Trying to float

From its opening pages, "Trying to Float" immerses the reader in the tactile and often overwhelming sensory landscape of Greenwich Village as experienced through the eyes of its precocious, unnamed narrator. Rips possesses a rare talent for capturing the specific textures of urban life—the clang of the subway, the murmur of distant conversations, the particular scent of a bodega after a rain shower—and weaving them into the protagonist's internal monologue. This creates an immediate and intimate connection, allowing us to not merely observe her journey but to feel the very ground she walks upon, both literally and emotionally, as she confronts the complexities of her world.

The novel's strength lies in its unflinching gaze at the awkward, often contradictory impulses of youth. Our protagonist grapples with burgeoning sexuality, the shifting loyalties of friendship, and the often-unspoken anxieties of her bohemian parents. Rips avoids the clichés often associated with coming-of-age narratives, opting instead for a nuanced exploration of these themes through a series of vignettes and carefully observed interactions. The prose is often lyrical, yet grounded in a refreshing directness that prevents it from ever feeling precious, striking a delicate balance between introspection and outward observation.

Rips excels in crafting characters who, despite their often-eccentric qualities, feel profoundly real. The supporting cast—from the world-weary corner store owner to the narrator's artist mother with her fluctuating moods—are drawn with quick, decisive strokes that reveal their inner lives without excessive exposition. Their interactions with the protagonist serve not only to propel the narrative but also to illuminate her own evolving understanding of human nature, demonstrating how even fleeting encounters can leave an indelible mark on a developing psyche.

Despite its many virtues, the novel occasionally falters in its pacing; some passages, particularly in the middle third, feel a touch meandering, lacking the same propulsive energy found elsewhere. While the episodic structure largely suits the narrative's observational nature, there are moments where a clearer sense of overarching trajectory might have lent greater weight to the individual scenes. A few of the secondary character arcs, though well-conceived, are left feeling somewhat unresolved, leaving the reader with a sense of wanting more definitive closure or further exploration.

Ultimately, "Trying to Float" is a delicate yet powerful debut that successfully charts the messy, exhilarating terrain of growing up in a city that is itself a character of immense influence. Rips has delivered a novel that is both specific in its setting and universal in its emotional resonance, proving herself to be a writer capable of profound insight and elegant expression. It is a book that invites reflection, capturing the elusive sensation of being on the cusp of everything, yet still grasping for solid ground.