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robinks's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Ableism, Body horror, Death, Gore, Gun violence, Panic attacks/disorders, Self harm, Violence, Blood, Police brutality, Grief, Murder, Injury/Injury detail, and Classism
Moderate: Child abuse, Child death, Cursing, Domestic abuse, Drug use, Emotional abuse, Mental illness, Racism, Sexism, Medical content, Death of parent, Fire/Fire injury, Abandonment, and War
Minor: Biphobia, Homophobia, Infidelity, Sexual content, Vomit, Religious bigotry, and Lesbophobia
leafilys'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
4.5
Bitter is an amazingly well rounded and relatable character and her development was so engaging to read about. Her relationships with her friends, boyfriend, and mentors are so wholesome but still realistic. Each side character has a distinct personality and voice, none of them are shallow or simply used as plot devices.
Reading about Assata was both a beautiful lesson in hope and community, and a brutal examination of the violence that protestors face. I like that this book is somewhat empathetic towards those that turn to violence because of the violence inflicted on them, but still drives home the message that love for your comrades will always be more important than hatred for your enemies.
Graphic: Cursing, Death, Panic attacks/disorders, Self harm, Violence, Blood, Police brutality, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Body horror, Gun violence, Racism, Death of parent, Murder, and Classism
Minor: Ableism, Child abuse, Child death, Drug use, Gore, Homophobia, Infidelity, Physical abuse, Antisemitism, Fire/Fire injury, and Abandonment
draven_deathcrush's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Death, Violence, and Police brutality
Moderate: Child death and Murder
jessicaludden'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
5.0
Minor: Body horror, Child death, Death, Gun violence, Hate crime, Racism, Blood, Police brutality, and Murder
lynxpardinus's review against another edition
4.5
Graphic: Death, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Self harm, Violence, Blood, Police brutality, Grief, Murder, War, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Ableism, Body horror, Child abuse, Emotional abuse, Gun violence, Hate crime, Homophobia, Racism, Medical content, Religious bigotry, Death of parent, Fire/Fire injury, Abandonment, and Classism
Minor: Child death, Confinement, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Infidelity, Slavery, Suicidal thoughts, Antisemitism, and Trafficking
miniingrid's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Es duro, pero no se recrea ni hurga en el dolor. Y te recuerda que la esperanza es una disciplina, es algo que se tiene que trabajar y por lo que vale la pena hacerlo.
Graphic: Death, Violence, Police brutality, Grief, and Murder
Moderate: Blood
Minor: Child abuse and Child death
kbairbooks'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
5.0
Graphic: Death, Panic attacks/disorders, Violence, Blood, Police brutality, Medical content, Medical trauma, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Child abuse and Child death
Minor: Death of parent
gen_wolfhailstorm'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
5.0
Bitter brings us back to Pet's world of monster filled Lucille... but is it the monsters you're expecting, or a much more sinister kind? The type with a friendly face, & unexpected urges? This story throws us into Bitter's life. Sick & tired of seeing protests & bodies bruised & battered outside the safety of her school, she throws herself into her art... slowly finding hope again, & her own role to play in the fight against the monsters of Lucille.
I really enjoyed this. I love seeing more of this world, & how it affects a different set of characters.
Bitter comes across very standoffish but I enjoyed seeing that hard exterior slowly chip away.
I felt so comforted by Miss Bilphena's care of checking everyone had substantial food I'm their stomachs & the simple question of "you eat meat" made me kind of emotional. I think it was that kindness to care for everyone's dietary needs were cared for, regardless of the chaos happening out in Lucille.
It was great to see more of these hunters & more back story to the magic of the blood/paint. That's something I was really curious about whilst reading Pet & Bitter has answered so many questions.
I loved the message that everyone has a role to play in revolution and you don't have to be in the front line to be doing worth while work. It doesn't make you weak or a coward, everyone has their place and is valued in their effort of changing the world for the better.
This was a powerful & impactful novel.
Graphic: Child death, Genocide, Gun violence, Homophobia, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Self harm, Torture, Toxic relationship, Violence, Police brutality, Grief, Fire/Fire injury, Gaslighting, Toxic friendship, Abandonment, War, Injury/Injury detail, and Classism
lindseyhall44's review
- 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
Bitter follows its titular character as she navigates themes of art, social justice, and activism . Set against the backdrop of youth protest, Bitter decide must if leaving the safety of her boarding school, Eucalyptus, is the best way for her to create the change she desires.
The characters were definitely the strongest point of the novel, as Akwaeke did an amazing job creating flawed and complex narratives. Bitter’s character development was a master class itself, but the side characters also added an important outlook into the practice of youth activism, and the many different routes there are!
That being said, I do wish we had gotten a more developed look into Aloe and Bitter’s relationship, but that is just a personal preference, because I love them together!
Overall, I would 100% recommend reading Bitter, but maybe pick up Pet first:)
Graphic: Child death, Mental illness, Self harm, Violence, Blood, Police brutality, Murder, Fire/Fire injury, Abandonment, and Injury/Injury detail
julesadventurezone's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Graphic: Death, Drug use, Panic attacks/disorders, Self harm, Violence, Blood, Police brutality, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Fire/Fire injury
Minor: Body horror, Child death, Blood, Vomit, Religious bigotry, and Death of parent