On Being Stuck

Issue 23: Reading "Ripe" by Sarah Rose Etter

Welcome to Spark Siren, where stories inspire impact ✨

After having read Adults by Emma Jane Unsworth, Ripe by Sarah Rose Etter seemed like a great successor to tie up some of the common themes. Societal expectations affect all of us, regardless of culture. Although many societies differ from one another in terms of culture and expectations, we can still determine that they impact us on an individual level. In our protagonist’s case, it’s her corporate work life that has impacted her the most.

Ripe by Sarah Rose Etter describes what Cassie’s life looks like within Western societal standards and how she feels about the overall impact of it on her life. Although there are several aspects of her life that are highlighted in the book, it ultimately all comes together in what looks like an existential crisis. In the story, Cassie describes the pressure as a lingering black hole that feeds off of her unhappiness and depression. The story starts to introduce us to all the scenarios and circu…