No Parking at the End Times

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Long Creek Center, South Portland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 6, 2016

Review

What are teenagers to do when their parents make bad mistakes? Narrator Abigail reveals that her family has sold all their belongings and drove from NC to CA in order to witness the end of the world. An unseemly religious character, Brother John takes money and offers little to his followers. Abi and her twin brother Aaron find themselves homeless and angry. Their wish for home and normalcy is palpable.

Bliss has told a horrifying family saga that is sure to leave an impression on any reader. His characters are depressing, the living arrangements are brutal and the slow erosion of family support is painful. As powerful as this storyline is it is hard to forgive the father for his blinding belief and faith. Extreme religious issues are front and center, each character has to find a way to stay strong while navigating the life of a homeless family. Consider this book for a parent/child reading group and place on public library shelves. This is a story not often told, it needs to see the light of day.

Overall Book Score: good