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.
An ingenious novel based on the premise that the rapture has occurred, but not exactly as outlined in the New Testament... Perrotta's characters are the leftovers, trying to reestablish life after the sudden and inexplicable disappearance of so many people from their midst. I enjoyed!
It was strange but it kept me reading to see what was going to happen next.
well written caught my interest
Absolutely could not get into this book enough to like it!!!
I enjoyed this book for the most part, but about half way through I felt like it stalled out when I realized nothing was really happening. It's simply the stories of the people left behind 3 years after The Great Disappearance. The end offered no closure and I don't care for that.
Life after a mass disappearance of people. Was it the rapture? Doubtful, as many non-Christians disappeared and many that had accepted Jesus Christ as their savior were left behind. Regardless of the reason, this story is about how ordinary people react and live after this inexplicable event. Some people go over the edge, some new cults or religions are born, some just bear the change as best as they can and try to move on in a world they no longer know. I've not read Perrotta's books before and have decided I need to now. I like the way this guys writes.
I liked this book. There was no clear conclusion about the cause of the great disapearance, but the personal struggles of the people left behind make for great reading.
