Review: Vivian Apple at the End of the World by Katie Coyle

SUMMARY FROM NETGALLEY.COM:

Sixteen-year-old Vivian Apple never believed in the evangelical Church of America, unlike her recently devout parents. But when Vivian returns home the night after the supposed "Rapture," all that’s left of her parents are two holes in the roof. Suddenly, she doesn't know who or what to believe. With her best friend Harp and a mysterious ally, Peter, Vivian embarks on a desperate cross-country roadtrip through a paranoid and panic-stricken America to find answers. Because at the end of the world, Vivan Apple isn't looking for a savior. She's looking for the truth.

MY TAKE:
I read the first few chapters of this book in the BuzzBooks 2014: Young Adult selection and was intrigued enough by it to request for a copy.

In Vivian Apple at the End of the World, a new religion has popped up in America and two of the converts are Vivian's parents. Vivian doesn't hide her disdain for this new religion, but on the night predicted by the Church of America, Vivian's parents and several thousands more disappear. Vivian vows to get to the bottom of the mystery, but she might not be ready for what is in store for her.

During the first few chapters of the book, I wasn't quite sure if this book was a science fiction one or not. It's not, as it turns out. It's more about conformity, religion, and family.

The overall tone here is a little bit dark and heavy. If you've read Evan Angler's Swipe series, it's similar to that. With this kind of book, I usually have to be in a certain mood or the weather has to be a bit rainy in order for me to really enjoy the book. The book is well-written, and Vivian is realistic even if she's not always easy to relate to, but by the end of it, the heaviness of the subject matter made me feel a little bit sad.

It does seem like the book is the first in a series. I'm interested in finding out what happens next.

Thanks to NetGalley and HMH Books for Young Readers for the e-ARC. Publication date of Vivian Apple at the End of the World is on January 6, 2015.

THE GOOD:

1. The characters don't feel like caricatures.
2. It's an intelligent book.
3. You don't have to be of a certain religion to enjoy this. 

THE BAD:

1. It can feel a bit heavy sometimes. 

READ IT IF:

1. You enjoy discussing religion and life in general.
2. You have a complicated relationship with your parents.
3. You like books set in post-apocalyptic worlds.

RATING:


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