Recent Reads: Vivian Apple at the End of the World by Kaite Coyle

Vivian Apple at the End of the World by Katie Coyle
Series: Vivian Apple #1
Publisher: HMH Books for Young Readers
Publication Date:  January 5, 2015

 

Format: Paperback ARC
Source: From the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This in no way alters my opinion or review of the book.

Rating:

 


 

Goodreads Synopsis: 

Seventeen-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, Vivian Apple isn't looking for a savior. She's looking for the truth.

 Review: 
When I read the synopsis for this book I was curious about how the author would portray this Rapture and the events afterward and so I wanted to read the book. I am not sure if I will continue this series though. Granted I found this first book enjoyable. Here is where I struggled - the parents are crazy! and even if they are in a cult wouldn't most parents make their children participate as well?... I mean if I was Vivian's age I think mine would have made me go with them - it is kind of like church, they go, you go but maybe I am just crazy too... who knows.

Anywho, on with the review - Vivian Apple suddenly finds herself without her parents in a post-rapture world. She doesn't know what to do, where they are, and she wants answers. After a few false steps, Vivian finds herself on a journey to the cult leaders secret compound to find out the true about her parents and the rapture and what she finds is SO not what she expects. 

Vivian, the main character, was a good one. She starts as this shy wallflower and emerges into this take-charge, taking names girl in the post-apocalypse. She was interesting and I enjoyed her tale but I was more excited about her diverse best friend Harp, who used to be the take charge and slowly disintegrated in the aftermath. I found her to be a stronger character - she had a lot of influence - and she wasn't white - so rare in YA. Loved it. Then there is Peter, he seemed good enough in this book but I wasn't swooning...

Overall I thought this was a cool take on this what-if scenario. I think these teens acted accordingly given the situation and I think the book was good - but like I said through it all I kept thinking 'my parents would have made me...'