While I do think that Bittersweet is a fantastic book and definitely a favorite of mine from 2014, I did have trouble initially connecting with the book. It really did a number on me.īut that’s not to say it’s completely without its problems. I won’t be forgetting this book for a long time. I had so much trouble leaving this story, because Beverly-Whittemore was able to make it so that I felt like I was truly there in the story myself.

I felt those papers in her hands, I kissed that boy, I got my heart broken by somebody I trusted. My heart was pounding along with Mabel’s many different times while I was reading. And the atmosphere was so deliciously eerie. It was hard not to feel like I was literally there in Winloch with these people. The writing was also a favorite element of this book for me. No character stayed stagnant in this book - they were all extremely dynamic. There were times when I loved each character and also times when I hated each of them as well. They were all so human, with their individual motives, backgrounds, and lifestyles. My favorite part of this book was the characters. There were so many characters in the book, but I never had trouble remembering any of them (which is a problem I have often), because they were all so complex with clearly defined personalities. I also loved the rest of the characters - Ev, Lu, John, Birch, Tilde, Galway, Indo.

I didn’t always agree with Mabel’s choices, but they were always understandable and I loved how she consistently stood up for what she believed in, no matter the cost. Her passionate wish to be a part of somebody’s life who maybe isn’t the best influence for her, her incredible thirst for knowledge, her compassionate heart, and intelligent mind. I really related to Mabel’s character throughout the book. I love these types of tangled stories, these forays into intricately twisted families and the hearts and minds of teenage girls. I fell hard with this book, struggling to set it down even the few times that I had to. I just finished reading it and I’m so sad that it’s over.

Bittersweet beverly whittemore