Review: Bittersweet by Sarah Ockler
Title: Bittersweet
Hardcover, 384 pages
Author: Sarah Ockler
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Publication Date: January 3, 2012
Source: Publisher
Buy: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads
Book Summary:
Once upon a time, Hudson knew exactly what her future looked like. Then a betrayal changed her life, and knocked her dreams to the ground. Now she’s a girl who doesn’t believe in second chances… a girl who stays under the radar by baking cupcakes at her mom’s diner and obsessing over what might have been.
So when things start looking up and she has another shot at her dreams, Hudson is equal parts hopeful and terrified. Of course, this is also the moment a cute, sweet guy walks into her life…and starts serving up some seriously mixed signals. She’s got a lot on her plate, and for a girl who’s been burned before, risking it all is easier said than done. It’s time for Hudson to ask herself what she really wants, and how much she’s willing to sacrifice to get it. Because in a place where opportunities are fleeting, she knows this chance may very well be her last…
Review:
Oh 2012, you’re so great for contemporaries.
Bittersweet was original “The Language of Impossible Dreams” and was set to release in August. In November I found out that the release was moved to JANUARY! What a move!
I finally read Twenty Boy Summer a few months ago and was an instant Sarah Ockler fan – so it’s no surprise that I wanted to read her newest. Bittersweet has some really fun themes based on the main character – Hudson bakes cupcakes for her mom’s diner and each chapter title is a cupcake name with the contents of the cupcake (most sound quite delicious). This is one of my favorite chapter headings (and one of the most creative). Hudson is ALSO a former figure skater! What a fun combo.
Hudson’s parents got divorced three years ago, affecting Hudson so much that she gave up figure skating right on the spot. This also tore apart her and her best friend, leaving Hudson just doing what it takes to get by. When she receives a notice of a figure skating competition that she could participate in and give her an opportunity to leave the diner life, she starts practicing. To get ice time, Hudson teams up with her school’s hockey team – trading skating lessons for time in the rink.
As you can imagine, there are a few boys on the team that catch Hudson’s eye; not only does she have to try to prepare for her competition, but she also has to balance her diner life and possible relationships. Sarah Ockler knows how to write a contemporary, guys. When I finished Bittersweet I was thinking to myself how well it was written and how much had happened.
It’s a slightly longer YA book, but Ockler keeps the plot going as Hudson learns about herself and how to make improvements in her life. I would undoubtedly recommend Bittersweet to fans of contemporary YA and especially those who loved Twenty Boy Summer.
Ockler weaves characters and situations together with great talent, giving us the life of a girl finding her way when it seemed she was stuck with nothing to look forward to.
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This one’s staring at me, literally from across the room. I too picked it up because I loved Twenty Boy Summer. If you can make the memory of a dead character feel like flesh, I’m in!
I think I like the new title better and the cover is stunning!
Marie recently posted..The Standalone Reading Challenge
I LOVEEEE this cover too! I read an old ARC so I haven’t been able to see the real cover in person but I bet it looks awesome (and delicious)
I honestly do not know why, and I’m clearly in the minority in this, but I was not completely blown away by TWENTY BOY SUMMER. However, that has never deterred me from thinking about trying out more of Ockler’s books. The trailer for this book really has me excited! :D I’m definitely getting this one when it comes out in paperback.
Cass (Words on Paper) recently posted..YA Historical Fiction Challenge 2012 & January is for the past
Books hit everyone differently – I’ve been in the minority on a few “loved” books as well :) Glad you haven’t given up on Sarah Ockler! This one is definitely a good one to try again on :)
Mmmmmm cupcakes! I can’t wait to read this one.
So many good reviews of this book today — it’s great timing because it’s PERFECT for winter. And now I want to eat a cupcake…or twenty.
Anna recently posted..Bittersweet by Sarah Ockler Review
I think I’d read this just for the cupcakes! I usually don’t gravitate to contemporary books because I tend to like more fantasy-based books, but lately I’ve been reading more and more contemporary and am LOVING them! This one sounds really good; you’ve gotta love a girl who pulls herself up by her (skating) boot laces! Great review!
Candice recently posted..Retro Reads Thursday: Dunh dunh dunhhh!
I always vote more contemporary!! Hope you read a few more than you normally would this year :)
Twitter: LStrongin
You had me at figure skating. It’s the ONE sport I love watching on TV because it’s all about artistry *and* strength. (Hence why The Cutting Edge is one of my all time favorite movies!) So yup, definitely going to check this one out. Thanks so much for the rec!
Smiles!
Lori
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Twitter: bookandlatte
I can’t wait to read this! I actually just went to Sarah Ockler’s book signing last night. She is sooo sweet, and discussing it just makes me want to read it NOW.
Jen @ A Book and a Latte recently posted..Waiting on Wednesday (33)
Oh I hope to meet Sarah Ockler some day!!
Twitter: bookworm1858
So excited for this! I just adore contemporaries and I really enjoyed Ockler’s Fixing Delilah. Based on my skimming of your review (I’m pretty spoiler-phobic), I think I will love this one.
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