Customer Reviews

Scarlett Fever

5 star:		(15)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This book is part of the Suite Scarlett series - which is a book I saw at my local bookstore, but for some reason, never picked up. So, I was a little worried about reading Scarlett Fever first. I need not have worried, as Scarlett Fever can easily be read "out of sequence".

Why? Because these books are highly character driven which means that once you start knowing the characters, the book is a charm to read. This is not to say that the plotline is not there, because it is, however, what really moves this book are the wonderful characters. Although I liked our main character, I was mostly enthralled by how ALL the characters play off each other and with each other.

My favorite character is definitely Mrs. Amberson. Scarlett is now her assistant (and this alone is worth reading the book as silly, silly things happen to Scarlett that will make you cringe, laugh and laugh some more). All the while Scarlett is trying to get through school, forget a romance and find a new romance. Lots going on!!

But as I mentioned, what drives this story is the respect and love that the characters have for each other. There is also alot of humor in this storyline and I loved the interaction between Scarlett and Mrs. Amberson who is quite the character.

I now have to buy the other book in this series to catch up.

I've been waiting to see what happened to Scarlett at the end of Suite Scarlett for what seems like forever! She and Eric had broken up and she had a job as Mrs. Amberson's assistant. We definitely get to catch up with the entire Martin family, and let me tell you, things get pretty darn crazy!

Scarlett's brother Spencer is still working at being an actor, and when an unexpectedly large opportunity falls into his lap, he has to take it. Unfortunately, the consequences reach his family, but the Martin's are nothing if not supportive!

Little sister Marlene is back from camp, and is being nice to Scarlett. Scarlett knows something is brewing, but little does she imagine just what Marlene has planned!

Lola is working and trying to figure out her place in life when she does something that absolutely no one sees coming, then does something that's more of a Spencer-act. Her choices will spin her family into a tizzy of emotions, but will things be alright in the end?

And then there's our main girl, Scarlett. I love Scarlett. She has personality, depth and is snarky to perfection! Her job with Mrs. Amberson's theatrical agency has her doing dog-walking duty, spying on a fellow classman, and being friendly with someone she isn't particularly too fond of. Of course she's doing this while cyber-stalking Eric, even though she keeps telling herself she'll stop. She can't help that she still really wants to be with him, can she? But then there's Max, her new biology lab partner and brother to her boss's new client. The boy is strange, but yet there's something about him that has Scarlett intrigued...

The ending left me satisfied, yet begging for another book on the Martin family. Hopefully Johnson delivers, and soon!

Notes on the Cover:
I like how the purplish background has a vintage-y feel wallpaper look to it. I also love the key. The key to Scarlett's heart, the key to her home, the key to her boss's home...So many ideas!

Scarlett Martin's life is just as crazy as ever. Working for the eccentric agent Mrs. Amberson, formerly a resident of Scarlett's family's hotel, is a little like working in a circus. Tending to an insecure dog, a prissy Broadway star her own age, and all of her boss's whims has Scarlett feeling like a professional juggler. And unfortunately, her work isn't the only thing that's all over the place. Between everything that's going on with family and boys, it seems there's hardly any room left in Scarlett's life for herself. But maybe, this time around, Scarlett will finally be able to figure out everyone's role in her life--and her own--in time to save the day.

This charming sequel to Suite Scarlett is a hilarious and wickedly entertaining read. It's never quite apparent from the first few chapters what the point of the story is, which makes reading a little slow at first, but Johnson's quick wit keeps the reader satisfied until the good stuff. I have to say I enjoyed Scarlett Fever more than its prequel, and I definitely attribute that to this novel's characters. Scarlett, the unassuming heroine of this tale is completely lovable and easy to relate to. I particularly admire her ability to manage her busy life without going insane and her skill as a problem solver. Scarlett's character experiences dramatic growth in this book, from not knowing what she wanted to do with her life to growing into and applying her creating problem solving skills. I don't think Scarlett quite realizes where her life could do even at the end of the story, but that's part of what makes me so excited for the next installment of Scarlett's adventures.

This endearing story appeals to fans of its prequel, Suite Scarlett, as well as Slept Away by Julie Kraut and Dream Girl by Lauren Mechling. I eagerly look forward to the continuation of this series.

Scarlett Fever is a fantastic follow-up to the first book in the series, Suite Scarlett. Life is never dull for anyone in the Martin family, especially Scarlett, whose job as Mrs. Amberson's personal assistant is becoming even more hectic and insane now that her boss has started an agency and is looking for talented actors to represent. She's also dealing with Eric--or rather, the lack of Eric--and thinking about him constantly, trying to move on from the disastrous not-quite-relationship they had in the first book. As a final touch to Scarlett's already overwhelming sophomore year, her new lab partner, Max, also happens to be the younger brother of Mrs. Amberson's newest client, a fifteen-year-old Broadway star--and Max seems intent on antagonizing Scarlett at every possible opportunity.

Just like the first book, the characters in Scarlett Fever are what make this novel so compelling. Scarlett is dealing with a lot of familiar problems that readers will relate to--antagonistic classmates, difficult adults/bosses, and heartbreak--and she does so in ways that are amusing, gratifying, painful, and completely real. Her relationships with the other characters in the book, like her brother Spencer, her best friend Dakota, Mrs. Amberson, and (of course) Eric, are all deliciously complicated and entertaining. Every supporting characters is also fantastically rich with personality, adding a depth to this story that is difficult to achieve. The plot moves quickly, though not too quickly, as the story unfolds and tension builds, bringing everything to a climax that is both satisfying and leaves the reader eagerly awaiting the third book.

I honestly just finished Scarlett Fever about ten minutes ago, and was so excited that I had to come tell you all about it. Yes, Maureen Johnson's sense of humor is fantastic, her views on serendipity and the type of fate that can only happen in high school is superb.

But let's cut to the chase. I may be in love with Spencer Martin. In fact, on the list of Great Fictitious Crushes, he may now be number 2 (Nightwing, I'm afraid, is not that easily usurped, though it is a close call). Who else will dance with his sister to make her look good in front of frenemies and then... well, if I say anymore I may unintentionally give away plot points. But the more I see of Spencer, the more I like. <3

But back to work. I really enjoyed the book, and all aspects of it are expertly crafted. Some of these aspects, like the witty banter between Scarlett and Spencer are just enjoyable, but Maureen Johnson is also willing to make her characters look less-than-perfect for the sake of verisimilitude. When the Martin siblings fight, I feel uncomfortable... kind of like when your friend's family argues in front of you. I loved how when her entire family is slowly falling apart, all Scarlett can think about is whether or not Eric will call her (self-centered teen relationships FTW!) I haven't decided if I'm a fan of Max, the new guy at school who also happens to be the brother of an actress Scarlett's boss is hoping to represent. Their relationship seems very real to me, but Max is just sooooo broody... And since I just had to explain in a very roundabout way about Mrs. Amberson, Scarlett's boss, that reminds me-- who else thinks there is a startling lack of Mrs. Amberson n this book? I mean, I didn't miss her in the plot, (because obviously Scarlett can't be at Mrs. Amberson's constant beck and call when she also has to be at school) but I legitimately forgot about her for a while... right up until she calls Scarlett towards the last 30 pages or so... Hmmm...

I'm going to start arbitrarily assigning book ratings, and this one earns 5/5 bubbles. I think the book is fantastic, and fans of British/Vaudeville/Classic Hollywood style humors will love it.

And since I know you were wondering, the rest of the Official Fictitious Crush List is as follows: Nightwing (aka Dick Grayson), Spencer Martin, Jim Halpert, Dimitri from Anastasia and Fred Weasley.

This book is a great read. I would recommend that you read the book Suite Scarlett so you know the back story, because this is a sequel. Scarlett is an engaging character, and Maureen Johnson writes very well. It's one of those rare books that makes you laugh out loud and cry. I feel as if I am actually at the hotel watching Scarlett and her family interact. Even when Scarlett goes to school, or visits her boss, you feel as if you are right there with her. Maureen Johnson is a great writer. I have all of her books, and would recommend any one of them. 13 Little Blue Envelopes is another great book if you like her writing.

The first Scarlett book was great, and the second is fantastic! I adored this novel and you will too!

Summer is finally over and thankfully, Scarlett's demanding boss Mrs. Amberson has moved out of the Hopewell Hotel into her own swanky NY apartment. But that doesn't necessary mean Scarlett is off the hook. No such luck. Mrs. Amberson simply can't manage anything without the talented O'Hara and has offered her an obscene amount of money to be her slave personal assistant in her newly opened talent agency, AAA (Amy Amberson Agency - not the automotive company). Thankfully the agency only has two clients: Scarlett's comedic brother Spencer who is having a bit of trouble landing any role and the newly discovered Broadway starlet and perfectionist Chelsea Biggs. Although Chelsea really should be counted as three clients as she comes along with a terrifying and controlling stage-mom and a surly brother Max who happens to attend the same school as Scarlett. But those clients are more than enough to turn Scarlett's world upside down without the added bonus of her quirky family: Lola is not acting like her normal, self-assured and elegant self, Maureen has been acting...well...nice and Scarlett is just trying to get over a certain actor who may have broken her heart. It's enough to make any teenager lose her mind.

There is nothing so fun as sitting down with a Maureen Johnson book - especially when Scarlett Martin is involved. Her dialogue is witty, her characters are sparkling and there is constant supply of mad-cap antics that would keep even the toughest critic entertained. Maureen Johnson's previous novel, Suite Scarlett, centered around the eccentric Martin who reside in the 'vintage' NY Hopewell Hotel caught my attention and Scarlett Fever did more than enough to hold it. Scarlett is like a breath of fresh-teenage air. She's got insecurities but is a take action type of gal who is creative enough to survive any situation. And under Mrs. Amberson's employ - she's gonna need that. Once again, Scarlett et al charmed the pants off me and even though Scarlett Fever ended on a somewhat horribly unresolved, cliff-hanger ending (I'll try not to hold that against you Ms. Johnson), I for one am extremely pleased to hear that more will be coming from our charming blond hero.

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)

SCARLETT FEVER begins shortly after the events of SUITE SCARLETT: the hotel's performance of Hamlet has just finished, the summer is winding down, and Scarlett is still racing around on crazy errands for the unshakable Mrs. Amberson, who's started her own agency with Scarlett's brother, Spencer, as her first client. She's also trying her best to forget about Eric, the boy who broke her heart, though she's often less than successful.

Soon, Scarlett finds herself faced with a whole series of distractions. Mrs. Amberson has her eyes on a new client, and she wants Scarlett to keep an eye on the actress's prickly brother at school. Spencer finally gets a new acting role, which ends up making him and the Martin family a target of crazed TV fans. Scarlett's little sister, Marlene, has some secret up her sleeve, and her usually stable older sister, Lola, is coming apart at the seams.

Scarlett soon finds herself forced to take sides and question if any of the people around her are exactly who she thought.

Fans of SUITE SCARLETT will jump into Scarlett's continuing madcap journey through life with glee. The laughs are frequent, but there are plenty of poignant moments, too, and it's easy to relate to Scarlett's struggle to deal with her shifting impressions of her family and peers. The supporting characters, both those familiar and the new, are full of life. The greatest pleasure, of course, comes from seeing how Scarlett and the others will get themselves out of the complicated messes they inevitably find themselves in.

This reviewer's only complaint is that the book ends so abruptly I had to wonder if I'd gotten a copy that was missing a chapter or two. Hopefully, this is a promise of a third Scarlett book to come!

Reviewed by: Lynn Crow