A review by servemethesky
Ripe by Sarah Rose Etter

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.
Expand filter menu Content Warnings