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Vivian Apple at the End of the World

Vivian Apple at the End of the World Book Cover Vivian Apple at the End of the World
Vivian Apple, Book 1
Katie Coyle
HMH Books for Young Readers
January 6, 2015
Hardcover
272

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, Vivan Apple isn't looking for a savior. She's looking for the truth.

 

Review:

The summary for “Vivian Apple at the End of the World”, while intriguing, sells the book far short.  So much more occurs within different contexts during the course of the book.  It is a contemporary romance, mystery, dystopia, and horror story all mixed into one good book.

The subject matter can be controversial, as organized religion is not exactly lauded, but I believe readers should look at it as satire.  It brings up very important questions that are important that we all ask ourselves in a way that is very palatable for teenaged readers.  What do we believe?  What is important to us?  Should we follow the crowd or go against the pressure of society?  Is everything we are taught true?

The plot flows quickly, but not too quickly, and is anything but predictable.  The characters are well-developed and there is a tongue-in-cheek humor that left me laughing out loud several times.  Not to be ignored is the romance between Vivian and Peter.  It is refreshingly devoid of “instalove” and develops in a way which is believable under the circumstances.  That is always something worth noting in a young adult book.

I recommend it for teenagers and adults who enjoy a good satire that makes them think closely about religion and society, though it may be offensive to those with certain religious beliefs.

This review is based upon a complimentary copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Content Warning:

Language, Sexual Situations, Underage Drinking and Drug Use, Violence.