LB Teen

Rapture Practice

By Aaron Hartzler (Electronic Book, 2013)

Sometimes salvation is found in the strangest places: a true story.

Aaron Hartzler grew up in a home where he was taught that at any moment the Rapture could happen. That Jesus might come down in the twinkling of an eye and scoop Aaron and his family up to heaven. As a kid, Aaron was thrilled by the idea that every moment of every day might be his last one on planet Earth.

But as Aaron turns sixteen, he finds himself more attached to his earthly life and curious about all the things his family forsakes for the Lord. He begins to realize he doesn't want the Rapture to happen just yet--not before he sees his first movie, stars in the school play, or has his first kiss. Eventually Aaron makes the plunge from conflicted do-gooder to full-fledged teen rebel.

Whether he's sneaking out, making out, or playing hymns with a hangover, Aaron learns a few lessons that can't be found in the Bible. He discovers that the best friends aren't always the ones your mom and dad approve of, and the tricky part about believing is that no one can do it for you.

In this funny and heartfelt coming-of-age memoir, debut author Aaron Hartzler recalls his teenage journey to find the person he is without losing the family that loves him. It's a story about losing your faith and finding your place and your own truth--which is always stranger than fiction.

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- Format: Electronic Book
- Price: $9.99 US/$9.99 CAN
- ISBN-13: 9780316215718
- On Sale Date: 04/09/2013
- Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Full Details
Formats Available: Hardcover Book, Electronic Book
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Sometimes salvation is found in the strangest places: a true story.

Aaron Hartzler grew up the eldest of five, the son of a minister, in Kansas City. He currently lives in Palm Springs, where he writes and acts, with his dogs and partner.

10 Questions, 1 Minute with Aaron Hartzler

Praise for Rapture Practice:

* His story emphasizes discovery more than rebellion, and the narrative is carefully constructed to show and not judge the beliefs of his family and their community... Hartzler's laugh-out-loud stylings range from the subtle to the ridiculous...A hilarious first-of-its-kind story that will surely inspire more."
(
Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
).
"Rapture Practice opened my eyes--and my mind--to a segment of society I've never quite understood. Wherever you weigh in on the religion scale, this book will speak to you."

(
Ellen Hopkins, New York Times bestselling author of Crank and Tilt

).
"Rapture Practice is breathtaking. Aaron Hartzler has the lightest touch when it comes to telling his story. His writing is heartfelt and earnest, while at the same time funny and courageous. I'm in love with this book."

(
Holly Goldberg Sloan, author of I'll Be There
).
"Aaron's Hartzler's Rapture Practice is a sad, wise, funny and life-affirming story of coming of age and finding the courage to be who you are while still remaining true to your family. I was incredibly moved to tears and laughter by this memoir and urge all teenagers to read it, especially those struggling with faith and identity themselves."

(
Melissa de la Cruz, New York Timesbestselling author of the Blue Bloods series

).
"This book is a miracle...Aaron Harztler sees that asking others to love you for what you are means loving them for what they are and that, furthermore, they may be as powerless as you are to change...An achingly innocent and sweetly funny book about guilt, rebellion, love, and acceptance."

(
Laura McNeal, National Book Honor author of Dark Water
).
"I think the best stories are the ones about the absurdity and beauty of growing up--and Aaron Hartzler's Rapture Practice is one whose humor, honesty, and heart make universal even the most unique situations. This is a story about faith that gives you just that--faith in humanity, in family, and in yourself."
(
John Corey Whaley, author of the Michael L. Printz Winner for Where Things Come Back
).