Welcome to the Hopewell Hotel. I cannot imagine a better book to write our first review about. Meet Scarlett, aka the blond on the cover. Trust me, after you read the book, she grows on you, and frankly, I'm just glad she has eyes (See Johnson's previous book covers if confused). Scarlett has hair that won't do what she wants it to do, an older brother Spencer, with whom she shares a uniquely hilarious, sweet, open and... dramatic relationship (get it? Cause he's an actor? *crickets*), an older sister, Lola, who has a wealthy socialite boyfriend, a little sister, Marlene, who is just generally miserable towards anyone but Lola, and understaffed hotel for a home......and when it's finally summer, and she turns fifteen... she gets even more on her plate.
It all begins with the Scarlett's 15th birthday, Empire Suite, and it's new occupant, Mrs. Amberson. Spending time running errands for Mrs. Amberson is NOT how Scarlett expected to spend her summer, but then again, nothing involving Mrs. Amberson is ever what is to be expected. As Scarlett tries balance dealing with the eccentric Mrs. Amberson, saving Spencer's acting career, Lola's recent odd behavior, the guy she's crushing on, who just happens to be a stage partner to Spencer, Scarlett's got her hands full, not to mention her summer booked. There are near- arrests. There is tuna fish. And gross, but healthy, plums. Hamlet. Performed on Unicycles. Cute Actor boys. Fist fights (Both fake and real). Cancer survival patients. Tourist attractions. Lies. A black Dior dress. Unique, characters, each one with a backround, though not always fully revealed. Somehow Johnson manages to tie all these things into a neat little package that not only works, but surpasses my expectations, and trust me, I had high expectations for this book.
This book is way better than any mint you'd find on your pillow. Run--don't walk-- to check it out... and check in to Suite Scarlett.
-Tina-
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