Ripe Essays

Kirkus gives high praise to Negesti Kaudo's debut collection, "Ripe," calling it a deeply intimate meditation on millennial Black womanhood and a powerful critique of how Black girls and women are treated in this country. Described as a must-read by LitHub for 2022, Kaudo's essays explore the emotional range that comes with white privilege, challenging readers to join her on a journey through anger, grief, love, and hope as she grapples with owning her Black identity and body in today's America.

As a sharp and insightful cultural critic, Kaudo delves into the complexities of race, class, pop culture, size, and sexuality, shedding light on the ways in which society often marginalizes or appropriates Black culture. From her experiences as a poor Black student in a private school to the evolution of her hair routine, she leaves no stone unturned in addressing the challenges of navigating a world that constantly questions her Blackness. Rejecting the stereotype of the "angry Black woman," Kaudo asserts her right to express a full range of emotions as she fights against injustice and strives to find herself, even if it means facing discomfort along the way.

In her thought-provoking collection, Kaudo challenges readers to reconsider their assumptions and biases, urging them to confront the realities of being Black in America. With lyrical prose and sharp analysis, she invites us to join her in a journey of self-discovery and empowerment, as she asserts her identity and demands to be seen and heard in a world that often tries to silence her voice.

product information: