apparent. Her writing style is so fluid and, boy, does that girl know her vocabulary words! I'm serious! I am blown away with how it just seems to come so easily to her when writing out her books. It's so captivating! I love the way she writes. Also, she knows how to keep a book moving along. I like that about her. She doesn't let things stay still for too long but neither does she let it go by so fast that you have no idea what is going on. It's a nice balance and something I thoroughly enjoyed about her books. However, there are two things I didn't like about her book: Scarlett being an obsessive, pathetic freak and the fact that Eric plays up that "Southern" role way too much. It's enough to make you want to shove someone into traffic. Other than those two elements, I have no complaints towards Johnson's ability to tell a realistic story about her characters' lives and trying to make it out there in the world of suck. (Because, let's face it, life loves to kick people in the balls then point and laugh at you with malice.)
Going back to what I was talking about before. Scarlett. I have grown to loathe this character with a burning hatred... so much so that if I was to see this poor excuse for a female walking down my street, I would beat the living crap out of her! She's so dull; she does absolutely nothing worthwhile throughout the entire series. (Yes, including Suite Scarlett.) All she does is suggest a few things and then let everyone else execute her meager plans. At first, I didn't mind her because unimpressive girls are not that big of a deal... but then she got stupid when she got together with Eric. Eric is a douche who really just wanted to fool around with her (I hate him, too) but she seemed to be alright with that because she has no spine. Even after they broke up (That's in the first book so it's not a spoiler. If you haven't read that yet, then what are you doing reading this review to begin with?), she was still chasing after him. In fact, that's why I hate her in this book a whole lot more than the first (and that's saying something considering what she did to her brother!!!). She spends the majority of the book being OBSESSIVE over him when clearly he made no attempts to be with her. Checking her phone and seeing that stupid video over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over... are you tired yet? Because I was! I WISH I was exaggerating. She saw that damn video so many times throughout this book that I swear, if it were possible, I would have jumped into the book and slam her head against that blasted computer screen of hers! Ugh!
The other parts of the book, she spent it hating Chelsea for no apparent reason and pretending to "hate" Max (the reader is totally aware of her attraction to him). From what I read, the girl did nothing to Scarlett. She merely hated her because she was trying to please her mother. Mind you, I don't think what Chelsea did was right but it's not her fault. Her mother is one of those parents that want their child to do the career of their choosing... poor Chelsea... But Scarlett was just being a bloody bitch. When she was arguing with Max, I was actually happy because someone was getting on her nerves. It was so blissful! *Happy sigh* Downside, the reader knows they are going to hook-up. The signs are there. So obvious. Don't get me wrong. I like Max. I love how much of a jerk he was. He wasn't just someone who gave into people. But he was the typical "bad boy" that most YA nowadays have. He was just a character that brought a lot of fun... until he started liking Scarlett. But... I suppose... I approve of this relationship more than the Scarlett and Eric one. Which brings me to said bastard. I bloody hate Eric. He annoys me. He tries to play up the fact that he's from the South so he has manners and cares about girls and bullshit like that. Really? I'm not buying it! He's a prick that just wanted to have a good time and wanted to use Scarlett (but seeing as how she's a dumbass, I guess I can't really expect much). The way he went on and on about being "Southern" got really old really fast. I could just shoot him. Literally, shoot him... if he was right here next to me, that is. Jesus! I literally yelled at the book for him to shut up! What even makes me more upset was him trying to get back into Scarlett's life... and she letting him! WHAT AN IDIOT! *Inhales/exhales* I have to stop reading books that make me upset... I'm going to get an ulcer at this rate. -_-"
Can we talk about things I actually have no problem with? Or minimal problem with? Let's start with Lola. I can sympathize with Lola. She has no goals set out for herself, life is crumbling down, and she has little going for her. I understand how that feels. Some people just don't have the many options others have. Some of us are trapped doing things we just don't want to do and believe me, it sucks big time. However, I don't understand how someone could just go and throw their life away because they don't have enough money. I felt that Lola, because she saw herself in a desperate situation, did something completely stupid. I can't understand that. She should have taken the time out and actually thought things through but... she didn't. I don't hate her but... I feel that she's making a huge mistake. Marlene was a little bit better in this book. She still has a LOT of growing to do but at least she wasn't as annoying as in the first book. My only complaint about her is that... she has a big mouth. Someone needs to teach her the concept of keeping a secret. Blah... this book was dull... my only highlights were Mrs. Amberson and Spencer. Especially Spencer. Mrs. Amberson wasn't in this book as much as she was in the last but when she was, she made it so much more enjoyable. I love her antics and her ability to lie leaves me in awe! She's my idol! XD Spencer! God, he's so hilarious! So much fun and very caring! I love how he's just soooooo amazing! Even if he's upset with his sisters, he still manages to look out for them and care for them. He does something so epic for Lola that I felt like running up to him and giving him a huge hug!!! Things don't go too well for him in this book. I found his story much more appealing than what was going on with Scarlett. He has real issues and a real engaging plot. I was so taken in by it. He goes through a lot of misfortune... it's a shame, really. He's so gentle and honest... you wish he wouldn't have to go through so much hell... and didn't have such dumb sisters. Although, I will say this, I love his relationship with Scarlett. They are hilarious together. I even love it when he interacts with Lola. They are always fighting! XD But you can tell they love each other completely. Even with Marlene. I may not like all of his sisters, but he's definitely a great brother!
What am I trying to say? I'm trying to say the book was... okay. Definitely not the worst book ever written but not the best either. I was disappointed to see that it took the route it did but... *Shrugs* ...what can I do? I did enjoy the book for the parts stated above and that's really what made me decide that it deserves a three. (Spencer saved the book, really.) However, Scarlett was just too pathetic for my liking. *Groans* Somebody put that girl in cold water! >_< I hated the ending, mostly because it ends on this HUGE cliffhanger. There were a lot of questions left unanswered which pissed me off. BAH! That is to say... I like the series and I will probably pick up the next book when it comes out. However, I think it's one of those books you should check out of the library if you are curious enough about it. Scarlett is not a very likable character. *Shrugs* Eh, who knows? You might like her. I encourage you to read it, if only for Spencer. He's such a doll~ Anyway, go ahead. Check it out. You might actually like it. If anything, it is a good read. That makes it count for something, right? I hope so! Enjoy!
There's no doubt in my mind that Maureen Johnson knows how to write a book. I can see it. It is very apparent. Her writing style is so fluid and, boy, does that girl know her vocabulary words! I'm serious! I am blown away with how it just seems to come so easily to her when writing out her books. It's so captivating! I love the way she writes. Also, she knows how to keep a book moving along. I like that about her. She doesn't let things stay still for too long but neither does she let it go by so fast that you have no idea what is going on. It's a nice balance and something I thoroughly enjoyed about her books. However, there are two things I didn't like about her book: Scarlett being an obsessive, pathetic freak and the fact that Eric plays up that "Southern" role way too much. It's enough to make you want to shove someone into traffic. Other than those two elements, I have no complaints towards Johnson's ability to tell a realistic story about her characters' lives and trying to make it out there in the world of suck. (Because, let's face it, life loves to kick people in the balls then point and laugh at you with malice.)
Going back to what I was talking about before. Scarlett. I have grown to loathe this character with a burning hatred... so much so that if I was to see this poor excuse for a female walking down my street, I would beat the living crap out of her! She's so dull; she does absolutely nothing worthwhile throughout the entire series. (Yes, including Suite Scarlett.) All she does is suggest a few things and then let everyone else execute her meager plans. At first, I didn't mind her because unimpressive girls are not that big of a deal... but then she got stupid when she got together with Eric. Eric is a douche who really just wanted to fool around with her (I hate him, too) but she seemed to be alright with that because she has no spine. Even after they broke up (That's in the first book so it's not a spoiler. If you haven't read that yet, then what are you doing reading this review to begin with?), she was still chasing after him. In fact, that's why I hate her in this book a whole lot more than the first (and that's saying something considering what she did to her brother!!!). She spends the majority of the book being OBSESSIVE over him when clearly he made no attempts to be with her. Checking her phone and seeing that stupid video over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over... are you tired yet? Because I was! I WISH I was exaggerating. She saw that damn video so many times throughout this book that I swear, if it were possible, I would have jumped into the book and slam her head against that blasted computer screen of hers! Ugh!
The other parts of the book, she spent it hating Chelsea for no apparent reason and pretending to "hate" Max (the reader is totally aware of her attraction to him). From what I read, the girl did nothing to Scarlett. She merely hated her because she was trying to please her mother. Mind you, I don't think what Chelsea did was right but it's not her fault. Her mother is one of those parents that want their child to do the career of their choosing... poor Chelsea... But Scarlett was just being a bloody bitch. When she was arguing with Max, I was actually happy because someone was getting on her nerves. It was so blissful! *Happy sigh* Downside, the reader knows they are going to hook-up. The signs are there. So obvious. Don't get me wrong. I like Max. I love how much of a jerk he was. He wasn't just someone who gave into people. But he was the typical "bad boy" that most YA nowadays have. He was just a character that brought a lot of fun... until he started liking Scarlett. But... I suppose... I approve of this relationship more than the Scarlett and Eric one. Which brings me to said bastard. I bloody hate Eric. He annoys me. He tries to play up the fact that he's from the South so he has manners and cares about girls and bullshit like that. Really? I'm not buying it! He's a prick that just wanted to have a good time and wanted to use Scarlett (but seeing as how she's a dumbass, I guess I can't really expect much). The way he went on and on about being "Southern" got really old really fast. I could just shoot him. Literally, shoot him... if he was right here next to me, that is. Jesus! I literally yelled at the book for him to shut up! What even makes me more upset was him trying to get back into Scarlett's life... and she letting him! WHAT AN IDIOT! *Inhales/exhales* I have to stop reading books that make me upset... I'm going to get an ulcer at this rate. -_-"
Can we talk about things I actually have no problem with? Or minimal problem with? Let's start with Lola. I can sympathize with Lola. She has no goals set out for herself, life is crumbling down, and she has little going for her. I understand how that feels. Some people just don't have the many options others have. Some of us are trapped doing things we just don't want to do and believe me, it sucks big time. However, I don't understand how someone could just go and throw their life away because they don't have enough money. I felt that Lola, because she saw herself in a desperate situation, did something completely stupid. I can't understand that. She should have taken the time out and actually thought things through but... she didn't. I don't hate her but... I feel that she's making a huge mistake. Marlene was a little bit better in this book. She still has a LOT of growing to do but at least she wasn't as annoying as in the first book. My only complaint about her is that... she has a big mouth. Someone needs to teach her the concept of keeping a secret. Blah... this book was dull... my only highlights were Mrs. Amberson and Spencer. Especially Spencer. Mrs. Amberson wasn't in this book as much as she was in the last but when she was, she made it so much more enjoyable. I love her antics and her ability to lie leaves me in awe! She's my idol! XD Spencer! God, he's so hilarious! So much fun and very caring! I love how he's just soooooo amazing! Even if he's upset with his sisters, he still manages to look out for them and care for them. He does something so epic for Lola that I felt like running up to him and giving him a huge hug!!! Things don't go too well for him in this book. I found his story much more appealing than what was going on with Scarlett. He has real issues and a real engaging plot. I was so taken in by it. He goes through a lot of misfortune... it's a shame, really. He's so gentle and honest... you wish he wouldn't have to go through so much hell... and didn't have such dumb sisters. Although, I will say this, I love his relationship with Scarlett. They are hilarious together. I even love it when he interacts with Lola. They are always fighting! XD But you can tell they love each other completely. Even with Marlene. I may not like all of his sisters, but he's definitely a great brother!
What am I trying to say? I'm trying to say the book was... okay. Definitely not the worst book ever written but not the best either. I was disappointed to see that it took the route it did but... *Shrugs* ...what can I do? I did enjoy the book for the parts stated above and that's really what made me decide that it deserves a three. (Spencer saved the book, really.) However, Scarlett was just too pathetic for my liking. *Groans* Somebody put that girl in cold water! >_< I hated the ending, mostly because it ends on this HUGE cliffhanger. There were a lot of questions left unanswered which pissed me off. BAH! That is to say... I like the series and I will probably pick up the next book when it comes out. However, I think it's one of those books you should check out of the library if you are curious enough about it. Scarlett is not a very likable character. *Shrugs* Eh, who knows? You might like her. I encourage you to read it, if only for Spencer. He's such a doll~ Anyway, go ahead. Check it out. You might actually like it. If anything, it is a good read. That makes it count for something, right? I hope so! Enjoy!
hannahbananagram's review against another edition
3.0
I really liked this book except the ending just felt really...abrupt compared to how the rest of the book was paced. It almost ended as if there was going to be a third book in the series but there isn’t. Otherwise though, I really enjoyed reading Scarlett Fever and it was nice to just read some easy, carefree fiction for the first time in a while.
missprint_'s review against another edition
5.0
Summer's end is upon the Hopewell Hotel and the Martin family. After a summer spent working around the Hamlet production taking place in the Hopewell's dining room, Scarlett Martin is ready to make a new start in all aspects of her life.
In fact, all of the Martin children seem to be working toward something this fall. Lola, the eldest, seems adrift and desperate to find something to cling to. Spencer is still trying to launch his acting career--even if it could mean playing one of the most hated characters of all time. And Marlene, the youngest Martin, is being nice; a little too nice to avoid raising suspicion among the other Martins in fact.
Meanwhile Scarlett is determined to stay on track at her rigorous high school--even if her new lab partner is determined to drive her insane. More importantly Scarlett is ready to get over Eric, her dreamy almost-boyfriend from the summer. Scarlett is even prepared to deal with her new job assisting Mrs. Amberson, formerly the Hopewell's crazy resident, now Spencer's crazy agent.
When Mrs. Amberson acquires her second client, a rising Broadway star Scarlett's age, everything starts to get complicated. Scarlett finds herself dragged into the lives of both the new client Chelsea and her maddeningly annoying older brother Max (see mention of new lab partner above). Resolutions aside, nothing goes quite the way Scarlett planned, but maybe that's the way it's supposed to be in Scarlett Fever (2010) by Maureen Johnson.
Scarlett Fever is the sequel to Maureen Johnson's earlier book Suite Scarlett. It is also the second book in what Johnson says on her website will be a trilogy (the books really stand alone if you happen to for some reason decide to only read this one but really if you are intrigued, reading from the beginning will make it that much more fun). If you thought you liked the first book, boy howdy are you in for a surprise with this one because you are going to LOVE it.
As Johnson's amazing website puts it, the summer was nothing. In Scarlett Fever school is in session and things are about to get real for Scarlett and the Martin family. Law & Order and a dog with what appears to be Social Anxiety Disorder may or may not also play large roles in the story.
Sometimes with a trilogy, or any extended series, the middle books suffer because everyone knows the books before and after will be around to pick up the slack. This situation creates what I refer to as a bridge book-- a book that cannot stand without the support of the series (I'm looking at you Playing with Fire).
That situation does not exist here. While I'll never suggest skipping books in a series, you could here. Johnson provides just enough information about earlier events without getting repetitive or, gasp, boring. The story here is also fully developed and grounded, for the most part, in this book. There are, of course, unresolved threads since there is going to be a third book.
Maureen Johnson is a really funny writer, a fact that is especially clear on her blog and when she tweets. Being a talented writer, Johnson sometimes handles some heavy issues which don't always allow her keen humor to come through. It comes through in Scarlett Fever without making this a slapstick story . . . except maybe for that one time with the cake.
I fell in love with Suite Scarlett when I saw the hardcover jacket (the paperback with the key was a bit of a surprise although having had time to acclimate I quite like the key cover for this book) but, to be brutally honest, I was really disappointed that Eric was so lame compared to Scarlett's brother Spencer (who remains incredibly awesome). Happily, Eric is not in Scarlett Fever as much and his vacancy is filled by Max who is a much more enjoyable, generally fantastic, foil for Scarlett. I can't wait to for Scarlett 3 to come out, whenever that is, because I'm hoping it will have a lot more Max!
Possible Pairings: The Year My Sister Got Lucky by Aimee Friedman, King of the Screwups by K. L. Going, Bad Kitty by Michele Jaffe, Alice, I Think by Susan Juby, Saving Francesca by Melina Marchetta, Go Fug Yourself (fashion blog), Law & Order (TV series and all spin-offs)
In fact, all of the Martin children seem to be working toward something this fall. Lola, the eldest, seems adrift and desperate to find something to cling to. Spencer is still trying to launch his acting career--even if it could mean playing one of the most hated characters of all time. And Marlene, the youngest Martin, is being nice; a little too nice to avoid raising suspicion among the other Martins in fact.
Meanwhile Scarlett is determined to stay on track at her rigorous high school--even if her new lab partner is determined to drive her insane. More importantly Scarlett is ready to get over Eric, her dreamy almost-boyfriend from the summer. Scarlett is even prepared to deal with her new job assisting Mrs. Amberson, formerly the Hopewell's crazy resident, now Spencer's crazy agent.
When Mrs. Amberson acquires her second client, a rising Broadway star Scarlett's age, everything starts to get complicated. Scarlett finds herself dragged into the lives of both the new client Chelsea and her maddeningly annoying older brother Max (see mention of new lab partner above). Resolutions aside, nothing goes quite the way Scarlett planned, but maybe that's the way it's supposed to be in Scarlett Fever (2010) by Maureen Johnson.
Scarlett Fever is the sequel to Maureen Johnson's earlier book Suite Scarlett. It is also the second book in what Johnson says on her website will be a trilogy (the books really stand alone if you happen to for some reason decide to only read this one but really if you are intrigued, reading from the beginning will make it that much more fun). If you thought you liked the first book, boy howdy are you in for a surprise with this one because you are going to LOVE it.
As Johnson's amazing website puts it, the summer was nothing. In Scarlett Fever school is in session and things are about to get real for Scarlett and the Martin family. Law & Order and a dog with what appears to be Social Anxiety Disorder may or may not also play large roles in the story.
Sometimes with a trilogy, or any extended series, the middle books suffer because everyone knows the books before and after will be around to pick up the slack. This situation creates what I refer to as a bridge book-- a book that cannot stand without the support of the series (I'm looking at you Playing with Fire).
That situation does not exist here. While I'll never suggest skipping books in a series, you could here. Johnson provides just enough information about earlier events without getting repetitive or, gasp, boring. The story here is also fully developed and grounded, for the most part, in this book. There are, of course, unresolved threads since there is going to be a third book.
Maureen Johnson is a really funny writer, a fact that is especially clear on her blog and when she tweets. Being a talented writer, Johnson sometimes handles some heavy issues which don't always allow her keen humor to come through. It comes through in Scarlett Fever without making this a slapstick story . . . except maybe for that one time with the cake.
I fell in love with Suite Scarlett when I saw the hardcover jacket (the paperback with the key was a bit of a surprise although having had time to acclimate I quite like the key cover for this book) but, to be brutally honest, I was really disappointed that Eric was so lame compared to Scarlett's brother Spencer (who remains incredibly awesome). Happily, Eric is not in Scarlett Fever as much and his vacancy is filled by Max who is a much more enjoyable, generally fantastic, foil for Scarlett. I can't wait to for Scarlett 3 to come out, whenever that is, because I'm hoping it will have a lot more Max!
Possible Pairings: The Year My Sister Got Lucky by Aimee Friedman, King of the Screwups by K. L. Going, Bad Kitty by Michele Jaffe, Alice, I Think by Susan Juby, Saving Francesca by Melina Marchetta, Go Fug Yourself (fashion blog), Law & Order (TV series and all spin-offs)
malinski42's review against another edition
4.0
I really liked this book, but not quite as much as the last book, Suite Scarlett. Also, I'm not really sure if I approve of the Scarlett/Max relationship. I didn't like the one with Eric, either, but this new relationship doesn't really seem a whole lot better.
suzannedix's review against another edition
4.0
This is book 2 of the series (I didn't realize that when I started it). Very enjoyable though it ends abruptly to lead into the next book of the series.
megs_s's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.0
sarahjeancorner's review against another edition
3.0
The amount of drama in this is just crazy, and I actually read this book first rather than starting with the ACTUAL first book, which doesn't make much sense but you know what? Life's full of adventures. The writing style was great and easy to read, but the end of the book was a scene that probably should have happened in the middle or something, but it gives the impression that there will be a third book.
book_nut's review against another edition
4.0
AHHH! Need. third. book. now. (And I think I have a crush on Spencer. I have to stop falling for fictional men.)