Sarah Rose Etter

As one reviewer said, "I loved it even though I felt a little sick." The dad's meat quarry will drive you straight to a vegan diet. Another commenter said compelling and unbearable. I couldn't stop reading, but I wanted to stop, not to think about the sad, hurting protagonist any longer. The writing is remarkable, the structure is unique with reference citations and visions interspersed with her story. As a metaphor for contemporary womanhood, it's spot on, but is there no shred of kindness? Not for Cassie.… (more)

I could relate to some of the main character's early childhood depression and anxiety, maternal issues and fighting like hell to seem competent and fit into a work culture that's toxic and bad for you, but couldn't relate and was kind of annoyed by her constant drug use. A lot of the writing was absolutely heartbreaking and the use of surrealism and metaphor were very effective and visceral. Also, this was set in the SF Bay Area, so a lot of the places and corporate stuff was instantly recognizable to me. Generally kind of depressing, but I hope she was able to find more agency, peace, and freedom in the end. Maybe in the end the black hole was just the scary void of possibility when she chose for herself instead of giving in to the expectations of others and not an actual black hole or metaphor for giving in to depression/psychosis? I dunno. Made me want to buy pomegranate juice real bad once I finished it though.… (more)