Reviews

Suite Scarlett by Maureen Johnson

kraley's review

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2.0

This had an interesting premise, kids living in a failing NY hotel, but failed to deliver. It was a free Kindke download, so I don't feel too cheated. There is a relationship between a 15 and 18 yr old which is not realistic to me. I wouldn't let a 15 yr old date, let alone date a man. Also, the parents are often absent. Characters don't seem to show remorse for their actions and didn't learn what they needed to.

themarnacle's review

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3.0



I actually really enjoyed this book and I normally don't like this genre, teen, non-fantasy, fantasy. It was funny and fast-paced so it kept me entertained. I wouldn't call it a fantastic read and I probably wouldn't read it again but if you're looking for something easy with an inexperienced high schooler than this is perfect for you.

sidodevilleduval's review against another edition

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lighthearted medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character

3.0

thisisleila's review

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3.0

Not my favorite Maureen Johnson, but a fun light read. The author has a real knack for writing love interests who I absolutely can't stand, though, and I can never tell if I'm supposed to feel that way or not.

hpitcher15's review

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it was okay i guess, not a fave by Maureen though.

sleepiebear's review

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3.0

I liked the storie. I liked that it wasn't the cookie cutter i was expecting about halfway through. I also liked that all the characters felt like real people. I could have wished for a bit more ending, but i can live with what ending i got.

mckinlay's review

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4.0

loved Spencer and Mrs Amberson. such a cute book. i just thought the romance story line fell a little flat but the fun characters were enough for me to enjoy the book.

situationnormal's review

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3.0

More interested in the siblings than any of the plot points, but the book is funny and witty. Don't plan on reading the rest of the series (or is there just a sequel?) for now, anyway. I feel like the book was wrapped up pretty neatly and the one summer was enough, with a satisfying ending.

greenbeanteenqueen's review

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4.0

The few things I've read by Maureen Johnson have been hit or miss for me. I read 13 Little Blue Envelopes, and while I liked it, I didn't love it. Maureen's short story in Let It Snow, on the other hand was my favorite out of the collection and I wanted to read a book based on that story. So when I first saw Suite Scarlett, I liked the idea, but I was nervous about if I would like it or not.

I shouldn't have worried because Suite Scarlett was a delight. I love the Martin family (in some ways they reminded me of a non-magical, New York version of the Weasleys), and I found all of them endearing, even the sometimes annoying Marlene. I really loved how these siblings relied on each other and shared with each other-they new what it meant to be a family, which is a cool thing to see in YA books.

I first thought that Mrs. Amberson would be like the evil bosses in Devil Wears Prada or Nanny Diaries, but I actually enjoyed her and wouldn't mind spending the afternoon talking with her. She's eccentric, but I don't think she's a terrible boss and she has a good heart (most of the time). I'm looking forward to more of her schemes and ideas.

The greatest thing that Suite Scarlett pulls off is making a crush-worthy boy out of Spencer, Scarlett's brother, instead of Eric, Scarlett's crush. I've heard other bloggers gush about Spencer and I'm there with him-he's definitely a lit-crush! Scarlett still remains the main character, which is fine because I enjoyed Scarlett too and found her to be a fun character, but Spencer stole the show for me and I'm hoping to see more of him in the sequels as well.

I would recommened Suite Scarlett to readers who enjoy books about theater, memorable families, and madcap adventures. Suite Scarlett would make a great summer read and it's the start to a new series. Scarlett Fever comes out in January 2010 with a third book being

merkyr's review against another edition

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4.0

Light, fun, and addictive, this was a quick read with a fun plot and some great character development. I thought this has one of the best brother/sister relationships I have seen in a while, and I really liked how Scarlett and Spencer were believable as friends, as well as siblings. Throw in some good descriptions of what it is like to mount an indie Shakespeare performance in nyc and the neverending quest for rehearsal space, and I solidly enjoyed this book.