Review: She's So Dead to Us by Kieran Scott

She's So Dead to Us by Kieran Scott
Young Adult Commercial Fiction
Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing (May 25, 2010)
ISBN-13: 978-1416999515
288 pages
ARC provided by publisher

Synopsis from Amazon:

When having money is all that matters, what happens when you lose it all?

Perfect, picturesque Orchard Hill. It was the last thing Ally Ryan saw in the rear-view mirror as her mother drove them out of town and away from the shame of the scandal her father caused when his hedge fund went south and practically bankrupted all their friends -- friends that liked having trust funds and new cars, and that didn't like constant reminders that they had been swindled. So it was adios, Orchard Hill. Thanks for nothing.

Now, two years later, Ally's mother has landed a job back at the site of their downfall. So instead of Ally's new low-key, happy life, it'll be back into the snake pit with the likes of Shannen Moore and Hammond Ross.

But then there's Jake Graydon. Handsome, wealthy, bored Jake Graydon. He moved to town after Ally left and knows nothing of her scandal, but does know that he likes her. And she likes him. So off into the sunset they can go, right? Too bad Jake's friends have a problem with his new crush since it would make Ally happy. And if anyone deserves to be unhappy, it's Ally Ryan.

Ally was hoping to have left all the drama in the past, but some things just can't be forgotten. Isn't there more to life than money?

You may have heard about my thing for the guilty pleasure reads that are Kate Brian's Private series. So it should come as no surprise that I did a little happy dance when I got this baby in the mail. Written under her real name, Scott has delivered all the over-privileged, teenage drama goodness that is her trademark with She's So Dead to Us.

 Ally and her mother have returned to her hometown after a year of exile to Baltimore due to a huge financial scandal involving her (missing) father. Of course, since all of her former friends are spoiled brats and many several of them from families affected by the finance scheme-gone-wrong, Ally finds herself an outcast among people that she's known her entire life. There is an exception, however. Jake Graydon, the new "Crest" kid in town, is initially oblivious to the Ally-affair. He flirts with her only to later find out that his new friends deem her off-limits.

Oh, the tangled webs! I have to give it to Ms. Scott. Here she's once again brought us the Gossip Girl-ish, rich-kid spectacle when some new elements. Since this novel is set in a town (as opposed to a boarding school like her Private series) and revolves primarily around a group of tight knit families, the parents and there issues factor in largely with the plot and a lot of the teens' behavior. Ally and her mother find themselves longing for their former lives and relationships and dealing with the fallout of Mr. Ryan's scandal. Ally often bases her decisions on trying to keep her mom happy and oblivious to the poor treatment she receives from her old crew. The other teens, especially Jake and Shannon (Ally's former best friend and new enemy), are also contending with tough family issues that factor into their social and romantic lives. This serves to make these kids feel more realistic and their issues and more relatable, despite the fact that most of them are wealthy.

The story is told from the viewpoints of both Ally and Jake. Ally is an admirable protagonist - through all of the drama she maintains a great sense of humor. She's also smart and, though she does miss her old friendships, she refuses to be anyone's punching-bag. Jake is more of a typical teenage boy. At times I struggled a bit to like him because early on he came off as a tad bit egotistical and he seemed to easily influenced by his friends. When I think about his situation though, parents who desperately want to fit in with the Crest families and a position as the newest member to the group, I can understand some of his choices. I do think though that Ally may be better off on her own for now - Jake has some growing up to do.

Their forbidden romance is intruiging, however, and is the centerpiece for most of the ensuing drama. I can't help but marvel at some of the ways that these people treat each other and their justifications for their behavior. It's a fun ride and the climax didn't disappoint. Nothing is resolved in the end, quite the opposite really. Everything unravels for Ally and Jake. The blatant cliffhanger suggests a lot more to come for the residents of Orchard Hill and, personally, I can't wait!

Grade: B
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