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ameliesbookshelf's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Graphic: Self harm and Blood
Moderate: Violence
Minor: Homophobia
slenoch's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
Bitter is an artist. Aloe is a healer. Hibiscus is a fighter. During unrest and protest, all Bitter wants is for there to be no more monsters and maybe a teensy bit of retaliation. But not as much as some of the Assata members might...
Graphic: Self harm and Violence
pikkumarja's review against another edition
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
The story could have been longer because from time to time it felt a bit rushed. But I love love love Akwaeke Emezi! And even when English is not my first language, this book is definitely a pleasant read.
Graphic: Ableism, Racism, Self harm, Violence, Blood, Police brutality, and Murder
sundayfever's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Graphic: Death, Gun violence, Racism, Self harm, Violence, Police brutality, and Abandonment
Moderate: Hate crime, Violence, Medical content, Murder, War, and Classism
Minor: Ableism, Homophobia, and Sexual harassment
dazzle_spider_reader_1212's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
Moderate: Body horror, Death, Blood, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Ableism, Drug use, Gun violence, Panic attacks/disorders, Self harm, Violence, Police brutality, and Fire/Fire injury
queer_bookwyrm's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Bitter by Akwaeke Emezi is the prequel to their first YA novel, Pet. This one blew me away just as much as Pet did. Emezi's writing is just so powerful and evocative. Like Pet, it's a short and fast read, but doesn't feel rushed.
We follow Bitter, Jam's mother, when she is a teen going to the art school Eucalyptus during the time of Lucille's peak violence and protests. Bitter is a traumatized and jaded girl who wants nothing to do with the protests that often get people hurt and killed. She is resentful of the Assata, the group of young people fighting in the streets against corporate greed and police brutality. She just wants to stay within the walls of Eucalyptus and focus on her art.
When one of her friends is severely injured by police during a protest, Bitter's rage takes over, and she begins to paint something from that rage and brings it to life. She doesn't realize that she has opened a gate for the violent angels to come through seeking vengeance on Lucille's monsters. Bitter learns that there are other ways to contribute to a movement without being on the front lines. Movements need artists too.
There was so much diversity and representation in this book! Almost every single character is queer. The story is so apt and prescient. Emezi poured all their rage and frustration into this book and still gave it a hopeful outcome. I think Bitter represents so many of us who struggle with the conflict of wanting the suffering to end, but not wanting to inflict violence or be on the front lines themselves. It was validating to read that there are other ways to contribute without being in the streets.
I would recommend this to any young person tired of the constant fight or feeling inadequate about their role in the fight. I recommend this to elders to see the hurt and rage the youth are going through. The main message here is to not lose hope, and that we must move beyond violence.
Graphic: Death, Panic attacks/disorders, and Self harm
Moderate: Violence
Minor: Child abuse and Police brutality
emelynreads's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Graphic: Self harm and Blood
inkylabyrinth's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Graphic: Self harm and Blood
Moderate: Death
grem_ler's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Graphic: Homophobia, Violence, Blood, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Self harm and Police brutality
blubonby's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Graphic: Death, Violence, Police brutality, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Child abuse and Self harm