With all the dystopian books flooding the market, it's easy to mistake this title for a novel about the end of the world. It's not. (Although main character Phillip does like to keep survival supplies on hand. Just in case.)
More than anything, this is the story of a 15-year-old struggling with questions of religion and atheism as he falls in love with Rebekah, who seems to have all the answers. But just like in real life, things are rarely the way they seem. As he grows apart from his friends and deals with various betrayals, Phillip begins to question more than the existence of God. He questions his father's decisions, the mystery surrounding his mother's last days, and his own belief in who he is and who he could become.
Everything You Need to Survive the Apocalypse is a coming-of-age story filled with smart observations and achingly funny insights. Debut author Lucas Klauss develops his characters with honesty and humor, asking thoughtful questions and avoiding easy answers. Not only is Phillip's journey of discovery an enjoyable page-turner, it's provocative enough to keep readers thinking long after they've finished the last page. --Sherrie Petersen, children's book reviewer and blogger