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Scarlett Dedd
A hilarious illustrated novel for young adults, which fans of Tim Burton will love..You're dead Scarlett...Previously a poor taste jibe from school frenemies, now a statement of fact.Scarlett is absolutely mortified (in more ways than one) to discover that she's accidentally killed herself while trying to get out of a school trip. Even worse, she's taken her entire family with her.Life as a ghost is pretty dull - if only some of her friends were dead too...
270 pages, Paperback
First published September 1, 2010
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
July 27, 2015
Originally posted on my blog: Book Chick City.
"Scarlett Dedd" is a wonderful book combining story with illustration. It's also full of wit, great teenage characters and a fun, ghoulish plot.
Scarlett is pretty much ignored at school, but she does have a few friends who share her love of gory horror movies - sometimes they even try and make their own. But a school trip is imminent and she just cant face the dumb comments that she knows she will get from the other kids at school, so she thinks up a plan that would get her out of going: wild mushrooms. Unfortunately these mushrooms do more than just make Scarlett sick, they make her dead. Her family shortly follows her, after eating her deadly mushroom risotto.
The story follows Scarlett as she comes to terms with her demise - there are lots of funny, but also slightly dark moments where Scarlett tries to kill her friends, Rip, Taz, Psycho and JP, so she won't miss them so much and be so lonely. Scarlett also tries to have fun with her new ghostly abilities by scaring her friends silly, which she thinks is hilarious, at first, until she realises that there are extremely unpleasant consequences for coming into contact with the living.
Scarlett is a great character. I loved her funny, snarky humour and her very teenage voice. There are lots of 'it's so not fair!', which brought a nostalgic understanding smile to my face.
The ending to "Scarlett Dedd" wraps things up nicely but the reader is left with Scarlett meeting two new ghost friends...including a very cute boy-ghost! I hope the story continues as I would love to read more about Scarlett's ghost-life.
However, there was one very small aspect to "Scarlett Dedd" which I found a bit distracting and it was how the text was formatted. Most of the time it was readable and it fit in well with the story, but there are a couple of pages where the text swirls round in circles and the only way to read it is to turn the book round with it - this was too much for me and I ended up skipping those particular pages... younger kids may find this a fun aspect to the book, but I didn't... maybe I'm just too old ;)
VERDICT:
"Scarlett Dedd" is a really enjoyable book and I appreciated the accompanying drawings by the author, they are a great addition, complimenting the story well and add to the already spooky atmosphere... A perfect read for Halloween!
"Scarlett Dedd" is a wonderful book combining story with illustration. It's also full of wit, great teenage characters and a fun, ghoulish plot.
Scarlett is pretty much ignored at school, but she does have a few friends who share her love of gory horror movies - sometimes they even try and make their own. But a school trip is imminent and she just cant face the dumb comments that she knows she will get from the other kids at school, so she thinks up a plan that would get her out of going: wild mushrooms. Unfortunately these mushrooms do more than just make Scarlett sick, they make her dead. Her family shortly follows her, after eating her deadly mushroom risotto.
The story follows Scarlett as she comes to terms with her demise - there are lots of funny, but also slightly dark moments where Scarlett tries to kill her friends, Rip, Taz, Psycho and JP, so she won't miss them so much and be so lonely. Scarlett also tries to have fun with her new ghostly abilities by scaring her friends silly, which she thinks is hilarious, at first, until she realises that there are extremely unpleasant consequences for coming into contact with the living.
Scarlett is a great character. I loved her funny, snarky humour and her very teenage voice. There are lots of 'it's so not fair!', which brought a nostalgic understanding smile to my face.
The ending to "Scarlett Dedd" wraps things up nicely but the reader is left with Scarlett meeting two new ghost friends...including a very cute boy-ghost! I hope the story continues as I would love to read more about Scarlett's ghost-life.
However, there was one very small aspect to "Scarlett Dedd" which I found a bit distracting and it was how the text was formatted. Most of the time it was readable and it fit in well with the story, but there are a couple of pages where the text swirls round in circles and the only way to read it is to turn the book round with it - this was too much for me and I ended up skipping those particular pages... younger kids may find this a fun aspect to the book, but I didn't... maybe I'm just too old ;)
VERDICT:
"Scarlett Dedd" is a really enjoyable book and I appreciated the accompanying drawings by the author, they are a great addition, complimenting the story well and add to the already spooky atmosphere... A perfect read for Halloween!
July 27, 2012
This and other reviews can be found on Reading Between Classes
Cover Impressions: This cover does not even scratch the surface of the awesomeness that is inside. See those fantastically creepy drawings? Those are EVERYWHERE and they get even better.
The Gist: Scarlett was dead, to begin with. Heh, always wanted to start a review like that. Anyway, in attempting to avoid a painfully awkward class trip, Scarlett Dedd accidentally kills herself - and her entire family. In finding herself Bodily Challenged, Scarlett does the only sensible thing and attempts to gain some ghostly pals - by killing her old friends.
Review: I cannot possibly go any further in this review without mentioning the illustrations in this book. Not only are they clever, creative and deliciously gruesome, they are also integrated into the text in a way that I have never seen before. The storyline is melded with pictures, doodles, membership cards and coffee stains. The way that the author plays with words and pictures (see below) is fun and keeps the reader entertained. Elements like these add a sense of whimsy and macabre and would certainly enthrall any young readers.
The story is told through several sources. Along side the traditional narrative style, we see Scarlett's blog, online conversations and even an interview transcript. Personally, the constant changes in perspective and style took some getting used to, however, I can appreciate the creative effort and I know that my students would find it fun and refreshing. The plot took an interesting twist when Scarlett decided to try and kill her friends so that she would have some company, but otherwise was fairly predictable.
The characters are an interesting bunch. They are the artsy kids. The ones who tend to dress in black and compare recipes for fake blood rather than the latest party. While the "teen speak" feels a little forced, the characters feel like a realistic portrayal of typical teenagers. The only part that really bothered me about the secondary characters is that they don't seem particularly affected by the death of their friend. They also seem determined to exploit her current situation for fame and popularity rather than try to communicate with her. For her part, Scarlett incredibly self-absorbed, whiny and exceedingly dense. This is rather annoying for about the first half (how long does it take her to realize that her parents are also dead?) but it does get better. Eventually, she gets over her naivety and is able to put the needs of others before her own.
Scarlett Dedd is certainly a book that will appeal to fans of graphic novels and to those readers who can appreciate a little blood and gore.
For a taste of Scarlett Dedd, you can also follow her blog: ScarDeparted
Teaching/Parental Notes:
Age: 12 and up
Gender: Both
Sex: Kissing
Violence: Death by poisoning, several attempted murders
Inappropriate Language: Retard, illustration of character gesturing with middle finger
Substance Use/Abuse: None
February 17, 2015
Just look at that cover. That art reminds me of Gorillaz. How could I not pick this up and read it? I didn't even read what it was about. Just saw the interesting cover and figured I could read it in a day, no problem.
It was sort of a problem. It took me a while to really get into it. And the layout of the prose was really annoying. I LOVED the illustrations, but there was one point where the words went around in a tiny circle on the page and I had to keep turning the book to read it. If I lost my place, forget about it. It was easier to start over than to try to find where I lost. Then there were pages where the text was all warped and blurry and hard to read. Pages like this were such a pain to read, I nearly put this book down never to continue a few times. I stuck with it, though, because the pictures were really nice and I was curious as to what happened. I don't think I would have cared, though, if I never finished. It was quite a let down.
Scarlett is poor. Second hand clothes. Moldy old food for meals. People make fun of her because she looks like a corpse. She doesn't want to embarrass herself on a week long school trip, so she plans on pretending to be sick to get out of it. And by pretending I mean she goes out and finds some wild mushrooms and cooks them to make herself sick. I give her props for checking out a book and seeing if these mushrooms were poisonous first. At least she tried. But she was wrong. They were deadly and she killed herself. Then her family ate the leftovers and they died, too. So Scarlett killed herself and whole family because she didn't want to go on a school trip and have the other girls make fun of her underwear.
Yeah, I know.
Then she finds this chat room full of other ghosts who tell her that if she doesn't want to be lonely, she should kill off her friends so they can all be together again.
NO, REALLY. HOW DOES THAT SOUND LIKE A GOOD IDEA
You killed yourself. Accidentally, yeah, but you killed yourself. And you're upset about it. You wish you were still alive. You don't like being dead. SO WHY ARE YOU TRYING TO PUT YOUR FRIENDS THROUGH THE SAME THING. How does that sound like a good idea?
She later said that these chat room ghosts were manipulating her. How? They merely suggested that were her friends dead, she wouldn't be as lonely. They never manipulated her. She made the conscious decision to try and off her friends, in horrible horrible ways. Death by electrocution? Death by Zamboni? Death by bomb/knife/javelin death trap? How are these good ideas. They're creative, I'll give her that, but just how is this a good idea. She can communicate with them through other means. They don't have to be dead. She can continue to make movies with them and she can be their special effects. She won't make money off of it and achieve her dreams, but she can still have her friends without killing them. And that's what the whole book really centered on. Her trying to figure out how to kill off each of her friends.
Then she apologizes by writing on a steamed up window. SRY I TRIED TO KILL U GUYS LOL XOXOXO
Yeah. No.
That's not how this works. You don't try to off your friends and then get to apologize and have everything be okay. How are they okay with this? It's not even the okay-because-we're-scared-you-might-actually-kill-us kind of okay. These guys completely forgive her for trying to off them. I'm sorry, but were it me, I would just leave her. Attempted murder is not okay.
I didn't care for the story. It was okay. There were times where the story was disjointed and I kept checking to make sure I didn't accidentally skip a page. It was so disjointed and it made the story confusing. Brett tried to be funny, but it didn't really work. I found myself dragging to get through this book. I'm just glad it went fast. I could have finished it in a day, had I been more attentive to it. I just didn't really care enough to sit down and read it. I did really enjoy the illustrations. They were well done and added to the story, although when they got in the way of the writing, like when the writing went around in circles, I found myself wishing this was just a normal styled book.
Overall, 2.5/5 stars. And that's mainly because of the art. I could have lived a happy life not reading this book. I really wouldn't be missing anything.
It was sort of a problem. It took me a while to really get into it. And the layout of the prose was really annoying. I LOVED the illustrations, but there was one point where the words went around in a tiny circle on the page and I had to keep turning the book to read it. If I lost my place, forget about it. It was easier to start over than to try to find where I lost. Then there were pages where the text was all warped and blurry and hard to read. Pages like this were such a pain to read, I nearly put this book down never to continue a few times. I stuck with it, though, because the pictures were really nice and I was curious as to what happened. I don't think I would have cared, though, if I never finished. It was quite a let down.
Scarlett is poor. Second hand clothes. Moldy old food for meals. People make fun of her because she looks like a corpse. She doesn't want to embarrass herself on a week long school trip, so she plans on pretending to be sick to get out of it. And by pretending I mean she goes out and finds some wild mushrooms and cooks them to make herself sick. I give her props for checking out a book and seeing if these mushrooms were poisonous first. At least she tried. But she was wrong. They were deadly and she killed herself. Then her family ate the leftovers and they died, too. So Scarlett killed herself and whole family because she didn't want to go on a school trip and have the other girls make fun of her underwear.
Yeah, I know.
Then she finds this chat room full of other ghosts who tell her that if she doesn't want to be lonely, she should kill off her friends so they can all be together again.
NO, REALLY. HOW DOES THAT SOUND LIKE A GOOD IDEA
You killed yourself. Accidentally, yeah, but you killed yourself. And you're upset about it. You wish you were still alive. You don't like being dead. SO WHY ARE YOU TRYING TO PUT YOUR FRIENDS THROUGH THE SAME THING. How does that sound like a good idea?
She later said that these chat room ghosts were manipulating her. How? They merely suggested that were her friends dead, she wouldn't be as lonely. They never manipulated her. She made the conscious decision to try and off her friends, in horrible horrible ways. Death by electrocution? Death by Zamboni? Death by bomb/knife/javelin death trap? How are these good ideas. They're creative, I'll give her that, but just how is this a good idea. She can communicate with them through other means. They don't have to be dead. She can continue to make movies with them and she can be their special effects. She won't make money off of it and achieve her dreams, but she can still have her friends without killing them. And that's what the whole book really centered on. Her trying to figure out how to kill off each of her friends.
Then she apologizes by writing on a steamed up window. SRY I TRIED TO KILL U GUYS LOL XOXOXO
Yeah. No.
That's not how this works. You don't try to off your friends and then get to apologize and have everything be okay. How are they okay with this? It's not even the okay-because-we're-scared-you-might-actually-kill-us kind of okay. These guys completely forgive her for trying to off them. I'm sorry, but were it me, I would just leave her. Attempted murder is not okay.
I didn't care for the story. It was okay. There were times where the story was disjointed and I kept checking to make sure I didn't accidentally skip a page. It was so disjointed and it made the story confusing. Brett tried to be funny, but it didn't really work. I found myself dragging to get through this book. I'm just glad it went fast. I could have finished it in a day, had I been more attentive to it. I just didn't really care enough to sit down and read it. I did really enjoy the illustrations. They were well done and added to the story, although when they got in the way of the writing, like when the writing went around in circles, I found myself wishing this was just a normal styled book.
Overall, 2.5/5 stars. And that's mainly because of the art. I could have lived a happy life not reading this book. I really wouldn't be missing anything.
November 27, 2011
Scarlett Dedd just wasn’t my cup of tea.
Scarlett accidentally kills her family and herself trying to get out of a field trip. Ok. It turns out that she and her family wake up as ghosts. (Very vomity ghosts.) Scarlett ends up taking bad advice from an online dead person like her. He advises her to try and kill her friends so that she doesn’t have to be alone. Fortunately they all survive. Even after they figure out that she is trying to kill them, they still hang out at her house. What?! Why would they keep hanging around her house? I have no idea. Then there is the back story involving Scarlett’s uncle owing money to a mobster-type guy who sends goons to the uncle’s house (where Scarlett and her family reside) to collect what the uncle owes. The friends, Scarlett and her family end up getting the goons arrested and everyone lives happily ever after. At the very end Scarlett meets two ghosts her age and has friends again.
I know this review is a little choppy, but honestly, I can’t put a coherent review together for some reason.
Scarlett accidentally kills her family and herself trying to get out of a field trip. Ok. It turns out that she and her family wake up as ghosts. (Very vomity ghosts.) Scarlett ends up taking bad advice from an online dead person like her. He advises her to try and kill her friends so that she doesn’t have to be alone. Fortunately they all survive. Even after they figure out that she is trying to kill them, they still hang out at her house. What?! Why would they keep hanging around her house? I have no idea. Then there is the back story involving Scarlett’s uncle owing money to a mobster-type guy who sends goons to the uncle’s house (where Scarlett and her family reside) to collect what the uncle owes. The friends, Scarlett and her family end up getting the goons arrested and everyone lives happily ever after. At the very end Scarlett meets two ghosts her age and has friends again.
I know this review is a little choppy, but honestly, I can’t put a coherent review together for some reason.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 8, 2019
It had sort of a fake feel to it. Probably because it's written by an adult trying to be teenagy but it's totally over the top. It's a pretty simple story told with way to many detours, that just has the feel of stuffing, that has no real bearing on the actual "story".
June 11, 2021
IT WAS SO GOOD. I CANT BELIEVE SHE FINALLY FOUND SOMEONE AT THE END. GHOST BF SOUNDS SUPER HOT NOW. WISHED HER AND PSYCHO DID END UP TOGETHER THO. REGARDLESS FUN ILLUSTRATIONS AND IT WAS FUN TO READ!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 12, 2012
Scarlett Dedd is SUPER adorable. From it's wonderfully comical and macabre premise to the illustrations that made me think of a horror/goth version of Tank Girl (see Jamie Hewlett). It pretty well captured the ennui involved in being a teenager that holds a great deal of contempt for the mainstream (which I certainly was, so I could relate).
So basically Scarlett Dedd comes from an eccentric family. Her parents are artists and hippies and are kinda poor, so she's stuck wearing thrift store clothes that don't exactly flatter her pale skin and sunken eyes. But she's found a group of friends that suit her and they make horror movies together. But there is a school trip about to come up and she needs a way to get out of it so she goes looking for mushrooms that will make her sick enough to fool her parents. But she picks wrong and instead makes a deathly poisonous risotto and dies. Then her family finds it, and they eat it, and they die. Then they all come back as ghosts to haunt the house they've been living in. Her friends break in because they're the kind of kids who dig death and other spooky things and Scarlett realized how alone she is so she hatches a terrible plan to kill her friends so they can all be dead together. Being dead apparently makes you a little crazy.
There's a few other things going on that move the story along pretty well and Brett uses some unusual tactics. The story is told in the 3rd person but there's a blog that ghost Scarlett keeps that gives us a little insight into her thought process, as well as a chat room she goes to where there are other dead kids, maybe not all of them trust worthy. And the design of the text isn't always straightforward, it intermingles with some of the illustrations, which is a nice touch but there were two instances where it was particularly annoying. That is, the text wound around itself in circles and I had to turn the book over and over to keep reading it. Sorry man, not cool. The other was that there were often jumps in time that the design of the text didn't indicate. Where there should have been an extra space between paragraphs or something like that, there just wasn't, so it was a little jarring jumping from one scene to another and it took a minute to realize it. Other than those two things, however, I found it a charming and engaging experience.
It is a young adult book, technically, but I would go further and say it is specifically a tween book. If you have a particularly bright ten year old or a particularly unusual thirteen year old they'd probably like this book. Any kids that are artistically inclined or like horror/mystery/thrillers or "Are you Afraid of the Dark" (is that show still on???), would probably dig this book. The prose isn't particularly sophisticated, but it's not supposed to be. Even though it's told in the third person it's still told from the perspective of a fifteen year old, and it reads like it. It's not like reading my eighteen year old niece's facebook posts though. It's way more interesting than that. thankfully.
So basically Scarlett Dedd comes from an eccentric family. Her parents are artists and hippies and are kinda poor, so she's stuck wearing thrift store clothes that don't exactly flatter her pale skin and sunken eyes. But she's found a group of friends that suit her and they make horror movies together. But there is a school trip about to come up and she needs a way to get out of it so she goes looking for mushrooms that will make her sick enough to fool her parents. But she picks wrong and instead makes a deathly poisonous risotto and dies. Then her family finds it, and they eat it, and they die. Then they all come back as ghosts to haunt the house they've been living in. Her friends break in because they're the kind of kids who dig death and other spooky things and Scarlett realized how alone she is so she hatches a terrible plan to kill her friends so they can all be dead together. Being dead apparently makes you a little crazy.
There's a few other things going on that move the story along pretty well and Brett uses some unusual tactics. The story is told in the 3rd person but there's a blog that ghost Scarlett keeps that gives us a little insight into her thought process, as well as a chat room she goes to where there are other dead kids, maybe not all of them trust worthy. And the design of the text isn't always straightforward, it intermingles with some of the illustrations, which is a nice touch but there were two instances where it was particularly annoying. That is, the text wound around itself in circles and I had to turn the book over and over to keep reading it. Sorry man, not cool. The other was that there were often jumps in time that the design of the text didn't indicate. Where there should have been an extra space between paragraphs or something like that, there just wasn't, so it was a little jarring jumping from one scene to another and it took a minute to realize it. Other than those two things, however, I found it a charming and engaging experience.
It is a young adult book, technically, but I would go further and say it is specifically a tween book. If you have a particularly bright ten year old or a particularly unusual thirteen year old they'd probably like this book. Any kids that are artistically inclined or like horror/mystery/thrillers or "Are you Afraid of the Dark" (is that show still on???), would probably dig this book. The prose isn't particularly sophisticated, but it's not supposed to be. Even though it's told in the third person it's still told from the perspective of a fifteen year old, and it reads like it. It's not like reading my eighteen year old niece's facebook posts though. It's way more interesting than that. thankfully.
October 15, 2010
I was very intrigued by this book. It sounded really fun and the illustrations inside were fantastic. Unfortunately it didn't quite live up to my expectations and I found it a little difficult to read.
It begins well enough. Scarlett is a pretty typical teenager- self conscious, shy and completely embarrassed by her very strange parents. She's a misfit at school and apart from her handful of Emo friends, doesn't fit in at all. Desperate to avoid a school trip she decides to make herself ill to avoid going. Just a little sick would do, put Scarlett accidentally kills her whole family with poisonous mushrooms. So far the book is pretty funny, I liked Scarlett's despair at her frankly bizarrely weird parents and could sympathise with her about not wanting to go on the school trip.
However, after the families death, when they become ghosts, I started to struggle with this book. I've never read a book with amazing illustrations like Scarlett Dedd and while they were fantastic, for me the story suffered because of them. I think this is just down to personal taste and many people will appreciate the humour of Cathy Brett's writing. I on the other hand prefer more character development which was lacking in this book and I didn't feel I was able to connect with any of the characters at all. The plot seemed a little jumpy and vague at times and I really wanted more than I got from it. I was also pretty disturbed by some of Scarlett's antic's where her friends were concerned once she is dead!
Another problem I had was with the text layout on some pages. It doesn't stick to the usual format and there are almost blacked out pages, pages where the text goes round in circles etc. I struggled to actually read some of it so skipped these pages and they didn't really work for me.
The book is littered with blog post written by a dead Scarlett as well as entries from a chat room for the deceased. I thought these were a very clever touch and I liked reading Scarlett's blog which did make me giggle. Cathy Brett's take on the afterlife is certainly unique and quirky. I can see why lots of people would love Scarlett Dedd, especially reluctant teen readers. It's very different to anything else out there. With a ton of fantastic illustrations it isn't as text heavy as other books and can easily be dipped in and out of and Brett's writing is witty and fun.
I really wanted to love Scarlett Dedd but sadly it just fell a bit flat. While I appreciate the wit and genius artwork (also by Cathy Brett) in the end I concluded that this style of book just wasn't for me.
It begins well enough. Scarlett is a pretty typical teenager- self conscious, shy and completely embarrassed by her very strange parents. She's a misfit at school and apart from her handful of Emo friends, doesn't fit in at all. Desperate to avoid a school trip she decides to make herself ill to avoid going. Just a little sick would do, put Scarlett accidentally kills her whole family with poisonous mushrooms. So far the book is pretty funny, I liked Scarlett's despair at her frankly bizarrely weird parents and could sympathise with her about not wanting to go on the school trip.
However, after the families death, when they become ghosts, I started to struggle with this book. I've never read a book with amazing illustrations like Scarlett Dedd and while they were fantastic, for me the story suffered because of them. I think this is just down to personal taste and many people will appreciate the humour of Cathy Brett's writing. I on the other hand prefer more character development which was lacking in this book and I didn't feel I was able to connect with any of the characters at all. The plot seemed a little jumpy and vague at times and I really wanted more than I got from it. I was also pretty disturbed by some of Scarlett's antic's where her friends were concerned once she is dead!
Another problem I had was with the text layout on some pages. It doesn't stick to the usual format and there are almost blacked out pages, pages where the text goes round in circles etc. I struggled to actually read some of it so skipped these pages and they didn't really work for me.
The book is littered with blog post written by a dead Scarlett as well as entries from a chat room for the deceased. I thought these were a very clever touch and I liked reading Scarlett's blog which did make me giggle. Cathy Brett's take on the afterlife is certainly unique and quirky. I can see why lots of people would love Scarlett Dedd, especially reluctant teen readers. It's very different to anything else out there. With a ton of fantastic illustrations it isn't as text heavy as other books and can easily be dipped in and out of and Brett's writing is witty and fun.
I really wanted to love Scarlett Dedd but sadly it just fell a bit flat. While I appreciate the wit and genius artwork (also by Cathy Brett) in the end I concluded that this style of book just wasn't for me.
September 22, 2010
Reviewed @ Girls Without a Bookshelf.
Cathy Brett's Scarlett Dedd is the first graphic novel I've read in years. I do not have a lot to compare Scarlett Dedd to, but even for a non art enthusiast, I was blown away by the illustrations in this book - so brilliantly done! It's very detailed, very vivid and so real to life. I can look at them over and over again and never tire.
Scarlett Dedd is not only one of the best illustrated novels I've ever come across, it's also one of the funniest. Scarlett, our protagonist, dies in the stupidest (her words, not mine!) way, and or the most pathetic of reasons - you have to read the book to discover how, as doing so is one of the fun things about this book. Scarlett Dedd feels like an interactive novel, as I was always looking forward to the next illustration and find myself examining all the details and matching it with the text when I do. I also hugely enjoyed the conversations in this book - they are genuinely british, what with the British slangs. I absolutely love it!
I'll have you know that I probably damaged my guts laughing my head off at all Scarlett's antics. She's such a fresh, vivacious and infectious character, I wanted to pull her pictures off the page and bring her to life. She's determined and resilient, albeit a little misguided. Her naivety sometimes grated at my nerves, but this book shows an in depth character development and maturity, in which Scarlett discovers the thin line between right and wrong, her own strength and weakness and ultimately her place in life (afterlife?). The supporting characters are just as fun. Teens and adults alike are just as mischievous and entertaining as Scarlett.
There appears to be a lack of emotions from the secondary characters though -interestingly, apart from Psycho (lol!), who both fancies and is fancied by Scarlett, her friends seem to find it fascinating that she's dead rather than mourn her death the traditional way. That, and the way they used Scarlett's haunting as a means to popularity rather than to communicate with Scarlett, are one of their traits that I disliked but nevertheless enjoyed. There was little tension in the book and I was not particularly drawn to the climax, but I found myself giggling with fun anyway - there's a huge potential for a sequel for more of Scarlett's ghostly adventures, and it would be quite fun to accompany the Dedds on another fun-filled episode!
Cathy Brett's Scarlett Dedd is the first graphic novel I've read in years. I do not have a lot to compare Scarlett Dedd to, but even for a non art enthusiast, I was blown away by the illustrations in this book - so brilliantly done! It's very detailed, very vivid and so real to life. I can look at them over and over again and never tire.
Scarlett Dedd is not only one of the best illustrated novels I've ever come across, it's also one of the funniest. Scarlett, our protagonist, dies in the stupidest (her words, not mine!) way, and or the most pathetic of reasons - you have to read the book to discover how, as doing so is one of the fun things about this book. Scarlett Dedd feels like an interactive novel, as I was always looking forward to the next illustration and find myself examining all the details and matching it with the text when I do. I also hugely enjoyed the conversations in this book - they are genuinely british, what with the British slangs. I absolutely love it!
I'll have you know that I probably damaged my guts laughing my head off at all Scarlett's antics. She's such a fresh, vivacious and infectious character, I wanted to pull her pictures off the page and bring her to life. She's determined and resilient, albeit a little misguided. Her naivety sometimes grated at my nerves, but this book shows an in depth character development and maturity, in which Scarlett discovers the thin line between right and wrong, her own strength and weakness and ultimately her place in life (afterlife?). The supporting characters are just as fun. Teens and adults alike are just as mischievous and entertaining as Scarlett.
There appears to be a lack of emotions from the secondary characters though -interestingly, apart from Psycho (lol!), who both fancies and is fancied by Scarlett, her friends seem to find it fascinating that she's dead rather than mourn her death the traditional way. That, and the way they used Scarlett's haunting as a means to popularity rather than to communicate with Scarlett, are one of their traits that I disliked but nevertheless enjoyed. There was little tension in the book and I was not particularly drawn to the climax, but I found myself giggling with fun anyway - there's a huge potential for a sequel for more of Scarlett's ghostly adventures, and it would be quite fun to accompany the Dedds on another fun-filled episode!
January 4, 2012
I received this book from www.netgalley.net in exchange for an honest review.
What a fun, cute story! It's not often that you come across a book for YA with such delightful illustrations! Cathy Brett is not only an awesome author but a fine illustrator.
The story follows Scarlett as she talks about how she managed to find a few friends even though her family is dirt poor and they all wear second hand clothing and buy the outdated food at the grocery store. Her friends share her love of gory movies and movie making.
One day Scarlett is reminded of a fieldtrip that she has to go on as part of her History class. She decides she is absolutely not going, no matter what. But she knows if she isn't actually ill, her parents will make her go. So she gets a book on mushrooms and tries to find some to make her 'just a little' sick. However, she fails to read the entire thing and ends up cooking a mushroom dinner that's toxic. Unfortunately, she doesn't get time to take care of the dinner before she succumbs and her family ends up eating it too! Now, she's STILL stuck with them!
Scarlett comes across as a typical teen - somewhat self-centered and doesn't think things through, with some snarky humor. She and her friends have very definite personalities as do her parents and brother. I laughed so much while reading this book! I read it in the airport and on a flight, so got a few odd looks, but it really is that funny!
Scarlett learns how to use her ghostly skills in some pretty funny ways and she enjoys scaring the bejesus out of her friends. She even learns that she can blog! However, she's lonely and misses her friends, so she thinks (with a little push from another ghostly blogger) that she should kill them so they can all hang out again. While not her best idea ever, she does come up with some pretty interesting ideas on how to off them. Of course she eventually realizes that it's not ok to off your friends just because you're a lonely ghost.
The only thing that bothered me...and it could be because of my poor vision (even with glasses): some of the pages are done in a very cute manner like putting the words in a spiral or having them look like they've been left in the rain. I had a really hard time reading those couple of pages. Otherwise this is an amazing book and I'm glad the author left it open in the end so that there could be a second one!
What a fun, cute story! It's not often that you come across a book for YA with such delightful illustrations! Cathy Brett is not only an awesome author but a fine illustrator.
The story follows Scarlett as she talks about how she managed to find a few friends even though her family is dirt poor and they all wear second hand clothing and buy the outdated food at the grocery store. Her friends share her love of gory movies and movie making.
One day Scarlett is reminded of a fieldtrip that she has to go on as part of her History class. She decides she is absolutely not going, no matter what. But she knows if she isn't actually ill, her parents will make her go. So she gets a book on mushrooms and tries to find some to make her 'just a little' sick. However, she fails to read the entire thing and ends up cooking a mushroom dinner that's toxic. Unfortunately, she doesn't get time to take care of the dinner before she succumbs and her family ends up eating it too! Now, she's STILL stuck with them!
Scarlett comes across as a typical teen - somewhat self-centered and doesn't think things through, with some snarky humor. She and her friends have very definite personalities as do her parents and brother. I laughed so much while reading this book! I read it in the airport and on a flight, so got a few odd looks, but it really is that funny!
Scarlett learns how to use her ghostly skills in some pretty funny ways and she enjoys scaring the bejesus out of her friends. She even learns that she can blog! However, she's lonely and misses her friends, so she thinks (with a little push from another ghostly blogger) that she should kill them so they can all hang out again. While not her best idea ever, she does come up with some pretty interesting ideas on how to off them. Of course she eventually realizes that it's not ok to off your friends just because you're a lonely ghost.
The only thing that bothered me...and it could be because of my poor vision (even with glasses): some of the pages are done in a very cute manner like putting the words in a spiral or having them look like they've been left in the rain. I had a really hard time reading those couple of pages. Otherwise this is an amazing book and I'm glad the author left it open in the end so that there could be a second one!
October 3, 2010
Before, there were books with boring straight lines and the odd illustration or two. Then, there was Cathy Brett! I haven't been able to look at a book the same way ever since I finished Scarlett Dedd. Cathy Brett has more than maximise the use of that weird medium that is a book to create something absolutely awesome.
The story revolves around zombie-looking Scarlett Dedd (yes, she already heard the dead Dedd joke, no need to say it again). She is a teenager (aka self-centered, lacking confidence and mainly not very bright), and, to avoid a class trip to France (which is understandable), she accidentally kills herself and all her family. Yes, indeed, it is entirely accidental.
She becomes a ghost and gradually comes to term with her new state and abilities. Her only problem is how alone she feels. She would really like one of her friends Rip, JP, Taz or the hot broody Psycho to hang out with her. Wait, when you think about it, there might be a solution for that...
I was unsure what I would find in this book as it is slightly unique, not entirely a novel and not entirely a graphic novel either. But whichever it is, I love it!
The characters are all amazingly hilarious and true to form. I can see real teenagers who hang out doing hardly anything interesting but thinking it might change the world (and make them super famous and rich in the process). I feel that it is the strongest point: all the characters have a very distinct personality and it is simply fascinating to read about them.
I am loving the whole ghost situation, how they talk to each other and what they can or can't do. There are spooky moments but the general tone of the book is more on the comical side of the force.
The illustrations are amazing. Not only do they add a visual image (duh!) to the text, but they actually insert themselves in the text, and the text itself becomes an illustration at times. It is really fascinating since you hardly realize that the book is part text part illustrations at the end, it becomes Scarlett's story.
This is an absolutely brilliant (graphic) novel. It will appeal to older readers as well as younger (fans of the Goosebumps series in particular) and it is definitely an original experience especially if you are not a regular fan of classical graphic novels/comic books. I can't wait to read Cathy Brett's other book Ember Fury!!
The story revolves around zombie-looking Scarlett Dedd (yes, she already heard the dead Dedd joke, no need to say it again). She is a teenager (aka self-centered, lacking confidence and mainly not very bright), and, to avoid a class trip to France (which is understandable), she accidentally kills herself and all her family. Yes, indeed, it is entirely accidental.
She becomes a ghost and gradually comes to term with her new state and abilities. Her only problem is how alone she feels. She would really like one of her friends Rip, JP, Taz or the hot broody Psycho to hang out with her. Wait, when you think about it, there might be a solution for that...
I was unsure what I would find in this book as it is slightly unique, not entirely a novel and not entirely a graphic novel either. But whichever it is, I love it!
The characters are all amazingly hilarious and true to form. I can see real teenagers who hang out doing hardly anything interesting but thinking it might change the world (and make them super famous and rich in the process). I feel that it is the strongest point: all the characters have a very distinct personality and it is simply fascinating to read about them.
I am loving the whole ghost situation, how they talk to each other and what they can or can't do. There are spooky moments but the general tone of the book is more on the comical side of the force.
The illustrations are amazing. Not only do they add a visual image (duh!) to the text, but they actually insert themselves in the text, and the text itself becomes an illustration at times. It is really fascinating since you hardly realize that the book is part text part illustrations at the end, it becomes Scarlett's story.
This is an absolutely brilliant (graphic) novel. It will appeal to older readers as well as younger (fans of the Goosebumps series in particular) and it is definitely an original experience especially if you are not a regular fan of classical graphic novels/comic books. I can't wait to read Cathy Brett's other book Ember Fury!!
May 31, 2011
Scarlett has always been a bit of a misfit and apart from a couple of close friends she is pretty much an outcast at school. This hasn't been helped by her quirky family and her second hand clothes. She doesn't want to go on the school trip but her plan to make herself too ill to go backfires when she accidentally kills her entire family. As a ghost she is lonely and desperately misses her friends but can she find a way to communicate with them?
I'll start by saying how much I loved the drawings and different text effects that appear throughout the book, Cathy Brett is a talented illustrator and I spent a lot of time looking at the details in the pictures as I was reading. I loved the way you had to turn the book around to different angles to be able to read some of the writing, it made for a fun read that I'm sure even the most reluctant reader would enjoy.
In the first few chapters I found myself feeling quite sorry for Scarlett, her family really didn't make it easy for her to fit in at school and be accepted and I could relate to the teasing she suffers from. However, after Scarlett and her family died I found myself liking her less and less as the story progressed. Her "poor me" routine may have been understandable but it grated on my nerves and I really didn't like the course of action she decided to take to ease her loneliness. It made for a funny story but I found her attitude disturbing and really wanted to shake her out of it! Despite the things she was doing I didn't even find myself feeling any sympathy for her friends who to be honest weren't the nicest of people and wouldn't be the kind of friends I'd want to hang out with.
I enjoyed the story for it's uniqueness and the quirky humor and would probably enjoy a sequel more because Scarlett does seem to come to her senses towards the end of the book. If you're looking for something unusual and fun to read then you might want to give this one a try but I'd probably recommend it more for younger readers who are less likely to worry about the issues I had with the story.
I'll start by saying how much I loved the drawings and different text effects that appear throughout the book, Cathy Brett is a talented illustrator and I spent a lot of time looking at the details in the pictures as I was reading. I loved the way you had to turn the book around to different angles to be able to read some of the writing, it made for a fun read that I'm sure even the most reluctant reader would enjoy.
In the first few chapters I found myself feeling quite sorry for Scarlett, her family really didn't make it easy for her to fit in at school and be accepted and I could relate to the teasing she suffers from. However, after Scarlett and her family died I found myself liking her less and less as the story progressed. Her "poor me" routine may have been understandable but it grated on my nerves and I really didn't like the course of action she decided to take to ease her loneliness. It made for a funny story but I found her attitude disturbing and really wanted to shake her out of it! Despite the things she was doing I didn't even find myself feeling any sympathy for her friends who to be honest weren't the nicest of people and wouldn't be the kind of friends I'd want to hang out with.
I enjoyed the story for it's uniqueness and the quirky humor and would probably enjoy a sequel more because Scarlett does seem to come to her senses towards the end of the book. If you're looking for something unusual and fun to read then you might want to give this one a try but I'd probably recommend it more for younger readers who are less likely to worry about the issues I had with the story.
September 20, 2012
There are good YA’s - there are great YA’s - some just so-so - but very rarely does one come along where not only is the plot fantastic and hysterical all at the same time, but the illustrations are phenomenal. This is Scarlett Dedd.
Before the death of the Dedd family, Scarlett had to constantly deal with the ‘dead’ jokes anyway. Not only was the last name a source of teasing, but Scarlett was also the eldest child of the oddest family on the street. They were poor, the house already looked like a broken-down, haunted chalet, and her father - a writer by the name of Wolfgang - had a garden where he grew some of the most disgusting food so that they could ‘eat healthy’ and save money on groceries. On top of all that, Scarlett was extremely pasty and her best friend’s name is, Psycho.
Along comes a seven-day trip with the school where she’ll have to go and explore the WWI trenches while staying in a youth hostel that makes her sick. Besides all that, Psycho isn’t going, so Scarlett wants to stay home, too. What better way to allow herself an out? Make herself sick.
Well…she decides to make risotto using the wild mushroom that’s found in Dad’s garden. Now the mushroom is supposed to make you sick, unfortunately…it also made her and the rest of the family who decided to eat the risotto leftovers, dead as doornails!
Around the neighborhood people see bikes going along the street with no rider, they hear doors slamming inside the Dedd’s now haunted house - even the windows fog up as if someone is breathing on the glass form the inside. When Scarlett learns that she’s nothing but a ghost, she feels more than a little lonely and decides that to not be alone (and have to be stuck with just her annoying family for the rest of her eternity), she will cause accidents that will take her group of friends out one by one. And hilarity ensues!
As I stated, this is one of those unique books that offers humor, characters you won’t forget, and illustrations that are to die for! (No pun intended).
Until Next Time, Everybody,
Amy
Before the death of the Dedd family, Scarlett had to constantly deal with the ‘dead’ jokes anyway. Not only was the last name a source of teasing, but Scarlett was also the eldest child of the oddest family on the street. They were poor, the house already looked like a broken-down, haunted chalet, and her father - a writer by the name of Wolfgang - had a garden where he grew some of the most disgusting food so that they could ‘eat healthy’ and save money on groceries. On top of all that, Scarlett was extremely pasty and her best friend’s name is, Psycho.
Along comes a seven-day trip with the school where she’ll have to go and explore the WWI trenches while staying in a youth hostel that makes her sick. Besides all that, Psycho isn’t going, so Scarlett wants to stay home, too. What better way to allow herself an out? Make herself sick.
Well…she decides to make risotto using the wild mushroom that’s found in Dad’s garden. Now the mushroom is supposed to make you sick, unfortunately…it also made her and the rest of the family who decided to eat the risotto leftovers, dead as doornails!
Around the neighborhood people see bikes going along the street with no rider, they hear doors slamming inside the Dedd’s now haunted house - even the windows fog up as if someone is breathing on the glass form the inside. When Scarlett learns that she’s nothing but a ghost, she feels more than a little lonely and decides that to not be alone (and have to be stuck with just her annoying family for the rest of her eternity), she will cause accidents that will take her group of friends out one by one. And hilarity ensues!
As I stated, this is one of those unique books that offers humor, characters you won’t forget, and illustrations that are to die for! (No pun intended).
Until Next Time, Everybody,
Amy
Read
November 17, 2010I LOVED Cathy's other illustrated novel Ember Fury, so when a copy of Scarlett Dedd popped through my letter box, I was so excited!
When Scarlett accidentally kills herself and the rest of her family in a horrible attempt to get out of going to the school trip, she has found that being dead is really quite lonely without her friends (Psycho, Ripley, JP and Taz- amazing and crazy names, I know!!)..but it does have some perks! Scarlett's new mission is to try and get her friends to join her, but will it all work out?!
This book was awesome. Like, very. The characters were fantastic and so quirky! I really enjoyed reading Cathy's take on 'the afterlife'. It was fun and different, if only it was like that in real life! She managed to weave in reality through parts that you think couldn't be real in a million years! I also really liked Scarlett's blog. The little extracts of what she wrote were really funny and witty, I could really imagine her saying those things out loud.
Another thing I have to give a little mention is that I'm really glad that Scarlett's parents were actually *in* the story unlike many other books today, and that they *acted* like parents do in real life ;) Yay for parents! Or maybe not so yay.. :/
Like in Ember Fury, Brett's illustrations really brought the story to life. The words and the pictures work together marvellously and make this a really attention-grabbing, exceptional book. I really enjoyed the whole interactiveness of Scarlett Dedd. There were parts that had me twisting and turning (the ice skating part me LOL, although it was a bit awkward when my family were all in the room thinking I had lost the plot!) my head and seriously, even if you didn't like the book (which I'm sure you definitely won't!), Scarlett Dedd gives you the most extraordinary, enjoyable experience and I applaud Cathy for that.
Thanks to Headline for publishing another great title and sending me a copy for review - it gets top marks for originality!
When Scarlett accidentally kills herself and the rest of her family in a horrible attempt to get out of going to the school trip, she has found that being dead is really quite lonely without her friends (Psycho, Ripley, JP and Taz- amazing and crazy names, I know!!)..but it does have some perks! Scarlett's new mission is to try and get her friends to join her, but will it all work out?!
This book was awesome. Like, very. The characters were fantastic and so quirky! I really enjoyed reading Cathy's take on 'the afterlife'. It was fun and different, if only it was like that in real life! She managed to weave in reality through parts that you think couldn't be real in a million years! I also really liked Scarlett's blog. The little extracts of what she wrote were really funny and witty, I could really imagine her saying those things out loud.
Another thing I have to give a little mention is that I'm really glad that Scarlett's parents were actually *in* the story unlike many other books today, and that they *acted* like parents do in real life ;) Yay for parents! Or maybe not so yay.. :/
Like in Ember Fury, Brett's illustrations really brought the story to life. The words and the pictures work together marvellously and make this a really attention-grabbing, exceptional book. I really enjoyed the whole interactiveness of Scarlett Dedd. There were parts that had me twisting and turning (the ice skating part me LOL, although it was a bit awkward when my family were all in the room thinking I had lost the plot!) my head and seriously, even if you didn't like the book (which I'm sure you definitely won't!), Scarlett Dedd gives you the most extraordinary, enjoyable experience and I applaud Cathy for that.
Thanks to Headline for publishing another great title and sending me a copy for review - it gets top marks for originality!
December 25, 2010
Scarlett Dedd is one of the first books that I have read in my rediscovery of YA literature, and it was certainly a treat. It is a funny, intelligent, teenage story that is well written, well presented and has an authentic teenage voice in the person of Scarlett.
I have written a little synopsis for you:
Scarlett is your typical teenager in so many ways, yet she is also quite different, unique. Like any typical teenager she is unhappy with her family life, though she is sure she has more reasons to be than most, not least due to her surname which has been cause of much ridicule for all her life. You see, Scarlett is a Dedd, and if the name wasn’t doomed enough, that also meant frightfully pale skin that never tanned, lifeless hair and gloomy eyes. That, along with the family’s poverty, which meant second hand clothes and a horrid diet, was enough to test the patience of any teenage girl.
So when Scarlett finds out that she has to go on a seven day school-trip to Northern France as part of her History classes she decides to draw the line and take matters into her own hands. One way or another, she was getting out of her trip. However, Scarlett’s super-plan goes mortifyingly wrong, not just for her, but for her family too, and soon she discovers a whole new meaning to being part of the Dedd family.
As if being a teenager was not hard enough, Scarlett has to learn a whole new existence, and in the process learns the true meaning and value of family and friendship.
I really enjoyed reading Scarlett Dedd. For a full review check my blog: http://evenbutterfliesthink.blogspot....
I have written a little synopsis for you:
Scarlett is your typical teenager in so many ways, yet she is also quite different, unique. Like any typical teenager she is unhappy with her family life, though she is sure she has more reasons to be than most, not least due to her surname which has been cause of much ridicule for all her life. You see, Scarlett is a Dedd, and if the name wasn’t doomed enough, that also meant frightfully pale skin that never tanned, lifeless hair and gloomy eyes. That, along with the family’s poverty, which meant second hand clothes and a horrid diet, was enough to test the patience of any teenage girl.
So when Scarlett finds out that she has to go on a seven day school-trip to Northern France as part of her History classes she decides to draw the line and take matters into her own hands. One way or another, she was getting out of her trip. However, Scarlett’s super-plan goes mortifyingly wrong, not just for her, but for her family too, and soon she discovers a whole new meaning to being part of the Dedd family.
As if being a teenager was not hard enough, Scarlett has to learn a whole new existence, and in the process learns the true meaning and value of family and friendship.
I really enjoyed reading Scarlett Dedd. For a full review check my blog: http://evenbutterfliesthink.blogspot....
January 24, 2011
The cover on the Amazon picture for this looks rather dull. In the flesh, the yellow you can see is actually luminous, giving the book a spookier feel to it then you might otherwise think from the picture above.
From the start Scarlett Dedd is fast paced and upbeat, even about death. Cathy Brett uses dry humour all the way through, which I think represents teens really well....and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Scarlett and her family are the oddities of their community, whilst Scarlett doesn't accept this fact about herself, she hangs out with what I would term as Emo friends, and her family has "secondhand everything and are pathetically poor" (Scarlett's words). I enjoyed the fun illustrations throughout the book which emphasized the storyline further. I think it's fair to say that Scarlett is very self centered.
The running joke is Scarlett's last name, and one that she lives up to in the book. The storyline touches on death (but oddly, not really grief in any depth). It is a laugh out loud book with some of the antics Scarlett and her family get up to, bordering on the obsessive for Scarlett as she tries to remain with her friends so she doesn't feel lonely. I enjoyed Vladimir and Luan, the two brothers and both their mannerisms and their accents.
I enjoyed the ending where everyone gets their comeuppance. This is a great book to sit down and take it as it is, a light hearted teen reflection on friendships and death. There's nothing heavy within the pages although it's a bit dark and macabre sometimes, especially with Scarlett's obsession with not wanting to leave her friends.
From the start Scarlett Dedd is fast paced and upbeat, even about death. Cathy Brett uses dry humour all the way through, which I think represents teens really well....and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Scarlett and her family are the oddities of their community, whilst Scarlett doesn't accept this fact about herself, she hangs out with what I would term as Emo friends, and her family has "secondhand everything and are pathetically poor" (Scarlett's words). I enjoyed the fun illustrations throughout the book which emphasized the storyline further. I think it's fair to say that Scarlett is very self centered.
The running joke is Scarlett's last name, and one that she lives up to in the book. The storyline touches on death (but oddly, not really grief in any depth). It is a laugh out loud book with some of the antics Scarlett and her family get up to, bordering on the obsessive for Scarlett as she tries to remain with her friends so she doesn't feel lonely. I enjoyed Vladimir and Luan, the two brothers and both their mannerisms and their accents.
I enjoyed the ending where everyone gets their comeuppance. This is a great book to sit down and take it as it is, a light hearted teen reflection on friendships and death. There's nothing heavy within the pages although it's a bit dark and macabre sometimes, especially with Scarlett's obsession with not wanting to leave her friends.
January 30, 2016
see more reviews http://jennreneeread.blogspot.com/
I received a digital ARC copy of this from Netgalley.com. The synopsis interested me and the cover creeped me out. I thought I should give it a shot. I thought this book was extremely entertaining. I have not laughed so much in a book in a very long time.
The story is about a girl, Scarlet who accidently kills herself and her family. This alone is funny; the family’s last name is Dedd, ironic. The author does a great job on creating an atmosphere this is not sad or disturbing but funny. The entire book is dedicated to Scarlett trying to figure out how to kill her friends, only so she can have friends in her world.
The book is full of great illustrations, humorous scenes, and corky, unique characters. Scarlett and her family had me in stitches most of the time. When they find out they are dead instead of freaking, like most people would, they embrace it. Scarlett’s little brother finds new ways of mutilating himself every day, while his father writes children’s books about the incidents and his mother draws for the books. The only one that is not enjoying being dead is Scarlett. She soon gets an idea from online to kill her friends so they can join her. In the meantime her friends discover that Scarlett and her family are haunting their old house and do whatever they can to film it to become television stars.
This book may seem a little demented at first, I will say it is more suitable for the older teens and young adults, but in the end it was all fun and games and everyone learns their lesson.
Since reading this book I have found others by Cathy Brett that I plan on reading.
I received a digital ARC copy of this from Netgalley.com. The synopsis interested me and the cover creeped me out. I thought I should give it a shot. I thought this book was extremely entertaining. I have not laughed so much in a book in a very long time.
The story is about a girl, Scarlet who accidently kills herself and her family. This alone is funny; the family’s last name is Dedd, ironic. The author does a great job on creating an atmosphere this is not sad or disturbing but funny. The entire book is dedicated to Scarlett trying to figure out how to kill her friends, only so she can have friends in her world.
The book is full of great illustrations, humorous scenes, and corky, unique characters. Scarlett and her family had me in stitches most of the time. When they find out they are dead instead of freaking, like most people would, they embrace it. Scarlett’s little brother finds new ways of mutilating himself every day, while his father writes children’s books about the incidents and his mother draws for the books. The only one that is not enjoying being dead is Scarlett. She soon gets an idea from online to kill her friends so they can join her. In the meantime her friends discover that Scarlett and her family are haunting their old house and do whatever they can to film it to become television stars.
This book may seem a little demented at first, I will say it is more suitable for the older teens and young adults, but in the end it was all fun and games and everyone learns their lesson.
Since reading this book I have found others by Cathy Brett that I plan on reading.
August 30, 2010
3.5 Stars
When Scarlett accidentally kills herself and her whole family in a botched attempt to make herself ill in order to avoid a week long school trip, she finds being dead is a bit lonely! Missing her friends so badly she starts to think it would be a great idea if she could arrange it so they can join her...
I liked how the story was written in third person. This worked well as it meant we get to hear from all the characters - I really liked the banter between her friends as well as Scarlett's interactions with her family. We also get the added bonus of Scarlett's blog - I loved these excerpts and her voice. The story itself was good fun and I loved all the ghostly shenanigans - all superbly brought to life by Brett's wonderful illustrations.
I really love the combination of text and illustrations and think it works extraordinarily well to create a book that is unique and appealing. There is definitely a quirkiness in the overall package, as well as in Cathy Brett's writing that makes this really fun to read. I must say I did get a few strange looks while I was reading pages 164 and 165 and had to turn the book around in circles to read it but I really enjoyed that aspect of it - it made the book feel interactive and a slightly different reading experience.
I'm hoping this might become a series as I would love to catch up with Scarlett again. In the meantime, I think I will have to get myself a copy of Ember Fury to enjoy!
When Scarlett accidentally kills herself and her whole family in a botched attempt to make herself ill in order to avoid a week long school trip, she finds being dead is a bit lonely! Missing her friends so badly she starts to think it would be a great idea if she could arrange it so they can join her...
I liked how the story was written in third person. This worked well as it meant we get to hear from all the characters - I really liked the banter between her friends as well as Scarlett's interactions with her family. We also get the added bonus of Scarlett's blog - I loved these excerpts and her voice. The story itself was good fun and I loved all the ghostly shenanigans - all superbly brought to life by Brett's wonderful illustrations.
I really love the combination of text and illustrations and think it works extraordinarily well to create a book that is unique and appealing. There is definitely a quirkiness in the overall package, as well as in Cathy Brett's writing that makes this really fun to read. I must say I did get a few strange looks while I was reading pages 164 and 165 and had to turn the book around in circles to read it but I really enjoyed that aspect of it - it made the book feel interactive and a slightly different reading experience.
I'm hoping this might become a series as I would love to catch up with Scarlett again. In the meantime, I think I will have to get myself a copy of Ember Fury to enjoy!
March 22, 2012
Background: Scarlett Dedd is a teenage girl outcast; she lives in a creepy house, is very pale, and is made fun of for looking dead and being a Dedd. The issue is…now she is dead; she only meant to make herself sick, but instead killed herself and her entire family. What a bummer to be dead but still have parents around to tell you what you can and cannot do, and your annoying brother still lurking about.
Review: This is a very interesting read. I like the concept and it is very well written. You get chapters from Scarlett’s point of view and from her friends’ point of views, which makes it fascinating to read. Along with the different people telling the story, you also get some extra tidbits from Scarlett as she chats online or updates her blog, and there are pictures too… so much fun.
I must say that this read took a little while for me to get into, not really for any particular reason, it was just a little slow at first, and from the cover I was expecting more of a graphic novel type style, which it is not.
If you like graphic novels, I think this book will work for you. Since there are so many different characters and outlets for Scarlett, it seems a little graphic novel-ish…If you like angst-ridden teens, this is DEFINITELY for you, Scarlett is a little down about her new situation, esp. that her parents won’t let her do anything. Being a ghost is no fun when you can’t mess with people, or spook your best friends. But what if you killed them...?
Review: This is a very interesting read. I like the concept and it is very well written. You get chapters from Scarlett’s point of view and from her friends’ point of views, which makes it fascinating to read. Along with the different people telling the story, you also get some extra tidbits from Scarlett as she chats online or updates her blog, and there are pictures too… so much fun.
I must say that this read took a little while for me to get into, not really for any particular reason, it was just a little slow at first, and from the cover I was expecting more of a graphic novel type style, which it is not.
If you like graphic novels, I think this book will work for you. Since there are so many different characters and outlets for Scarlett, it seems a little graphic novel-ish…If you like angst-ridden teens, this is DEFINITELY for you, Scarlett is a little down about her new situation, esp. that her parents won’t let her do anything. Being a ghost is no fun when you can’t mess with people, or spook your best friends. But what if you killed them...?
September 21, 2010
After loving Cathy Brett’s debut, Ember Fury, last year, I was very excited to see if Scarlett Dedd could live up to it. But it was even better.
It really became evident just how talented a woman Cathy Brett is. As well as fun and lively illustrations, her writing is animated and so easy to fall into. Her style and execution is fresh and much appreciated in a genre that’s becoming more and more samey and clichéd. Both the illustrations and writing complimented each other beautifully and made Scarlett Dedd a pleasure to read and is likely to get reluctant readers hooked on books.
But it was Scarlett Dedd’s quirky and hilarious plot that captured me. The way that Scarlett accidentally managed to kill herself and her family was brilliant. Unfortunate and a little nasty, but brilliant. And then you’ve got a varied and distinctive cast of supporting characters: her solitary, struggling novelist dad; scatty, French mum; gross little brother and gothic, horror movie-obsessed friends, Rip, Psycho, JP and Taz. They were so awesome that I kind of understood why she tried to kill them so she wouldn’t have to miss them. Especially Rip’s insults like “walking liposuction accident” and “oozing plague-spot”. Genius!
I loved Scarlett Dedd and I can’t wait to see what Cathy Brett has in store for us next.
It really became evident just how talented a woman Cathy Brett is. As well as fun and lively illustrations, her writing is animated and so easy to fall into. Her style and execution is fresh and much appreciated in a genre that’s becoming more and more samey and clichéd. Both the illustrations and writing complimented each other beautifully and made Scarlett Dedd a pleasure to read and is likely to get reluctant readers hooked on books.
But it was Scarlett Dedd’s quirky and hilarious plot that captured me. The way that Scarlett accidentally managed to kill herself and her family was brilliant. Unfortunate and a little nasty, but brilliant. And then you’ve got a varied and distinctive cast of supporting characters: her solitary, struggling novelist dad; scatty, French mum; gross little brother and gothic, horror movie-obsessed friends, Rip, Psycho, JP and Taz. They were so awesome that I kind of understood why she tried to kill them so she wouldn’t have to miss them. Especially Rip’s insults like “walking liposuction accident” and “oozing plague-spot”. Genius!
I loved Scarlett Dedd and I can’t wait to see what Cathy Brett has in store for us next.
October 30, 2010
It was a bit of an accident really, dying. She hadn’t planned it at all, it just sort of… happened. It all started when Scarlett picked some mushrooms and decided to make a nice, mushroomy dinner. In fact, it all ended with that too; it killed her. Now she’s a ghost, haunting her house, trying to find ways to get her alive friends to notice her, and she��s got a nasty plan…
Scarlett Dedd is Cathy Brett’s second YA/pre-tween novel. It’s full of illustrations by Cathy Brett, and there are plenty of the cartoony-style drawings dotted throughout the book. Scarlett Dedd is probably the first YA novel that actually has a decent amount of text and pictures…No doubt this will be a hit with younger readers who aren’t so keen on reading page after page of writing.
The characters, particularly the main characters are quirky and fun. As an older reader, I do notice the lack of character development and depth, but Scarlett Dedd was written for older primary school kids, and this is the sort of thing they would love. Scarlett is funny, odd; a typical British teen. Scarlett’s family are also appropriately annoying to start with- just like everyone’s parents! Scarlett Dedd really presents British teen and pre-teen life, although perhaps an innocent version of it…read more...
Scarlett Dedd is Cathy Brett’s second YA/pre-tween novel. It’s full of illustrations by Cathy Brett, and there are plenty of the cartoony-style drawings dotted throughout the book. Scarlett Dedd is probably the first YA novel that actually has a decent amount of text and pictures…No doubt this will be a hit with younger readers who aren’t so keen on reading page after page of writing.
The characters, particularly the main characters are quirky and fun. As an older reader, I do notice the lack of character development and depth, but Scarlett Dedd was written for older primary school kids, and this is the sort of thing they would love. Scarlett is funny, odd; a typical British teen. Scarlett’s family are also appropriately annoying to start with- just like everyone’s parents! Scarlett Dedd really presents British teen and pre-teen life, although perhaps an innocent version of it…read more...
October 14, 2012
Scarlett (Scar) is not really excited about the school trip to the World War I trenches, so she decides to make herself sick by eating risotto with mushrooms. Unfortunately, she picks the wrong ones and poisons her whole family. When she "wakes up" sometime later, she realizes that she is a ghost and so is everyone in her family. Not really knowing how to deal with the situation, she gets online and discovers a forum with advice for the newly dead. Deciding that she would be happier if her friends from school were also dead, she decides to kill them. Chaos and hilarity and horror ensues.
This is undoubtedly one of the most unusual books I've ever read. It's funny and even silly sometimes, but always enjoyable. The fun is not just in the plot, but in the wonderful illustrations and imaginative production -- some pages are printed sideways or even in circles. It's part graphic novel, part prose. An entertaining plus -- the character names are quite amusing -- Scarlett Dedd, Ripley Muchmore (called Rip), Destiny Proudfoot, Anastazia (Taz) Pinch, and Psycho. Except for the possible difficulties with the British slang, one illustration of a boy making a rude gesture, and some mild profanity, teens in middle school through early high school should enjoy this story about high school age filmmakers and their ghost friend.
This is undoubtedly one of the most unusual books I've ever read. It's funny and even silly sometimes, but always enjoyable. The fun is not just in the plot, but in the wonderful illustrations and imaginative production -- some pages are printed sideways or even in circles. It's part graphic novel, part prose. An entertaining plus -- the character names are quite amusing -- Scarlett Dedd, Ripley Muchmore (called Rip), Destiny Proudfoot, Anastazia (Taz) Pinch, and Psycho. Except for the possible difficulties with the British slang, one illustration of a boy making a rude gesture, and some mild profanity, teens in middle school through early high school should enjoy this story about high school age filmmakers and their ghost friend.
September 22, 2012
When I heard about this book it said that it was about suicide and killing and when I saw the cover I though it was going to be really dark. Boy was I wrong! I read a review about and it got me to buy the book. I read this in 1 day! I could not put this book down. Cathy did such a cool way of adding drawings threw out the story that made this book fun for me to read. I would recommend this book for everyone.
The way the Cathy describes Scarlett and her family takes me back to my high school days and reminds me of friends that I knew that had a similar life as Scarlett. No one in our group cared that she wore second hand clothes or that her parents didn't have a lot of money. It's all about how the person is and acts about the situation and that's why Scarlett friends liked her but didn't have a chance to tell her before she died. It has teenagers doing teenagers things. Only teenagers in school would think about making them selfs sick to get out of going somewhere related to school. I like that this book has a message and consequences for what they do.
I really wanted a Scarlett to have a little romance before she died but it turns out having a little romance after all you just have to read with who.
The way the Cathy describes Scarlett and her family takes me back to my high school days and reminds me of friends that I knew that had a similar life as Scarlett. No one in our group cared that she wore second hand clothes or that her parents didn't have a lot of money. It's all about how the person is and acts about the situation and that's why Scarlett friends liked her but didn't have a chance to tell her before she died. It has teenagers doing teenagers things. Only teenagers in school would think about making them selfs sick to get out of going somewhere related to school. I like that this book has a message and consequences for what they do.
I really wanted a Scarlett to have a little romance before she died but it turns out having a little romance after all you just have to read with who.
October 26, 2010
I loved this book, such a fun, easy and cute read. There are wonderful illustrations throughout the book which bring the book to life and so many times I laughed out loud. Poor Scarlett, she suffered throughout her short life with humiliation, her strange, crazy and embarrassing parents. Now she has to suffer though her afterlife too.
Her family dies along with her, when she tries to make herself ill so she doesn't have to go on a school trip. She didn't just make herself ill, she killed herself, her parents and her brother. They all become ghosts.
Scarlett, misses her emo friends and thinks it would be a good idea to try to kill them so they can all be friends in the afterlife. Not the best idea, but her heart is in the right place, even if she isn't looking at the bigger picture.
This is my first Graphic Novel, I have to say if they are all as good as this, I have been missing out.
I found this a really funny and original novel. I would recommend it to anyone wanting a fun, light read, which has some fantastic illustrations to add to the fun.
Her family dies along with her, when she tries to make herself ill so she doesn't have to go on a school trip. She didn't just make herself ill, she killed herself, her parents and her brother. They all become ghosts.
Scarlett, misses her emo friends and thinks it would be a good idea to try to kill them so they can all be friends in the afterlife. Not the best idea, but her heart is in the right place, even if she isn't looking at the bigger picture.
This is my first Graphic Novel, I have to say if they are all as good as this, I have been missing out.
I found this a really funny and original novel. I would recommend it to anyone wanting a fun, light read, which has some fantastic illustrations to add to the fun.
January 19, 2013
I have never come across a teen book like this before. It tells the tale of a girl named Scarlett. To avoid a school trip, she eats a poisonous mushroom... and it kills her, as well as the rest of her family. She becomes a ghost, haunting the house she lived in. But being a ghost is no fun without your friends. So Scarlett has to take drastic action.
The style of the book was quirky, with some nice illustrations. I could also really understand the characters- they were very believable. And it is an original story.
I knocked one star off though, as sometimes, the layout was confusing. There was point when the text went around in circles, so I had to keep turning the book, which was annoying. I also feel I didn't learn anything from the book; there was no proper moral really. But I guess this book is just a bit of fun.
If you want a light and relaxing read, pick up this book. You won't regret it.
The style of the book was quirky, with some nice illustrations. I could also really understand the characters- they were very believable. And it is an original story.
I knocked one star off though, as sometimes, the layout was confusing. There was point when the text went around in circles, so I had to keep turning the book, which was annoying. I also feel I didn't learn anything from the book; there was no proper moral really. But I guess this book is just a bit of fun.
If you want a light and relaxing read, pick up this book. You won't regret it.
June 9, 2013
I love the artwork in this and the story is great. The characters are funny, and the book is written in a hodge podge of styles. There are some blog entries from Scarlett's blog, Scar Departed, also some chat room entries from Ghool Kool, which I gather is a chat room for dead people. There's also some proper written story bits and lots of awesome illustrations.
Cathy Brett writes and illustrates the book, and does so in a hilarious manner. Scarlett accidentally kills her family while trying to get out of a school trip, and quickly realises that being dead with no friends is boring. So, rather than try and make new dead friends, she decides to try and make her old friends dead. This book is Scarlett and her friend's tale of everything that happens.
Well worth a read and, as I already said, the artwork is fab.
Cathy Brett writes and illustrates the book, and does so in a hilarious manner. Scarlett accidentally kills her family while trying to get out of a school trip, and quickly realises that being dead with no friends is boring. So, rather than try and make new dead friends, she decides to try and make her old friends dead. This book is Scarlett and her friend's tale of everything that happens.
Well worth a read and, as I already said, the artwork is fab.
October 21, 2012
Scarlett Dedd accidentally killed herself (and her family) while trying to get out of a field trip. Now the teen goth is a teen ghost, blogging with other ghosts and scaring her friends, but is scaring them enough? How does a ghost “make” friends? There is a lot of British slang - -fun but can be confusing at times. The writing is disjointed, episodes feel disconnected, parts of the story are hard to follow as scenes change with no warning or divisions. The graphic novel style illustrations are often visually graphic, gross and rude. So is the story. I would not recommend this on either the Middle School or Elementary level and the characters may be too young for High School.
Cross Posted to kissthebook@blogspot.com CHECK IT OUT!
Cross Posted to kissthebook@blogspot.com CHECK IT OUT!
July 7, 2012
I read about 100 pages of this yesterday on my lunch break and when I thought about reading it again on today's lunch break, I couldn't bring myself to care. This book is confusingly written - a couple of times I had to go back and make sure my ARC wasn't missing any pages because the action from one page to the next made no sense and did not flow at all. Additionally, I feel like Brett is trying too hard to be funny and/or shocking and really comes across as neither. I don't care at all about the story or characters and I feel like I can't be bothered to worry about finishing this. So, I give up on this one.
Thanks to the publisher for an advance reader's copy.
Thanks to the publisher for an advance reader's copy.
June 23, 2013
Scarlett is already odd and comes from the weirdest family in town.It doesn't help her last name is Dedd. She accidentally kills herself in an attempt to get out of going on a school field trip. It took several days for her to realize and grasp the concept that she was dead but after using the internet to find some help she starts to test the limits of her new found death and starts practicing stuff like walking through walls, floating around,moving objects, and... Read Full Review Here
December 10, 2011
Scarlett Dedd was a strange book. When Scarlett un-purposely kills herself and the rest of her family in a horrible attempt to get out of having to going on the school trip, she has found that being dead is really quite lonely without her friends :(Psycho, Ripley, JP and Taz- (what strange names?!),..but it does have some good points! Scarlett's new plan is to try and get her friends to join her, but will it all work out?! A great story for anyone who loves icky picky exciting books!!
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