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bloupibloupreads's review against another edition
dark
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Pregnancy, Suicide, Misogyny, Suicidal thoughts, and Addiction
Moderate: Panic attacks/disorders and Pandemic/Epidemic
avocadotoastbee's review
dark
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Ripe is for people with mommy issues who cried watching Ladybird and enjoyed My Year of Rest and Relaxation by Ottessa Moshfeigh, as well as Sarah Rose Etter's previous novel The Book of X.
Just as in The Book of X, we follow the protagonist, Cassie. Perhaps it is a different version of Cassie from The Book of X. The novel is set in Silicon Valley, where Cassie works at a tech start-up and struggles with life in the late capitalist world - housing crisis, a deadly virus, working 90 hours a week and appearing to cope with it all.
Just as in The Book of X, we follow the protagonist, Cassie. Perhaps it is a different version of Cassie from The Book of X. The novel is set in Silicon Valley, where Cassie works at a tech start-up and struggles with life in the late capitalist world - housing crisis, a deadly virus, working 90 hours a week and appearing to cope with it all.
"A single choice made with the best intentions can become a terrible life. Imagine biting into a seemingly ripe fruit, only to have your mouth filled with rot."
What makes the story so bizarre is that Cassie was born with a black hole always hovering next to her.
If you've read The Book of X and liked Etter's writing style, you'll love Ripe, too.
Throughout the book, Sarah Rose Etter inserts facts about black holes, physics, and word definitions.
"it was just me and the black hole, which spiraled wider. I stared into the abyss and wondered, not for the first or the last time, what would become of me if I let myself fall inside."
All in all, I was stunned by Ripe. I related to it on a deep level and at times I felt like Etter was in my head, taking my life and thoughts as inspiration. The way she describes certain themes is unmatched. I can't wait to read more from her.
She has easily become one of my favorite authors this year.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Drug use, Abortion, Addiction, Drug abuse, Mental illness, and Pregnancy
Moderate: Medical content, Misogyny, Panic attacks/disorders, Suicidal thoughts, Pandemic/Epidemic, and Fire/Fire injury
Minor: Excrement and Vomit
bookrokosmos's review
dark
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Ripe is definitely a captivating and thought-provoking read that manages to depict Cassie's deep sense of emptiness. The author's engaging and bold prose truly brings the story to life, showcasing the unique format of the book that skillfully alternates between Cassie's present and past experiences. However, what truly adds to the poignancy of the narrative is how the ever-present black hole consistently mirrors Cassie's emotions in every passing moment. It's a hauntingly beautiful, yet undeniably sad and somewhat discomforting journey.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse, Drug abuse, Suicide, Abortion, and Addiction
Moderate: Pandemic/Epidemic and Emotional abuse
Minor: Fatphobia and Panic attacks/disorders
servemethesky's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
Sarah Rose Etter has done it again. The Book of X is one of my favorite books of all time. For me, Ripe did not surpass it. Etter’s critique of capitalism and depiction of our current dystopia is spot-on, but it was almost painful to read at times because it’s so real and bleak. The Book of X is more surreal and removed from our current moment, so I preferred it and the emotional punch it packs.
Nonetheless, Ripe is beautifully done. The prose is sharp and gorgeous. The bite-sized chapters make it easy to fly through this book. For those who have read The Book of X, you might see the ending coming. I love that the ending can be read in a hopeful light depending on how you feel about the research presented on wormholes.
The pregnancy plot was not my favorite aspect. It definitely gives the novel a sense of urgency, but it was hard to watch the protagonist do cocaine and drink while knowing she’s most likely pregnant. If you’re currently trying and struggling to get pregnant, you might want to skip this book for now. I appreciate the realistic depiction of abortion, though, and Etter’s clear point that women deserve the right to choose.
Etter’s use of definitions, research, notes, and examples felt so different and fresh to me in The Book of X, and a little more familiar and expected here. They’re utilized effectively, though. I loved how she structured the novel around the layers of a pomegranate. So creative + brilliant.
Nonetheless, Ripe is beautifully done. The prose is sharp and gorgeous. The bite-sized chapters make it easy to fly through this book. For those who have read The Book of X, you might see the ending coming. I love that the ending can be read in a hopeful light depending on how you feel about the research presented on wormholes.
Etter’s use of definitions, research, notes, and examples felt so different and fresh to me in The Book of X, and a little more familiar and expected here. They’re utilized effectively, though. I loved how she structured the novel around the layers of a pomegranate. So creative + brilliant.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Abortion, Sexism, Drug use, Panic attacks/disorders, Suicidal thoughts, and Drug abuse
Minor: Fire/Fire injury and Suicide
caseythereader's review
challenging
dark
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Thanks to Scribner Books for the free copy of this book.
- RIPE is one of those books that's satire, but only just barely. I work in marketing, and though luckily I've never had this horrific a job, I see elements from the larger field taken to their logical endpoints all over this book.
- I loved the slight fantastical element of the black hole that follows Cassie around. I'm not sure the device got used to its full potential, but it kept the book from being simply a rote recitation of horrors.
- Although I think the black hole plot thread and the dictionary definition framing device didn't quite work as well as intended, we do a love a book where a character gets an ab0rtion simply because she just cannot have a child right now.
- RIPE is one of those books that's satire, but only just barely. I work in marketing, and though luckily I've never had this horrific a job, I see elements from the larger field taken to their logical endpoints all over this book.
- I loved the slight fantastical element of the black hole that follows Cassie around. I'm not sure the device got used to its full potential, but it kept the book from being simply a rote recitation of horrors.
- Although I think the black hole plot thread and the dictionary definition framing device didn't quite work as well as intended, we do a love a book where a character gets an ab0rtion simply because she just cannot have a child right now.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Panic attacks/disorders, Sexual content, Cursing, Medical content, Pandemic/Epidemic, Police brutality, Abortion, Alcohol, Drug abuse, Emotional abuse, Pregnancy, and Suicide
Moderate: Vomit
Minor: Domestic abuse
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