Last Days of California by Mary Miller

Last Days of California by Mary Miller is a short, fun coming-of-age novel about the Metcalf family, embarking on a road trip that is both literal and metaphorical.

The story unfolds through the eyes of Jess Metcalf, a fifteen-year-old girl who, along with her elder sister Elise, travels across America with their missionary father. The family, rooted in fundamentalist Christian beliefs, is driven by the conviction that the Rapture is imminent—the end of days when Jesus will return to redeem the faithful.

As they journey from Alabama towards California, the story gets into the complexities of adolescence, faith, and family dynamics. Jess grapples with her belief in the Rapture and the anxiety of witnessing such an event, while also navigating the trials of growing up. Her relationship with her sister is central to the story, highlighting the bond and tension between siblings on the cusp of adulthood.

What I Liked

First off, this book is like the perfect pacing and length. It’s punchy, concise, but still very complex and layered. The author is really talented and I can’t wait for her next work.

I love, love, love the details of daily family life in the book. As a parent and Uncle, it’s easy to forget how kids experience daily life. All the hilarious details about sharing fast food meals, picking clothes, figuring out how you are going to do little things are just brilliant.

The novel reminded me so much of the non-fiction Rapture Ready book from 2009 in so many ways. The main parallel is how the author is able to pull off this balance of exploring and commenting on this unique, single (but influential) variety of (very American) Christianity without veering into mockery or simplified insults.

The characters are right on and I love the (fairly obvious) but timeless metaphor of the book. It wasn’t too heavy or too fluffy. Good read.

What I Didn’t Like

Nothing really – I’m glad I picked it up.