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Bitter

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Bitter

Written by: Akwaeke Emezi
Narrated by: Bahni Turpin
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Buy Now for $23.31

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About this listen

 From National Book Award finalist Akwaeke Emezi comes a companion novel to the critically acclaimed PET that explores both the importance and cost of social revolution--and how youth lead the way.

After a childhood in foster care, 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 city 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’s so far away from what they deserve. Pulled between old friendships, her artistic passion, and a new romance, Bitter isn’t sure where she belongs—in the 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?

This timely and riveting novel—a companion to the National Book Award finalist Pet—explores the power of youth, protest, and art.
 Difficult Situations Literature & Fiction

What the critics say

★ "A compact, urgent, and divine novel." —Kirkus Reviews, starred review

★ "Emezi once again deftly conjures an ethereal world in which hope is a practice, teen voice and choice are uplifted, and art is validated and lauded as a form of resistance." —SLJ, starred review

★ "[A] timely... story with vivacious queer characters of color who have the agency to define the future for themselves and their city." —Publishers Weekly, starred review

"Accomplished in its use of uneasily dreamy language." —The Horn Book

"Mesmerizing from start to finish." —Booklist
All stars
Most Relevant
Akwaeke Emezi writes a profound revolution. This book was layered with multifaceted views of revolt, from those on the front lines of the protests, risking their lives to be heard, to those paralyzed with fear for friends and self and immobilized by a dearth of hope in success. This book showed people burnt out, people trying and failing, people inspiring others to get up and try again. And it showed people coming together in times of need, helping each other, accepting one another for their strengths and their flaws.

If you like queer found family, fantastic disability rep, and a revolution that will shake your foundations and fill you with hope, this book is a MUST READ.

A must read

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It was a really good story but I found it dragging in a few places. The imagery was outstanding. And the narration was wonderful!!

Gripping and imaginative

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