Vivian Apple at the End of the World by Katie Coyle

by:  Katie Coyle
published by:  HMH Books for Young Readers
publish date:  January 6, 2015

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.

Vivian Apple lives in a United States where evangelicalism and capitolism have united in a common cause.   The Church of America touts the greatness of America and it's saints are the Founding Fathers.  The faithful must visit all the historical landmarks like Mount Rushmore and the Liberty Bell to pay homage to our country's greatness.  The Founder of the Religion prophesied a Rapture of the most faithful.  When it actually comes to pass the United States citizens are more fearful and zealous than ever.

Vivian's parents were devoted to the Church of America.  She wasn't completely surprised that they were "Raptured" but she isn't ready to be on her own.  After spending time with her Grandparents, she is convinced that the answers to her questions are in California.  So she gathers up her friends to embark on a road trip across the country.

I had a lot of questions about this book.  So Vivian and her friends are traveling across America and it seems like they find a lot of unoccupied towns/houses etc.  Only 5,000 people were raptured, this wouldn't account for all the emptiness.   It seemed like everything was existing in the post-apocalyptic phase and I couldn't really understand it.  Frankly, I'm surprised a religion like this hasn't popped up.  It seems like something that would catch on like wildfire.

There is a second book in this series, Vivian Versus America (September 2015).  I think I will be reading it.  This book was interesting and thought-provoking.  I hope the second one is just as good.