Earth Hates Me: True Confessions from a Teenage Girl

by Ruby Karp

"This book is filled with juicy young person wisdom." —Amy Poehler

The definitive guide to being a teen in the modern age, with sage advice from a modern teenager and appealing to fans of Rookie.

Earth Hates Me presents a look inside the mind of the modern teenager—from a modern teenager's perspective. Sixteen-year-old Ruby Karp addresses the issues facing every highschooler, from grades to peer pressure to Snapchat stories, and unpacks their complicated effects on the teen psyche.

Ruby advises her peers on the importance of feminism ("not just the Spice Girls version"), how to deal with jealousy and friend break-ups, family life, and much more. The book takes an in-depth look at the effect of social media on modern teens and the growing pressures of choosing the right college and career. Amy Poehler says, "This book is filled with juicy young person wisdom."

With Ruby's powerful underlying message "we are more than just a bunch of dumb teenagers obsessed with our phones," Earth Hates Me is the definitive guide to being a teen in the modern age.

Genres: Nonfiction, Humor, Memoir, Biography, Essays

288 pages, Hardcover

First published October 3, 2017

Reviews

[Natalie · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Good luck. I hope you don't cringe too much.”

I started this ARC on a complete whim while in dire need for a quick and fun read to take my mind of things. I was then pleasantly surprised to open the first page to discover an interview between Ruby Karp and Broad City’s Ilana Glazer. Given my hesitations, this was the perfect hook for me to read on. In particular, since the author’s writing voice sounded similar to that of Rookie’s editor-in-chief (and recent podcast host), Tavi Gevinson. They’re both Jewish white girls, well-known for writing articles online since the age of ten and above.

But focusing on Earth Hates Me, I appreciated how Ruby Karp acknowledged her privilege from the start of this novel. She didn’t sugarcoat things and brought her honest self to these pages, filled with essays and articles to keep your head busy and thinking for days.

It also made me realize a lot of new things about myself that I couldn’t necessarily put into words at first. I went into this book thinking it would come off as another cheesy read, but that’s far from it actually. I found myself and so much more in the pages of Earth Hates Me. Funnily enough, it felt a lot like watching an episode from Skam, my favorite Norwegian tv series also directed towards 16-year-olds. Similar to the latter, we have discussions of:

• Young love and heartbreak.

“Being in fifth grade (and hyperemotional, because being ten is a lot to deal with) and getting my heart broken? It’s almost as devastating as the ups and downs of Nash Grier’s career.”

P.S. The shade thrown in here at the most deserving of people was extremely satisfying to experience.

• Making the crucial point that sex-ed classes need to discuss both the importance of consent while simultaneously teaching not to rape.

“We need to stop teaching people only how to say no. We need to stop allowing boys to use force upon girls and vice versa. We need boys to understand that using sexual force is unacceptable, always. We need to teach people how not to rape.”

• The negativity behind slut shaming, the importance of practicing safe sex, girl power, and feminism turned into my favorite chapter. Karp brought up so many noteworthy notions similar to the above quote.
• The matter of not feeling good enough in your own skin (“I looked for validation in other people because I couldn't find it in myself.”) while also discussing beauty and self-worth and how it feels different for each individual, as it should.
•Experiencing unrequited love, also known as “the heartbreak of heartbreaks.”

“When Angela Chase said that obsessions aren’t real, she meant it. Ninety-five percent of the time, what you want is just a fantasy. Your fantasies will never live up to your realities—that’s just fact. I couldn’t get over my idea of what Greg and I could have been. I couldn’t get over my idea of who he was and what I could have meant to him. The real Greg—the one who didn’t like me back—he wasn’t the Greg I wanted.”

This was something I was particularly glad to have read today.

• She talks about mending your shattered heart, including a healthy dose of her own experiences with failed relationships “(real or mostly fantasy).”
• Friend breakups and how they can hurt just as much as romantic ones.

“Some friends are exactly what you need them to be in the moment, but not forever.”

• The suffocating stress of her performing arts high school. (“We’re like Victorious except without the puppet component.”) Plus, the pressure to do well in school while also addressing the mess that is the education system and standardized tests.

“Your grades are not a reflection of who you are.”

• And a welcome addition of pop culture references thrown in, from social media to Hannah Montana, Mean Girls, Sex and the City, and Hamilton the musical.
• Being raised by a single mother and their close relationship nowadays. Showing healthy mother/daughter relationships is the key to my heart.

“If you’re like me and your mom is always the though guy for you, you never really need to be the strong one. Because of this, my childhood consisted of tears the second anyone wasn’t nice to me.”

So as you can see by the above list, for the first half I was in a state of pure bliss while reading. The arguments brought up by the author were ones I wholeheartedly agreed with. Karp was either saying something I hadn’t been able to put into words before or the complete opposite, where it was just a comfort to have someone write down a similar opinion I held. Like her point about parents being humans too is one I’ve made before, so it was exciting to see her agree.

“We forget that our parents were once young and had lives where they also felt out of place at a party they didn’t know enough people at. Our parents aren’t minions from another planet, and as hard as it is to remember that, it’s important we try to, so we don’t spend every moment hating them.”

Ruby captured so many quiet and loud moments we’ve all experienced that “couldn’t have been more uncomfortable, more real, more dramatic, and more heartfelt…” Reading this felt like a much-needed change in scenery, a breath of fresh air. While I struggle with getting invested in fictional young adult books, I’ve noticed that the ones set in the nonfiction genre I manage to devour in a heartbeat. Plus, the addition of having so many laugh-out-loud moments weighed in as well.

I also began observing how each essay started out quite strong, especially ones with personal anecdotes included in the mix. But without fail, I knew the end of a chapter was coming when the advice started getting vague. Like: “Live your life the way you want to be living it.” Or “Go out into the world and be the change you want to see.” These are all valid points, just that a lot of influential people have said it before her and will continue to say it after…

But setting that little note aside, my day passed by in a happy blur thanks to being too invested in this book to look at the clock. So I’m definitely curious to see what’s next in store for Ruby Karp.

ARC kindly provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Expected publication: October 3rd, 2017



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[Manon the Malicious · Rating 4 out of 5]

*4.5 Stars*

I was provided an ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This book is a nonfiction by Ruby Karp, a 16 year-old humorist. It is mostly aimed at middle-school/high school girls.
It was touching, funny and everything in between.
Ruby talks about what she has experienced of the world, analyzes it and gives advice.
As a 23 year old, I didn’t learn much, but it was still interesting to read, my old self related to a lot of stuff that was said and I think a lot of younger girls could benefit from this book.
Ruby is way smarter than I was at her age and I truly admire her. The sarcasm was on point and I loved her take on feminism. Also, in a part of the book she talks about slutshaming and how to fight it. This was so important.
Finally, Gilmore Girls references (and lots of other pop culture references that made me laugh out loud).

[Marie Andrews · Rating 3 out of 5]

* 3.5 stars *

This book is a well written account by 16 year old Ruby of her teen experiences and troubles. Many topics are covered throughout, all of which, as a 20 year old I related and encountered within my teens, including relationships, friendships, school stress and social media. Not only are her experiences reflective of the technology in the modern world, but they are told in a comedic way which made me giggle to myself throughout.

I definitely preferred the stories and her personal experiences which she mentioned throughout, as opposed to the advice and wisdom which she gave to fellow teens that may read this book. I found this advice generic and cliche, e.g. "ignore what other people have to say about you" etc, although it may be helpful to younger teens/preteens if they hear it from a teenager as opposed to their parents for example. It's still interesting to hear what Ruby has learned and her personal experiences, despite being 16, and would love to see if she thinks the same when she is slightly older.

It is clear that Ruby is very successful in what she does, including comedy (which is reflected in the book), and I think she should be really proud of herself for writing such a well thought out book with maturity and wisdom beyond her years. I also loved how she mentioned that as a white, straight, Jewish girl, her teen experiences are likely to be very different than other teens and thought this was a nice touch to add. Although every teen may have similar experiences, there is no "right" way to be a teen and thought this was important to mention.

Overall I would recommend this if it sounds like something you may enjoy, especially to younger teens. It's fast-paced, quick and easy to read and understand!

*I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*

[Eve L-A Witherington · Rating 5 out of 5]

From a young teenage girl, comes and insane amount of wisdom about life growing up as a girl in modern day society with all the social media around us and pressure to be 'perfect'.

In the book, Ruby discusses a range of topics;
Appreciating every experience
Finding the humour
Being you and learn yourself
Throw yourself into trying things
Social media can have multiple side effects
Sexism in sports
Girl hate
Pressure at school
Teachers aren't always right
Crushes and unrequited love

Plus much more!

Ruby enlightens us to her experiences, how they effected her and how she moved on from the experiences she's faced. With many stories told throughout, relatable and not, one thing is constant and that for me is Ruby is an incredibly in tune teenage girl with how such situations can effect you but only if you let them.

Earth Hates Me is such a true title of how teenagers are made to feel in today's society which is really bad. We need more realistic things out there and more role models like Ruby for other teens to listen to and realise, it's okay to just be you, however you are so long as you are happy with yourself!

Many thanks to the publishers for allowing me to review this book for them!

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a brilliant book for a teenage girl, but as I am not, it didn't do all that much for me. I can however appreciate how brilliant Ruby's writings are, given that she's 16 and writes with the maturity of someone far older. She has put together a selection of essays on various aspects of growing up, offering some great anecdotes interspersed with little bits of wisdom. Great for a similar-aged person to read, but in my older years I can see that some of the things Ruby writes about are done so with the naivety of a teenager. I wasn't hugely impressed with her brand of feminism, and found it all a bit cringe-worthy, but otherwise I think this makes a great YA / teen read.

[Shumyla Mariam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Received an ARC from Netgalley.

i don't have much to say about this book except that i thoroughly enjoyed it. This was a great read and the book discussed extremely important issues that teenagers go through in modern day society.

[Hannah Puckett · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book because it talked about true confessions from a teenage girl. I felt like I could relate to it very much so because I am a teenage high school girl. I go through many struggles and difficulties and so does Ruby in the book. Through classes, grades, boys, friends, drama, sports, etc. she really shows a deeper way to cope with dilemmas. I loved how she used examples from her experience of being 16 years old. I would highly recommend this non-fiction story for a teenage girl in high school or going into high school. This novel shows readers a way to surmount challenges. And the moral of this story is that it is ok to ask for help or talk to someone when needed. Sometimes all you need to do is speak up and let it all out. Ruby Karp really gives a clear understanding of how to do so. I enjoyed this story and would highly recommend!

[arianna · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars.
Even though this story dragged on at some parts, it still contained some really good advice for teens and I really enjoyed it

[Cameron Sauschuck · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, I relate to this so much

[aya · Rating 5 out of 5]

i’m turning 20 next year and high school may be way behind me now but this is a really good book! ruby’s experiences are pretty similar to mine and i’m glad that i picked this up.

[Isadora · Rating 5 out of 5]

This year for Christmas I was given lots of feminist books. If you were wondering I live in a family of feminists. One of them is called ‘Earth Hates Me’ by the talented Ruby Karp. After I finished this book I was in complete shock! I loved it soooooo much! I found Ruby’s Instagram and DMed her, and told her how much her book inspired me and how appreciative I was for getting the opportunity to read it. She them DMed me back, and turns out our moms know each other, and we have a few mutual friends, which is super cool! So we continued to text, and turns out she also is a 16 year old, actress, comedian, feminist, superhero who goes to LAG for acting, so we have a lot in common! She also puts on stand up shows at the Upright Citizens Brigade, and i’m going sometime in February, which i'm super excited about. This book is a treasure. Ruby brings humor and serious topics together, perfectly .

In this memoir, Ruby Karp writes about the trials and tribulation of growing up as a 16 year old growing up in New York City. And she has a lot to say about the high school process, puberty, intersectional feminism, social media, body image, and the all around teenage psych. All these things are extremely relevant and relatable, to me, personally. In one point in the book Ruby is in health class and the teacher is teaching the kids how to say no to rape, and then she raises her hand and says, “We need to stop teaching people only how to say no. We need to stop allowing boys to use force upon girls and vice versa. We need boys to understand that using sexual force is unacceptable, always. We need to teach people how not to rape.” When she says this, she is asked to leave the class. And that's just something I thought about for a while, our society has made it so, we don't like to talk about uncomfortable things, but we need to talk about these things, these things are what we need to be educated about.

If you are looking for a happy, relaxing, fairytale, then I would not suggest this book. Ruby brings up a lot of really important things, some that are hard to think and read about. Ruby is not afraid to be honest and does not shy away from tough topics. But this book is also very comedic. Ruby's voice throughout the book in humorous and she makes these hard topics, easier to read about: “Hear the term ‘peer pressure,’ and I’m certain one of first things that comes to your mind is drugs and alcohol. Maybe this is because of the sudden explosion of vape pens on every corner; maybe it’s our obsession with Broad City; or maybe it’s because we are constantly bombarded with Instagram shots of teens holding red plastic cups at parties...” (119). Ruby is also a really strong storyteller. She uses personal narratives to talk about important issues. Ruby hooks you in, by sharing all these crazy stories about her life: “At the beginning of my freshman year of high school, four sophomore boys came to my house tripping on acid” (1). She really makes you want to know more about her life experiences.

[Mike · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are few Americans my age who don't feel a special resonance and connection to the David Bowie lyrics from the song "Changes": "And these children that you spit on as they try to change their worlds/are immune to your consultations. They're quite aware of what they're going through." The film "The Breakfast Club" spoke to us in those days of a youthfulness that was self-aware, and connected to emotions, and achingly capable of self-expression, agency, and profound introspection. The problems of teens in the John Hughes era seem almost quaint today, in an era where young people are both linked and also marginalized and isolated by technology, social media, and a world that places increasing pressures on them to grow up quickly to take their places in a world fraught with uncertainty and shattered politics.

In the interest of full disclosure, let me say that it was my joy to have been Ruby Karp's middle school teacher for 4 years and to have known her for the last 7. I cannot take any credit for the brilliant insights of her prose, or the raucous comedy she is able to summon to sweeten the bitterness and setbacks that lace some of the events of her growth in her teenage years. Ruby Karp's book exists because she is a young woman of vision and voice; a young woman for whom connection and empathy are guiding principles and for whom humor is a delivery system for some very profound and meaningful insights. I'd recommend that the middle-aged, parents or not, read Ruby's book. We sit as a society in judgment of the millennials and our young people, and the generalizations amassed to describe and analyze them rarely seek their opinions or a description of their experiences. Ruby Karp has written a guide into what it is like to be a young woman today. I can say, as a middle school teacher for the past 15 years, that this book means a great deal to me, and would be meaningful to me even if I hadn't been her teacher. As the father of an 8 year old girl, I read Earth Hates Me filled with a great hope; that one day my own girl will inhabit in a world where the sort of advocacy and wit and self-expression Ruby Karp poured into this book proves to be the rule, and not the exception. As Bowie told us all those years ago "pretty soon now, you're gonna get older." Don't forget what it meant to be young. Read Ruby Karp, because you can't trace time.

[Lisa Bentley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Isn’t it sad when you find the perfect book too late? In my case, I found Earth Hates Me – True Confessions from a Teenage Girl by Ruby Karp eighteen years too late. Sixteen year old Lisa was very similar to Ruby Karp. She was a bit unsure, didn’t know the rules, how to follow them or indeed how to break them. She was a little bit quirky and lived her life to want to perform.

In Earth Hates Me, Ruby Karp shows wisdom way beyond her years. He talks about issues that plagued me well into my late twenties and I genuinely believe that this book can act like a friend to those who are lonely, scared, unsure or just need the comfort of a book shaped security blanket.

If there is one important book that I will be recommending to the teens in my life (and since I work in a high school that is an awful lot of them) it will be Earth Hates Me – True Confessions from a Teenage Girl by Ruby Karp. It is a vital book that everyone going through their formative years should have access too.

Earth Hates Me: True Confessions from a Teenage Girl by Ruby Karp is available now.

For more information regarding Ruby Karp (@RubyKarp) please visit her Twitter page.

For more information regarding Perseus Books (@PerseusBooks) please visit their Twitter page.

For more information regarding Running Press (@Running_Press) please visit www.runningpress.com.

[Anne · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's hard to rate this book because on one hand this is a book of advice from a teenage girl which isn't a bad idea but on the other hand I had a hard time enjoying this book mostly because I couldn't relate to her at all. Which I'll admit is kind of ironic due to one of the lessons and pieces of advice in the book. But I found that a majority of her advice had to do with romance which I guess I can kind of understand but I felt that for a book that talked so much about how much of a strong woman she was trying to be the book kept talking about boys and romance and at times I just wished the it would talk about something else. For instance the first chapter of the book is incredible! I loved it its exactly what I wanted out of it! But the more about boys and love it talked about the more annoyed I felt. Again this is really just a personal issue and I can see why a lot of other girls would really love and need these lessons. I guess I'm just in the minority that it doesn't really apply to.

[michele · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was intrigued to read Ruby's thoughts on the struggles teen life in today's day and age. I found the first half of the book interesting, learning about the fears that adolescents have and how social media has shaped them. But it was the second half of the book that I enjoyed a bit more. While she is talking to a teen audience I was able to relate to the struggles of relationships, friends, and working towards your goals that she mentioned and found little bits of wisdom that were abdicable to my life and were a good reminder. I would definitely recommend to a middle schooler or high schooler looking who's searching for a reminder that they're not alone and that things work out. Just be ready to have a lot of tv show plots and celebrity references thrown in.

[Natalie M · Rating 5 out of 5]

An honest and brutal account of what it is to be an adolescent in the 21st century. Growing up today is definitely no walk-in-the-park and Ruby Karp does not beat around the bush describing some harrowing experiences. A lay it on the line, tough love dose of advice that any parent/teacher/guardian and their child/student/person should read (today)! Written in the first person, her ethnic/religious privileges don’t detract from the importance of hearing a voice for others. Feminine but not feminist, optimistic in what could be a strongly pessimistic message, realistic and honest. The future is in good hands with young people like Ruby Karp prepared to put herself out there on behalf of many.

[Chelsea]

This was really good! I enjoyed following along with the audiobook as well as the physical since Ruby Karp narrates it herself. I appreciate hearing her stories mixed in with her advice, it made this book very enjoyable. I'm glad I was given this book as it was written from an actual teen for other teens. I found myself relating to some of her experiences and I really resonated with the points she was making. I would recommend this to other teens that might need the reminder of somethings.
I actually had a weird moment, she was saying that she made these two friends in high school theater which were the same names of the friends I had in middle school (not that they were uncommon names but still caught me off guard haha).

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

From the life experience of sixteen-year old Ruby Karp comes advice on dating, parents, peer pressure, loneliness, relationships, and more. This book is entirely approachable for a teen audience and likely still relevant to young twenties despite their larger personal freedoms. The opinions and parenting portrayed in the book are certainly more liberal and egalitarian than my experience and definitely forced me to rethink how I would offer parental advice on many of these topics.

Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this digital ARC in return for a fair and honest review.

[Steven Svymbersky · Rating 5 out of 5]

I saw Ruby hosting a night of stand-up at Upright Citizens Brigade in New York and when I heard she wrote a book at the age of sixteen, I had to carry it in my bookstore. She is incredibly funny and smart and she has written a book that I recommend to everyone who is looking for a book for their teenager. As an old man, this may not have spoken directly to my experience, but knowing that there are young people like Ruby truly gives me hope for their future.

[Anne Bennett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ruby Karp is a presence to be reckoned with. Her voice is so humorous and yet authentic. In this book Karp offers her thoughts and advice on a plethora of topics which dominate teen lives: peer pressure, school pressure, first love, first break-up, looks, etc. I enjoyed the book a lot and hope it finds its way into a lot of libraries where teens can find it.

[Freja Svane · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was really great! Ruby is such a wonderful and empowered young woman, I really enjoyed all her thoughts and reflections on the teen girl experience. Having just turned 20 it was fun to revisit some topics that relate especially to teen life. It was feminist and inclusive - I really enjoyed how self aware Ruby is. Just great! 💖

[Joey Garcia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I taught high school for 15 years and this book is spot-on about the issues every adolescent experiences. I love Ruby's wit and honesty. If you are a teen, if you work with teens, or parent them, this book will offer you a much needed reality check.

[Abbigale Strong · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s pretty cool to read the point of view of a 16 year old. I related a lot, since I’m in a similar age range, and I felt the closest to a writer than I ever have. Yeah, good book definitely recommend if you like the point of view of a bad-a$$ feminist!

[VampDiva · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really cool audio by a very wise sixteen year young lady. The audio was performed by the author and was perfect. She gives great advice and although it’s written for teens, its great for any age. It’s short, fast paced and very enjoyable.

[Medeia Sharif · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a raw and well-written book from the teenage perspective. Karp’s anecdotes were interesting, and there was never a dull moment as she covered social, emotional, political, and familial areas of life. I’m glad I stumbled on it.

[Deborah Principe-lake · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hilarious wise and frank. I have a 17 year old and loved getting inside the mind of a real teenaged girl - attitude and all. Discussed really important issues in a humorous and insightful way.

[Danny Cole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Insanely funny book. Couldn't put it down. Would recommend to anyone with a sense of youthful humor.

[Jenny · Rating 3 out of 5]

My teenager handed this to me and said “mom I liked this book and even Amy Poehler thinks this girl is funny. You should read it.”

[Jackie Farry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ruby Karp is wise (and funny) beyond her years

I know this book is targeted toward the young adult but so was Twilight. I’m 50 and loved it ❤️

[Noa · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5