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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: Addiction, Misogyny, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, and Pregnancy
Moderate: Panic attacks/disorders and Pandemic/Epidemic
avocadotoastbee's review against another edition
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: Addiction, Drug abuse, Drug use, Mental illness, Abortion, and Pregnancy
Moderate: Misogyny, Panic attacks/disorders, Suicidal thoughts, Medical content, Fire/Fire injury, and Pandemic/Epidemic
Minor: Excrement and Vomit
syellico's review against another edition
dark
emotional
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Death, Drug use, Mental illness, Misogyny, Self harm, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Abortion, Suicide attempt, Pregnancy, Toxic friendship, and Alcohol
bibliozord's review against another edition
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: Addiction, Domestic abuse, Drug abuse, Suicide, and Abortion
Moderate: Emotional abuse and Pandemic/Epidemic
Minor: Fatphobia and Panic attacks/disorders
opheliasviolence's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
5.0
This book was something else. I've seen people call this sad girl lit, but this is more than that. It's a mirror held up to society to show us our darkest selves.
Ripe perfectly depicts anxiety and depression, toxic work environments, strained mother daughter relationships, loneliness, etc.
It almost feels as though you're watching an episode of Black Mirror. The social commentary was very well done. For example: employees at a mandatory company event complain about the food while outside homeless people live in tents. I could go on and on about all the social commentary in this book, but i'll stop here. I urge you to read the book instead.
I can't possibly express how much I loved this. It's like the book perfectly encapsulated what a lot of people have been thinking & feeling (especially after the pandemic). Although this book is dark, reading it felt like finally getting to scream after holding it in for a long time. Like finally getting to express your frustration, fear, and rage.
Do yourself a favor and read this.
Thank you to NetGalley, Sarah Rose Etter, and Scribner for the ARC.
Ripe perfectly depicts anxiety and depression, toxic work environments, strained mother daughter relationships, loneliness, etc.
It almost feels as though you're watching an episode of Black Mirror. The social commentary was very well done. For example: employees at a mandatory company event complain about the food while outside homeless people live in tents. I could go on and on about all the social commentary in this book, but i'll stop here. I urge you to read the book instead.
I can't possibly express how much I loved this. It's like the book perfectly encapsulated what a lot of people have been thinking & feeling (especially after the pandemic). Although this book is dark, reading it felt like finally getting to scream after holding it in for a long time. Like finally getting to express your frustration, fear, and rage.
Do yourself a favor and read this.
Thank you to NetGalley, Sarah Rose Etter, and Scribner for the ARC.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Addiction, Drug abuse, Drug use, and Abortion
Minor: Pandemic/Epidemic