A review by waytoomanybooks
Sweetbitter by Stephanie Danler

dark emotional reflective sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

If you like The Bear, you’ll like this book. I actually prefer the book to the show because the book feels even more realistic. Books can do what does cannot: look into the head of the protagonist.

That’s what I like most about Sweetbitter. We get to experience the highs (literally) and lows of the restaurant industry alongside Tess rather than as a viewer. We know exactly what she’s feeling and what she’s thinking about. It makes you love her, and it makes you hate her, but mostly if makes you want to sit her down with a cup of tea and ask her what she needs and how you can help her get back on her feet.

I like that the ultimate message of the novel is the importance of figuringout what’s good for you and who’s good for you when you’re still young enough to make mistakes and plans and choices. Danler wants us to reflect not only on what we want, but what we will or won’t do to get it. And if it will make you happy to get what you (think you) want.
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