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fluffypancakes101's review
3.0
Not sure what to say about this one….
First off, the first 140 pages had nothing to do between the two main characters, so it did have a slow start. But honestly thinking back, this book goes how you want it. Nothing gets in the way or their blossoming romance, but together they fix each others problems. Like it’s such a clever way to have written the book like this.
This book wasn’t exactly my cup of tea but it did grow on me for the 190ish pages. This book had character. But the thing preventing it from getting a 4 star was how slow the beginning was to me.
Overall, I do think some will and won’t enjoy the book. But I think it could be worth giving a try if you’re into reading about rich bosses who make deals and threaten business owners.(that’s how imma put it)
First off, the first 140 pages had nothing to do between the two main characters, so it did have a slow start. But honestly thinking back, this book goes how you want it. Nothing gets in the way or their blossoming romance, but together they fix each others problems. Like it’s such a clever way to have written the book like this.
This book wasn’t exactly my cup of tea but it did grow on me for the 190ish pages. This book had character. But the thing preventing it from getting a 4 star was how slow the beginning was to me.
Overall, I do think some will and won’t enjoy the book. But I think it could be worth giving a try if you’re into reading about rich bosses who make deals and threaten business owners.(that’s how imma put it)
mysterymom40's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
informative
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness, Violence, Fire/Fire injury, and Gun violence
Moderate: Toxic friendship, Abandonment, Cursing, Police brutality, and Self harm
Minor: Vomit and Alcohol
Due to some of the content, I would say the audience might range from an older teen to an adult.yari_reads's review
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
- 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? Yes
2.75
neon_capricorn's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
“Somewhere Between Bitter and Sweet" presents a compelling narrative that straddles various thematic realms within the YA genre. Delving into poignant subjects such as mental health struggles, undocumented immigration, and the necessity of self-reliance, the novel offers a multifaceted exploration of contemporary challenges. Amidst these weighty themes, the story also unfolds a tender romance, intertwined with the protagonists' evolving dynamics with their families amidst life-altering transitions. Skillfully balancing cultural nuances and intergenerational conflicts, this book emerges as a poignant and thought-provoking read, illuminating the complexities of identity and adaptation.
katiewrites's review against another edition
5.0
This is such a gorgeous story about growing up, finding family, and making a home. The themes of community are heartwarming and play out really well here. I also love the romance between the two leads. It’s so supportive, soft, and honest. Such a good representation of a healthy romantic relationship.
Also, the author accomplished her goal and I was craving Mexican food the whole time I was reading it.
Also, the author accomplished her goal and I was craving Mexican food the whole time I was reading it.
cwgoodyear's review
3.5
I really enjoyed this book. Its an easy read while still managing to tackle heavy topics like being undocumented and mental health. The characters felt very real and I felt like the ending was very fitting.
sydthewitch's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.25
Sweet and sympathetic. An absolutely cozy read about growing up, the many expressions of love, and the meaning of hope that will have you craving ojos de pancha.
Content Warnings
Minor: Violence, Cultural appropriation, Alcohol, Gun violence, Police brutality, Racism, Trafficking, and Fire/Fire injury
marthanator13's review against another edition
4.0
More like a 4.5. I liked it way better than I thought I was which was a nice surprise.
smalltownbookmom's review against another edition
5.0
This was SUCH a great debut!! I loved it a LOT! The story follows Penelope, a Mexican American teen who is balancing what she wants with her parent's expectations for her. When Penelope drops out of college her plan to manage her family's Nacho's Tacos restaurant gets thwarted, forcing her to find a new path to her dream of opening a pastelería. Kicked out of the house, she's forced to find her own place and get a minimum wage job to support herself. Her disappointment and the rift with her parents becomes a little easier though when she befriends Xander, the new hire at Nacho's Tacos.
Xander is living in the shadows as an undocumented immigrant and trying to stay under the radar from authorities while also searching for his father. The two teens quickly bond over food and help one another realize their goals.
I can't praise this book enough! Full of food, found family and first love the author has created memorable characters I won't soon forget. There's also really good mental health rep in this book as Penelope suffers from depression and self-harm (this was glossed over a bit which was my one critique for the book). Highly recommended for fans of A Cuban girl's guide to tea and tomorrow, With the fire on high or How Moon Fuentez fell in love with the universe and excellent on audio with an author's note included at the end and a bonus song too.
Favorite quote:
"Because in life sometimes the only way to move forward is to do the scary thing, especially when it's the right thing. That's what I've learned about fear: courage isn't a currency and claiming it isn't a game. The things that scare us are roadblocks but mirrors. And bravery isn't about shattering a reflection, it's about having the strength to look."
CW: depression in teens, self-harm, parental absence
Xander is living in the shadows as an undocumented immigrant and trying to stay under the radar from authorities while also searching for his father. The two teens quickly bond over food and help one another realize their goals.
I can't praise this book enough! Full of food, found family and first love the author has created memorable characters I won't soon forget. There's also really good mental health rep in this book as Penelope suffers from depression and self-harm (this was glossed over a bit which was my one critique for the book). Highly recommended for fans of A Cuban girl's guide to tea and tomorrow, With the fire on high or How Moon Fuentez fell in love with the universe and excellent on audio with an author's note included at the end and a bonus song too.
Favorite quote:
"Because in life sometimes the only way to move forward is to do the scary thing, especially when it's the right thing. That's what I've learned about fear: courage isn't a currency and claiming it isn't a game. The things that scare us are roadblocks but mirrors. And bravery isn't about shattering a reflection, it's about having the strength to look."
CW: depression in teens, self-harm, parental absence