The Rapture is coming and Vivian Apple could not care less. Unlike the so-called Believers, including her recently devout parents, Vivian knows that the Church of America, its leader, Beaton Frick, and all talk of Rapture can be chalked up to the ramblings of a crazy man and his followers. But the morning after the anticipated Rapture, Vivian returns to an empty house with two holes in the roof of her parents’ bedroom. 3,000 Believers have disappeared in a similar fashion, convincing and converting millions of new followers – but not Vivian. With society becoming increasingly dangerous for non-Believers, Vivian, best friend, Harp, and mysterious new friend, Peter, go on the run, seeking a safe haven from judgment and answers to questions about their lives and the future.
Why It's Worth Reading:
I have continued to think about this book regularly since I read it. I found the concept interesting and the outcome thought-provoking. Modern American society is full of conversation and controversy surrounding politics and religion, particularly when the two areas collide. Though this book involves a fictional America and a made-up religion, the big ideas draw interesting comparisons to the real world. It's dystopian, but also different. And it's a compelling, fast-paced, adventure-filled story to boot. What's better than a mentally stimulating page-turner?
I will say, the cover looks a bit happy-go-lucky for the weight of the book. It's a bit more serious than it looks, but in a really great way.
Book Details:
ISBN: 9780544340114
Format: hardcover
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Publication Date: January 6, 2015
Source: LIBRES & Netgalley
Awards: 3 starred reviews and a lot of buzz
Do We Own a Copy?: My LIBRES copies always get added to our collection!