Helpful Score: 4
I read a review of this book somewhere that said something to the effect of "don't you have something better to read?" At the time, I thought that was an extraordinarily cruel review, but after weeks of struggling through this book, I have to say that I agree....find something else to read. The premise of the book was what sucked me into wanting to read this from the get-go: that the rapture happens and certain people are whisked off to Heaven or parts unknown, leaving the rest of the world to pick up the pieces and go on. See, I thought this book would be more about this Rapture and less day to day life of those left behind. Alas, the book starts several years after the Rapture and if you want an explanation of what happened to at least one family, you're going to be stuck reading till the end of the book to get it. Mr. Perrotta isn't a bad writer (I hope; I have several more of his books left on my TBR list), but this book was like a cheese sandwich when you're expecting pizza....unsatisfying, leaving you wanting more (but not in a good way), and with more questions than answers. Meh.
Helpful Score: 1
This is the first book by this author I've read and I have to say I liked it. It is more a tale of the dysfunctional residents of the little town of Mapleton in the aftermath of a huge loss and how they cope. They only guess it was The Rapture because millions of people around the world vanished on October 14th. Some say it wasn't, some firmly believe it was. It throws everyone into chaos, religious people wondering why they were not taken and criticizing some who were as less than deserving. Many are grieving the loss of loved ones. Some comically crazy cults spring up, such as The Guilty Remnants, The Healing Hug Movement, etc. This mostly follows the mayor of this town and his wife, son and daughter. Not to be taken seriously, it's humorous, but touching at times, as well. A fun and entertaining read.
