This is an astounding YA debut that's both heart-wrenching and hopeful. It's gorgeously written and has really well-developed characters, even if those characters aren't always 'likeable' or 'nice. That isn't to say, by any means, that this is a novel with unlikeable characters (I adore the MC), just that these are realistic characters, not ciphers. And the terrible characters are allowed to be just that, without other characters having to forgive or accept those behaviors. It's a super refreshing book, and it's got so much joy in it despite its heavier topics and themes.

When a novel doesn't exist with you as the protagonist then create it! This is a well written novel exploring what it means to be comfortable in your skin. While I've never had the luxury or opportunity to "pass," this concept isn't new. I just never knew it existed in the Native American community. The trauma that Lou was born out of never gets addressed. This is my only hang up with this story. The supporting cast was just that, supportive. King is my favorite character.

3.5 stars

Lou is a biracial native teenager who works at her family's ice-cream shack. She recently broke up with her ex, and her former best friend is now back in her life. When her biological father, a horrible man, comes back into her life, Lou finds herself with many problems.

I honestly couldn't relate to Lou at all, and this was my main issue with this book. It's not about age, race, or life circumstance, but Lou's internal feelings. I didn't really *feel* what she was going through; I couldn't empathize with her. The story was not poorly written, but maybe it's not my favorite style of writing? I also didn't find myself really liking any of the characters. They weren't all bad, but not great either. I hope I'm not being too hard on this story; I do think it's important for own-voices stories to be told, as I'm a Black woman, but I was left feeling wanting with this story. I really struggled to connect with Lou. I do appreciate the ace rep.

This is an exquisitely written, beautifully real coming of age book. I loved the Métis Nation rep (with which I was not familiar) and the MCs sexual awakening. An amazing and distinct new voice in YA lit!!!

Really, really loved this debut from Jen Ferguson! The character development was rich and so satisfying, and I was a big fan of Lou's journey of self-discovery regarding her sexuality, as well.

There were parts of this book that left me breathless with rage and heartbreak - Jen Ferguson did not shy away from depicting racism and anti-Indigenous sentiment. I appreciated the way she sat with the ugliness and then showed how family & community can be tools against them.

I was disgusted by Lou's father and really happy with the outcome of that storyline. Honestly, really loved this book!

Thank you for giving me the chance to read this. I definitely want to try to read it again at another time, but for now, the story wasn't attention grabbing for me and I struggled to connect to Lou.

The Summer of Bitter and Sweet
by Jen Ferguson
HarperCollins Children's Books, Heartdrum
Pub date: May 10

That fabulous cover drew me to Jen Ferguson's debut novel, The Summer of Bitter and Sweet, unlike any book I've read before. The MC Lou is a Métis Native who lives a harsh, difficult, and confusing existence on a Canadian prairie. She helps her family survive as they run a financially shaky ice cream shack. Her mother, a bead artist, quits her low-paying traumatic job to go on the road selling her wares. And Lou's best friend soon leaves to explore dreams elsewhere, while her ex-best friend unexpectedly returns.

As the title says, there are both bitter and sweetness in the gripping story, told through fully-fleshed emotionally real characters. An impressive debut!

CW: Rape and partner abuse.

This novel is released under HarperCollins' Heartdrum imprint -- which features intertribal voices, visions, and stories on Indian Country and the strength of young Native heroes -- in partnership with We Need Diverse Books.

Thanks to author, publisher, and NetGalley for the ARC. Opinions are mine.

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#JenFerguson #Heartdrum #NetGalley #ownvoicesfiction #CanadianMetisNovel
#comingofagefiction #diversityinfiction
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Thank you, Heartdrum, for allowing me to read The Summer of Bitter and Sweet early!

Stories with Natives of Turtle Island as protagonists are rare, tales with queer Native characters are even rarer. Jen Ferguson captivated me with an impressive and emotional narrative and well-fleshed out protagonist.