A review by bookobsessedmommy
Bitter by Akwaeke Emezi

adventurous dark emotional mysterious 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? No

5.0

Akwaeke had done it again. Reading Pet, you can't help but be curious about Bitter's backstory, and this book shows us what Lucille was before it became a seeming utopia. This book is haunting, magical and vaguely biblical, but I can almost guarantee it's not in the way you're thinking. Emezi weaves this intricate fantasy world that is painfully similar to ours, and gives this vague hope that things can truly change for the better. I love the queer normative atmosphere, the cultural diversity, and journey Bitter goes on to realize that fighting for justice takes on many forms. If you're dubious about whether YA fiction can be impactful, read this book. I will be shocked if you don't change your mind. 

 “We are each other's harvest; we are each other's business; we are each other's magnitude and bond.” - Gwendolyn Brooks