Vivian versus the Apocalypse by Katie Coyle

Series: Vivian Apple #1

Publication date: September 5, 2013

Publisher: Hot Key Books

Genres: YA Contemporary 

Format: Paperback - review copy

Source: Received from Hot Key Books in exchange for an honest review

Pages: 287

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What happens to those who are left behind? 

Vivian Apple never believed in the Church of America - unlike her fanatical parents. And as for the so-called impending 'Rapture', she knew she'd believe that when she saw it. But then Vivian wakes one day to a New World, and all that's left of her parents are two empty spaces. The Believers have been taken, it seems. And for those left behind, the world is a desolate and eerie place. All Vivian has now are her memories and her volatile friend Harp.

Faced with society on the brink of collapse, Vivian and Harp embark on a journey across America, in search of any family they have left, and determined to expose the truth about the Rapture. Three thousand miles through floods, fog and heat waves, Harp and Vivian and a boy with the bluest eyes and the kindest heart are driving on to their future.

But will this be a coming-of-age road trip with no return?

I have no idea how to describe this book, it contains a some religion mixed with friendship, love and humor. With the ending you know that it's a contemporary, but along the way you're actually pretty confused. I know I laughed a bunch of times throughout this book and I also got quite confused when they embarked on this glorious road trip. Nevertheless I did enjoy this book and I definitely recommend it.

In this book we meet Vivian Apple, a 17-year-old who has no idea who or what she believes in. I could relate to Vivian, at one point I was a Christian with a capital C but along the years I've just lost my faith and I've found myself asking the question of what I actually believe in more times than I can count. I like that she doesn't just 'go along' with the religion because her parents are Believers, I admire her for standing up and saying no, I don't want to do this even if it means being left behind. I also really feel sorry for her because of her parents, I think Vivian has had it hard growing up because she has always tried to be the perfect daughter. I think Vivian is a great role model, through out the book she grows into this brave girl who isn't going to take shit from nobody.
We also meet Harp, Vivian's friend, and I think she's so quirky. Sometimes you just meet these wonderful characters that have a tough life and you can't help but love them. I felt sorry for Harp through the majority of the book but she's also a fighter and she aren't going to back down because her life's falling apart. She keeps on fighting even though she's scared and I think that's admirable.

I enjoyed reading the story, I enjoyed watching the characters grow and I really loved the humor in this book. It doesn't feel like the book is trying to persuade you into becoming religious, it's actually pretty sarcastic and snarky about the Church of America.

If you're looking for a book that's light but at the same time has some depth this is definitely the one for you.