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3.72 AVERAGE
3.72 AVERAGE
As a Christian, I was definitely skeptical about reading this book at first.I remained skeptical for the first couple of chapters. I even looked into some interviews the author did to try to get some perspective on who she was and what her motivation was in writing this book. Then I realized that the religion described in the book is not my religion. Without giving too much away, the religion in the book is more of a cult than Christianity. In an interview the author even mentions some of the cults that she pulled from and she mentions that she didn't study any religion that much in preparing for this writing. With that being said, it was honestly a bit refreshing to get an outsider's perspective on the state of the church and how those lines can blur between cult and religion (there were quite a few times where the cult and Christianity are confused and the reactions on both sides are always interesting.) I really liked the book as a reminder that non-Christians don't need to adhere to Christian rules. Evidenced by the way Jesus treated the Pharisees vs the way he treated tax collectors and the like. I loved the references to everyone being human and treating them as such. Regardless of what your personal beliefs are, you're dealing with real, human, people with emotions and a brain so treat them as such. Finding out what others believed and sharing what you believe (what you really believe. not what you think they want to hear) was another aspect of the book that I really liked.
Outside of all of that, I really enjoyed the book. The author did a very good job of working in the gray of the world. The concept of black and white and right and wrong are often brought up and I really liked the way the author navigated that.
All together, an excellent book and a pretty good series. I liked the second book less, but it's definitely worth the read.
Outside of all of that, I really enjoyed the book. The author did a very good job of working in the gray of the world. The concept of black and white and right and wrong are often brought up and I really liked the way the author navigated that.
All together, an excellent book and a pretty good series. I liked the second book less, but it's definitely worth the read.
Although Vivian Apple never really believed in the teachings of the Church of America, she was forced to re-evaluate when her beliefs when her parents disappeared -- especially after she found holes in their bedroom ceiling the morning after the predicted "Rapture." She always thought that The Book of Frick (named after the man who created the Church of America) was a bit over the top -- especially considering the fact that it touted conservative behaviors and traditional gender roles but claimed that God loved America best because of its capitalistic tendencies. At times, it was hard to tell if this book was intended to be a parody or simply an exaggerated to make a point. What I know for sure, nevertheless, is that I've never read anything quite like it. A strong female character who is examining her beliefs while navigating through changing friendships, a developing romance, and the end of the world? Sign me up!
Happy Reading!
Happy Reading!
I had high hopes for this book but it fell flat for several reasons. The characters were essentially one dimensional and all minor characters were portrayed in terms of black and white, no gray area at all. The statistical side of things was implausible as well.
Unexpected surprise: I really liked this!
I'm shocked.
This story poses so many interesting questions, so many possibilities. Is it being tongue-in-cheek? Is it being serious? Might there really be a rapture? Would the Left Behind start panicking for real? What would it be like to be a leftover child whose parents have been taken to a heaven you didn't actually think existed? How far is our country from being taken over by a Christian conglomerate that promotes "old-fashioned family values" for all (all = straight, white, middle-class, indoctrinated people)?
While I think the story definitely pokes fun at right-wing, crazyass corporate megachurches -- Lot's Wife Jeans - "Go ahead, turn around!" and the super popular song Jesus, thank you for making me American = HILARIOUS! OMG, I died! -- it also supports the power of belief and community, of spirituality and faith. At the same time, it doesn't shame those who do not believe, those who find their own spirituality outside of a god. I felt it was trying to say "Do good, whatever your reason, and don't be an asshole, especially not when you're assholing in the name of something (or nothing, in the case of Vivian's grandparents) else"
While everything was laid out fairly obviously, there was always room for question. Were the Apple parents really raptured away, leaving holes in the roof of the house? How? How is that even possible? But...is it possible? What if it is? What if 3,000 people really ascended to immortality. What if I've been wrong this whole time, what if Vivian had come to the wrong conclusion? What if this really could happen? Then what?
My brain just kept mulling this over. The story unfolds, everything becomes a little more obvious, especially in light of the New Orphans, but...there was always that niggling doubt. What if?
And then the truth turns out to be sinister yet commonplace and obvious in retrospect...because you kind of know that's what is going on but maybe it hurts a little too much to believe your own cynical worldview.
Unlike many YA heroines I've read recently, Vivian displayed growth in her journey. Harp, too, though not to the same extent. No, they didn't change drastically but...there was real progress and I appreciated that to no end.
Still, I was left with questions, and this really is spoilery so don't click it if you don't want to be spoiled:
which is just too much work.
And then also, it was obviously an American thing, the cult - that made me giggle, the patriotism tied to capitalism and God - buuuut...wouldn't someone at some point have heard anything from, oh, Canada or Mexico or France or Nigeria or Japan or anywhere else about how the crazy Americans were off rapturing themselves and believed that the second rapture was nigh so were acting more insane than normal? It seems like that would be an excellent opportunity for the rest of the world to mock us, yet that never came up. Why didn't that come up?
I'm shocked.
This story poses so many interesting questions, so many possibilities. Is it being tongue-in-cheek? Is it being serious? Might there really be a rapture? Would the Left Behind start panicking for real? What would it be like to be a leftover child whose parents have been taken to a heaven you didn't actually think existed? How far is our country from being taken over by a Christian conglomerate that promotes "old-fashioned family values" for all (all = straight, white, middle-class, indoctrinated people)?
While I think the story definitely pokes fun at right-wing, crazyass corporate megachurches -- Lot's Wife Jeans - "Go ahead, turn around!" and the super popular song Jesus, thank you for making me American = HILARIOUS! OMG, I died! -- it also supports the power of belief and community, of spirituality and faith. At the same time, it doesn't shame those who do not believe, those who find their own spirituality outside of a god. I felt it was trying to say "Do good, whatever your reason, and don't be an asshole, especially not when you're assholing in the name of something (or nothing, in the case of Vivian's grandparents) else"
While everything was laid out fairly obviously, there was always room for question. Were the Apple parents really raptured away, leaving holes in the roof of the house? How? How is that even possible? But...is it possible? What if it is? What if 3,000 people really ascended to immortality. What if I've been wrong this whole time, what if Vivian had come to the wrong conclusion? What if this really could happen? Then what?
My brain just kept mulling this over. The story unfolds, everything becomes a little more obvious, especially in light of the New Orphans, but...there was always that niggling doubt. What if?
And then the truth turns out to be sinister yet commonplace and obvious in retrospect...because you kind of know that's what is going on but maybe it hurts a little too much to believe your own cynical worldview.
Unlike many YA heroines I've read recently, Vivian displayed growth in her journey. Harp, too, though not to the same extent. No, they didn't change drastically but...there was real progress and I appreciated that to no end.
Still, I was left with questions, and this really is spoilery so don't click it if you don't want to be spoiled:
Spoiler
Just how did the holes get in the ceiling/roof of the Apple parent's bedroom? I know the mom explained it but that was no explanation. Logistically speaking, how on earth could they have made holes in the roof of their house in that short amount of time with no one noticing? Did she say her dad had worked construction? Unless he had the tools - and I imagine you'd need some serious sawing stuff to pull that off, tools that aren't in every garage across America - I don't see how this was accomplished...or why because as a ruse, it was way over-the-top and complicated, and as a lesson to their daughter, it was totally which is just too much work.And then also, it was obviously an American thing, the cult - that made me giggle, the patriotism tied to capitalism and God - buuuut...wouldn't someone at some point have heard anything from, oh, Canada or Mexico or France or Nigeria or Japan or anywhere else about how the crazy Americans were off rapturing themselves and believed that the second rapture was nigh so were acting more insane than normal? It seems like that would be an excellent opportunity for the rest of the world to mock us, yet that never came up. Why didn't that come up?
So pleased to see that this is a Part 1. Listened to this as an audiobook and really enjoyed it. But thought - ok, this ending requires a follow- up. I'll be on the look-out for it.
I like the occasional YA read, and I decided to check this one out after it made the ToB longlist. A rapture-themed dystopia with a strong female protagonist seemed right up my proverbial alley. Coyle's world was filled with cartoon-y villains and over-the-top political/religious satire. This genre works best when it's either outlandishly imaginative or so close to home it feels believable--this landed square in the middle; nothing new creatively, and the satire wasn't developed enough to really stick.
I could look past some of this, but it seemed pretty unforgivable that most of the first half's action happens off the page, as the point-of-view heroine spends weeks sitting in her grandparents' apartment not talking to anyone. Despite the flaws, I still devoured it in a day, because it's YA dystopia. Still, Vivian Apple just made me want to read a stronger entry in this genre.
I could look past some of this, but it seemed pretty unforgivable that most of the first half's action happens off the page, as the point-of-view heroine spends weeks sitting in her grandparents' apartment not talking to anyone. Despite the flaws, I still devoured it in a day, because it's YA dystopia. Still, Vivian Apple just made me want to read a stronger entry in this genre.
Read it in one sitting. I liked that the main character's reactions and emotions felt real for the situations and her age (though that did mean moments where I was exasperated with her). There were some predictable plot points, as well as some surprises. I'm glad there's a sequel because I wanted more of an ending.
3.3 stars
3.3 stars
"They had to have loved you. You're Vivian fucking Apple."
The commentary on religion in this book was a focal point and quite refreshing. The dialogue between the characters made sure to give perspective to both the sides taken by non-believers and the devout. It continuously reminded readers that the most important thing is to love and be kind above all else. The main romantic relationship was a reflection of this philosophy and wasn't nausea inducing by any means. I think it felt real. It reminded me of times I still experience where sometimes all you want to do is forget all of the bullshit and just make out already. The main female friendship was also solid and good. A message that blood family isn't necessarily your family and that we each make our own.
I think this was more of a 3.5 for me as I felt it lacked development in some areas. There was something holding the characters back from becoming completely believable for me. I had trouble feeling real emotions while reading and the plot was a little too out there and cheesy. The writing itself wasn't amazing but by no means bad. Definitely a few good quotes to be found inside.
All in all I thought this was a pretty great little book. It was certainly a lot of fun and a fast read.
The commentary on religion in this book was a focal point and quite refreshing. The dialogue between the characters made sure to give perspective to both the sides taken by non-believers and the devout. It continuously reminded readers that the most important thing is to love and be kind above all else. The main romantic relationship was a reflection of this philosophy and wasn't nausea inducing by any means. I think it felt real. It reminded me of times I still experience where sometimes all you want to do is forget all of the bullshit and just make out already. The main female friendship was also solid and good. A message that blood family isn't necessarily your family and that we each make our own.
I think this was more of a 3.5 for me as I felt it lacked development in some areas. There was something holding the characters back from becoming completely believable for me. I had trouble feeling real emotions while reading and the plot was a little too out there and cheesy. The writing itself wasn't amazing but by no means bad. Definitely a few good quotes to be found inside.
All in all I thought this was a pretty great little book. It was certainly a lot of fun and a fast read.
A starkly cynical commentary on religion and humanity in general, that is able to hold on to the goodness of individuals in a mess. A vibrant road trip and a sweet hint of romance keep this from being too dark.