Reviews

Sweetbitter by Stephanie Danler

blairbreyer's review against another edition

4.0

As a 20-something in New York City, I really enjoyed this book. It gave such an interesting view into the inner-workings of restaurants. Beyond that, I loved the way that Tess was discovering herself in context of the city. Over-all this is a compelling book that is fast-paced and fun.

megrosemac's review against another edition

2.0

2021 Pop Sugar Reading Challenge: a book with an oxymoron in the title

mellmeyer96's review against another edition

3.0

“It’s a dangerous game, isn’t it? The stories we tell ourselves.”

This book was a bit of a rollercoaster for me, constantly making me go back and forth between loving and hating it every 20 minutes or so. The writing was undeniably engaging, vividly transporting me into the heart of the restaurant, where I felt like I was a fly on the wall, witnessing the detailed daily grind among the flawed, complex characters.

At times, especially through the middle, reading felt a bit like a chore. The pacing slowed, making it a little tough to push through, but I’m glad I stuck with it to the end. Despite the occasional slog, I can’t say I wasn’t sucked in. The author’s ability to create such a compelling atmosphere and nuanced characters kept me turning the pages.

Ultimately, this book felt more like a character study than a plot-driven narrative. It focused on exploring the intricacies of its characters’ lives and relationships, which was both its strength and, at times, its weakness. While it might not be for everyone, those who appreciate deep dives into character development will find it a worthwhile read.

martemorte's review against another edition

3.75

I was, weirdly, surprised when they started fighting for the boy but I would not be surprised if in a few years Tess comes out as a lesbian. this is my queer awakening in a nutshell. 

evaribaker's review against another edition

1.0

So bad I could not finish. I had read great reviews about this in the WSJ. It was awful--pretentious, plot-less, soul-less and written in a POV that I could only hear as a ridiculous beat poet wannabe.

barbaraalfond's review against another edition

3.0

I really, really wanted to dislike this book: the profanity; the grubbiness; the drugs; the overwrought sensuality; the unbeatable pretentiousness of the wise and world-weary mentor. I heard the author on NPR—just a teaser—and I couldn't bear her little-girl voice when I knew what she wrote and how she wrote about it. But you know what? She's smart and the book is smart, too.

ryleeberger's review against another edition

3.5

loved to hate the main character 

amanda_lee's review against another edition

2.0

I liked the idea of Tess moving to New York City, getting a good job, and bring introduced to fine wine and food. However, I kept waiting for a plot to show up. There is no plot. There's drinking, cocaine, vomiting, flirting, crying, and that's about it. I grew tired of the constant drinking and snorting, it wasn't enough to carry the story.

I was waiting for Tess to grow up. She was absolutely pathetic and incompetent. I have a hard time believing she'd get a job like that let along keep it. Her favourite food is toast. Really. I didn't care about any of the characters but if I had to choose, i'd say I liked Simone best. She was basically what Tess wanted to be - cultured, sophisticated, mysterious. However, she didn't feel real.

There's so much pretentious drivel I wanted to give up so many times.

ms_hartman's review against another edition

5.0

The fact that so many people don’t like this makes me think people don’t like me lol. Criminal behavior-leads me to believe I would be a very unsuccessful writer.

jadey24's review against another edition

dark emotional reflective medium-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

4.0