Vivian Versus the Apocalypse (Vivian Apple, #1)

It took me a while to get into this book, but then I stayed up way too late to finish it? It's sort of like the pacing of the book itself... Vivian's stuck for a long time and then suddenly so many things happen. So many things!

But I love cult stories and this has some fresh, funny takes on that while also being pretty intense. I think it would def appeal to teens who haven't read as many cultural commentaries or whatever, like the Church of America Corporation and all that is going to be really hilarious for some teens I think. The patriarchy talk is a little Handmaids Tale-lite, but still relevant.

Extra points for lady friendship & some diversity!

Even though I didn't 100% love this one, I'll definitely pick up the next one.

I've been an atheist since my early 20s but I spent my childhood in a Pentecostal household terrified that the Rapture would happen at any second (but most likely when I was home alone). This is basically a YA novel about a religion based on America and capitalism and what happens after the Rapture occurs, and I thought it was delightful. It was fun, sarcastic, interesting, and full of swears with a standard YA love story weaved in. (Side note: can this whole “HE makes me brave” BS in YA novels just be done now? YOU make yourself brave, ladies! Even if it is nice to have someone at your side when you do it.)

Will I be reading the next book in the series even with all the YA cheesiness? Yes, yes I will.