I am absolutely blown away by this book. I read it weeks ago, and I think about it all the time. I can't gush enough about what this book was for me, but I'll try not to go on forever (I could!).

Ripe is a unique and introspective exploration of mental health, corporate culture, and the absurdities of modern life. The protagonist, Cassie, is a millennial woman working at a Silicon Valley startup. She is trapped in a toxic corporate culture, working long hours and dealing with unethical projects, all while trying to reconcile the stark contrast between the city's obscene wealth and abject poverty. Throughout the book, Cassie's struggles with depression and anxiety are personified by an amorphous black hole that has been her constant companion since childhood. This black hole feeds on her distress and draws her ever-closer as the world around her unravels.

As I read this book, I found myself emotionally invested in Cassie's journey. The writing style is sharp yet vulnerable, funny yet unsettling, and it made me feel like I was living the story alongside her. I found myself constantly rooting for Cassie and hoping that she would find a way to escape the toxic culture she was trapped in and overcome her mental health struggles. I came away from it feeling incredibly raw.

One of the things I loved most about this book was how it tackled the subject of mental health. The personification of Cassie's depression and anxiety through the black hole was such a unique and brilliant way of exploring this topic. It made the struggles feel real and tangible, and I think it will resonate with anyone who has ever dealt with mental health issues. It's really what sold the book once and for all to me.

Overall, I highly recommend "Ripe" to anyone who is looking for a thought-provoking and emotionally charged read. The book offers such a unique and reflective take on our shared journey through a late-capitalist hellscape, and all the bullshit that becomes collateral as a result. For my fellow cynics and my fellow depressi's this is for us.

Thanks so so much to Scribner as well as NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of Ripe ahead of its release in July 2023