Ratings15
Average rating4.2
From the critically acclaimed author of Pet and The Death of Vivek Oji, Bitter, a companion novel to Pet, takes a timely and riveting look at the power of youth, protest and art.Bitter is thrilled to have been chosen to attend Eucalyptus, a special school where she can focus on her painting surrounded by other creative teens. But outside this haven, the streets are filled with protests against the deep injustices that grip the town of Lucille.Bitter's instinct is to stay safe within the walls of Eucalyptus . . . but her friends aren't willing to settle for a world that the adults say is "just the way things are." Pulled between old friendships, her creative passion, and a new a romance, Bitter isn't sure where she belongs - in the art studio or in the streets. And if she does find a way to help the revolution while being true to who she is, she must also ask: at what cost?
Reviews with the most likes.
I love this book as much as I love Pet. A corrupt mayor and a city council in the pockets of a billionaire put profit above the citizen's needs. There is an active resistance movement. And so much things happens to try to stop it all. This series is so bold and brave. Saying more truth than most adult books out there.
I loved Pet but I think I loved this even more! Everything about it is so well done: the nuance with which Emezi talks about protest and freedom, their refusal to give easy answers to real world problems, and the warning of uses of power. It's just so good.
Also? Going to go ahead and say one of the best openings to a teen book ever. So freaking good!
WOW this was FANTASTIC. LOVED the added context for Pet but also loved this as its own thing, one that feels like it could take place, like, tomorrow compared to the more utopian* world of Pet.
*I know