Suite Scarlett (by Maureen Johnson)

I was really disappointed in this book. Also in the common sense review. The book was not as squeaky clean as the review said it was. Yes, there is smoking by the older character, but there is a WHOLE lot more. Lieing is a big factor in the book.Scarlett and her siblings constantly lie to their parents, and reward each other for keeping up each others lies. Mrs. Amberson tells Scarlett not to tell her parents things, and lies to them about many things. Amberson steals tuna and blames it on Scarlett, and has her lie about playing a mean prank on someone. Scarlett's brother Spencer has had multiple girlfriends, including one that is gay. It is referenced that he uses condoms, reads porn, has gotten drunk and had a three day hangover, and made out with a girl in every room in the hotel. Scarlett's boyfriend seemed like he was going to be a promising character, until he brings Scarlett to his apartment, while drunk. And I think we all know, where this is going, drag s her off a chair onto the floor and passionately kisses her. FOR TWO HOURS!!! And Scarlett is described as coming out of his apartment with rumpled clothing and tousled hair. There is also tons of references to the female body being hot and sexy. Scarlett talks about her period, there is a woman who sits on her balcony naked, and Mrs. Amberson walks around in see through pjs/bathrobe and lingere. In the book, this behavior is seen as acceptable, and Scarlett's parents are portrayed as clueless and unaware of the behavior. They believe all the lies that their children give them. In fact, they are very rarely mentioned throughout the book.