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megdaven's review
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- 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
3.0
This is a YA about two teenagers who are battling inner (mental health issues) and outer demons (documentation and family), set in the backdrop of a neighborhood restaurant who provides the community more than food. And of course they fall in love. Penny wants to
feed people and feels purpose through her food and Xander likes to cook, but is insecure about where he belongs in part because of being undocumented. The story follows their paths to better understanding of themselves, the connection that food brings, and believing in your abilities. I think as a teen I would have loved this, so if YA is your thing - check it out. Also I liked that it did not have a neat ending completely which I feel is atypical for YA but realistic for one of the main them selves.
feed people and feels purpose through her food and Xander likes to cook, but is insecure about where he belongs in part because of being undocumented. The story follows their paths to better understanding of themselves, the connection that food brings, and believing in your abilities. I think as a teen I would have loved this, so if YA is your thing - check it out. Also I liked that it did not have a neat ending completely which I feel is atypical for YA but realistic for one of the main them selves.
chelebrity91's review against another edition
4.0
This book started out a little slow. There was a lot of like inner dialogue to sift through but the story was such a good and wholesome story. It dives into some of the fear of somebody who is undocumented. It also paints a beautiful picture of a neighborhood and togetherness.
sweetrosegirl76's review against another edition
3.0
3.5? Idk if I'll round or not. For someone who doesn't like contemporary books I read a lot of them. So this one was definitely relatable from a Latina perspective like on how our parents lie to us and with hold information, how close families are and community is. How we rally for each other. How we end up hurting each other because we're trying to protect each other. Penelope's dad is definitely representative of how a lot of Latino fathers are. I'm very grateful that my parents broke as many generational curses as they did. My parents didn't withhold affection and didn't really hide a lot from us at least to the extent that most Brown families do. Most Brown families don't talk about anything, I'm thankful that mine wasn't like that. That's why it wasn't as relatible to me personally because my because my parents were very intentional on raising this differently, but they're not perfect so I def still related to some concepts like getting kicked out, getting reasons why decisions are made way after the fact etc.
This was a great book to showed the importance of community support.
This was a great book to showed the importance of community support.
yoongiswife's review against another edition
4.0
“The truth is, my parents were wrong about me being made of stone. Everyone is. I’m not cold because I don’t feel anything. I’m this way… because I feel everything.”
I truly loved how I connected with the characters in this read. Absolutely loved Alejandro and Pen.
I truly loved how I connected with the characters in this read. Absolutely loved Alejandro and Pen.
fluffypancakes101's review against another edition
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
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 against another edition
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
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 against another edition
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.