Scan barcode
dhamira's review
3.0
i think the storyline is great however i dont really enjoyed it :((( the writing is beautiful, the romance is sweet and i really like the characters nonetheless
megs_s's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
jackolanterns_in_august's review
4.0
I loved this book! I loved the characters and the food and the neighborhood; it made me want to visit all the places and eat the food and hang out with all the characters. The ending wasn’t as satisfying as I would’ve liked, but honestly it was deeply realistic and I respect the hell out of that.
reinas_paradise's review
4.0
Okay I really liked this story and I really LOVED the characters. I found myself growing more and more attached to them as the story developed. However, I feel like the ending was a bit rushed, plus there were a few cringey moments/quotes that I just couldn’t get over
tsubramaniam's review
3.0
3.5 stars
TW: anxiety, depression
I’ll be honest, I sped through this in part because initially Pen’s anxiety was starting to trigger my own but once things mellowed out and I found myself more than halfway through, I was rooting for Pen to succeed and for all the characters to find what they were looking for (literally and figuratively). In that vein please give me an Angel sequel. Not only must I see what happens next for Pen and the restaurant but Angel’s love story was so perfectly teed up it would be a crime not to follow through.
TW: anxiety, depression
I’ll be honest, I sped through this in part because initially Pen’s anxiety was starting to trigger my own but once things mellowed out and I found myself more than halfway through, I was rooting for Pen to succeed and for all the characters to find what they were looking for (literally and figuratively). In that vein please give me an Angel sequel. Not only must I see what happens next for Pen and the restaurant but Angel’s love story was so perfectly teed up it would be a crime not to follow through.
zinelib's review
4.0
Two Latineaustinites come of age in the restaurant service industry. Pen is an aspiring bakery owner--and the daughter of Nacho's Tacos proprietor Ignacio Prado. Xander just joined the staff. He likes to cook, but he's mostly focused on finding the father who left him and his mother in Mexico when Xander was very young. Xander, who is undocumented, lives with his abuelo now. Pen, after she's fired from the restaurant, lives in a 6th floor, concrete hovel.
The story is simultaneously about family and finding one's independence. It took me a while to get into it, but once I did, I was glad, so stick with it! cw: cop who's a good guy
The story is simultaneously about family and finding one's independence. It took me a while to get into it, but once I did, I was glad, so stick with it! cw: cop who's a good guy
milesofpages's review
5.0
I have been sitting with my thoughts on this book for quite some time now. But, every time I think about Pen, Xander, and the entire Nacho’s Tacos family, I just can’t help but smile. Somewhere Between Bitter & Sweet is an AMAZING debut and another in the ranking for top 11 of the year.
Penelope (Pen) is a no nonsense college student who works at her family’s restaurant (Nacho’s Tacos) Her parents don’t want this life for her, but all she wants is to be in the kitchen making magic! She reveals a secret that shakes their family foundation, and finds herself on a journey of acceptance, love, and understanding.
There is so much to unpack in such little time. As an #OwnVoices reviewer, there are times where I question my identity in what I read. There are also other times where I feel so seen, I’m feel like I’m basically naked. SBB&S is one of those books that made me feel exposed to my core. Kemp discusses the taboo surrounding anxiety and depression in Latinx communities. It is done so well and impactful that it brought back memories. She discusses racial profiling, ICE, and police brutality faced daily. There’s that constant push and pull of trying of trying to live your life to the fullest while finding a way to live in the background so you’re not detected. There is just something so raw and real in the writing that I forget I’m reading (or listening) and am transported in that scene at that moment.
Speaking of amazing writing, let’s talk food. Y’all. There was a part where Pen makes cocada and oof. That amazing nostalgia. Laekan Zea Kemp had me sitting in my abuela teeny kitchen and could smell the browning of the flakes and the taste the crunch of the coconut. Cocada is one of my favorite sweets, and it always reminds me of my abuela and Panamá. When my mom would go visit, she’d always bring me back some. It’s home. I was taken home.
If you loved With the Fire on High, or To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before, Fat Chance Charlie Vega, or I Am Not Your Perfect MexIcan Daughter, this one is for you.
While reading, fire up your Spotify or Apple Music and play these in order: 9 to 5 by Dolly Parton, Suavemente by Elvis Crespo, Muevelo by Bella Dose, Let Me Go by Hailee Standfield, and finish with Cuando Hay Amor by Glora Estefan.
Thank you so much to @hearourvoicestour, @littlebrownforyoungreaders, and @libro.fm for the gifted copy. SBB&S is out TODAY! Enjoy the journey.
Penelope (Pen) is a no nonsense college student who works at her family’s restaurant (Nacho’s Tacos) Her parents don’t want this life for her, but all she wants is to be in the kitchen making magic! She reveals a secret that shakes their family foundation, and finds herself on a journey of acceptance, love, and understanding.
There is so much to unpack in such little time. As an #OwnVoices reviewer, there are times where I question my identity in what I read. There are also other times where I feel so seen, I’m feel like I’m basically naked. SBB&S is one of those books that made me feel exposed to my core. Kemp discusses the taboo surrounding anxiety and depression in Latinx communities. It is done so well and impactful that it brought back memories. She discusses racial profiling, ICE, and police brutality faced daily. There’s that constant push and pull of trying of trying to live your life to the fullest while finding a way to live in the background so you’re not detected. There is just something so raw and real in the writing that I forget I’m reading (or listening) and am transported in that scene at that moment.
Speaking of amazing writing, let’s talk food. Y’all. There was a part where Pen makes cocada and oof. That amazing nostalgia. Laekan Zea Kemp had me sitting in my abuela teeny kitchen and could smell the browning of the flakes and the taste the crunch of the coconut. Cocada is one of my favorite sweets, and it always reminds me of my abuela and Panamá. When my mom would go visit, she’d always bring me back some. It’s home. I was taken home.
If you loved With the Fire on High, or To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before, Fat Chance Charlie Vega, or I Am Not Your Perfect MexIcan Daughter, this one is for you.
While reading, fire up your Spotify or Apple Music and play these in order: 9 to 5 by Dolly Parton, Suavemente by Elvis Crespo, Muevelo by Bella Dose, Let Me Go by Hailee Standfield, and finish with Cuando Hay Amor by Glora Estefan.
Thank you so much to @hearourvoicestour, @littlebrownforyoungreaders, and @libro.fm for the gifted copy. SBB&S is out TODAY! Enjoy the journey.