Book Review: Scarlett Fever by Maureen Johnson
Juliana Discher Bell 5
I fear this review might turn into a rant, so fair warning readers. When I started this book, I enjoyed it. The author did a nice job of hooking me in. But as I read further and further, I began to notice some flaws.
For starters, the author, Maureen Johnson, seems to enjoy over describe things. Normally I like vivid description, but Johnson was adding description like a mad woman, especially about things that didn't even need that deep of an explanation.
A second issue was the plot dynamic. Johnson had numerous events going on at once. She had too many characters, and she felt like she had to give a story to each one. It was too much! She should have focused in on just Scarlett's story. The book wouldn't have been 350+ pages if she had. Also, the stories she created for all of her characters did not flow together. They weren't all necessary to the others.
Another thing I thought was peculiar was the title. Scarlett Fever? That sounds extremely familiar to the disease scarlet fever, which the story had nothing to do with. Scarlett Fever doesn't even really relate to the book! It seems like the book editors were just trying to be punny. It didn't work in my opinion however.
The last thing I'm going to criticize is the ending. It was such a cheapskate ending for her to take. It didn't leave me feeling fulfilled at all! It didn't tie any loose strings what so ever. I would have rated the book better if the ending hadn't been so lame.
In conclusion, the only reason why I sped through this book so quickly is so I can read Divergent. I hope that won't be a disappointment as well!
Hi Juliana! I can tell that you obviously did not enjoy the book. Mainly because you did not state one good thing about the book. The points that you stated against the book were very thought out. I could be wrong, but I dont believe that the editors created a title that doesn't relate to the book, maybe look deeper into that. Overall I think this is very good negative review. And it did it job at making me not want go read it! (If that is what you wanted to accomplish) But I did really enjoy reading your blog post!
ReplyDelete-Landon Ballas
I've never really been a Maureen Johnson fan, mainly because I've never read any of his books. But now, all he reminds me of is Mr. Krabs because you described him as a cheapskate. I do enjoy the voice you put in your blog, as it makes your writing quite marvelous. Who knows? Maybe you will go on to become a professional blogger someday.
ReplyDeleteNothing gets on my nerves like an excess of characters flying around for no reason, especially when half of them die and it holds no impact on the story whatsoever. This is one of the MANY reasons that "The Hobbit" was one of the worst books that I've had to read for school. You have to track down nine elves or whatever, and they just die. Like nothing. NO develpment.
ReplyDeleteWe as readers are sometimes hesitant to be honest with ourselves when it becomes clear that the book we are reading is not bringing us enjoyment. It is refreshing to hear you be direct about your feelings as opposed to hiding them.
ReplyDeleteReading a book doesn't always give positive reactions. Sometimes, you can be critical about the book. I am really glad you gave the honesty opinion on the book and pointing out major flaws in the book that a reader like I wouldn't have caught in the first place because many readers don't point out flaws in books. Good job
ReplyDeleteI usually like stories with a lot of detail. You made it seem as if there's too much detail, and there probably is. I'm sorry that you didn't like the book, it doesn't seem good at all. I really hope you like Divergent, it is my favorite book.
ReplyDeleteWow you are harsh. It does sound pretty bad though and I agree. Description can be good but if every other word in the story is an adjective it gets old.
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