Rapture Practice by Aaron Hartzler

Aaron Hartzler grew up in a household that believed that Jesus would come back to Earth any day, where movies, rock music, and even afterschool jobs could be displeasing to the Lord. As Aaron enters high school, he begins questioning the life that his parents have built and, unlike them, simple answers like trusting in God aren’t enough to satisfy him. Through trial and error, Aaron has to figure out where he stands on the issue of his family’s religion, and how his actions affect his relationship with his parents.

Rapture Practice follows Hartzler’s life from the time he discovers his passion for acting at four years of age to his high school graduation. Hartzler writes candidly about his religious upbringing, including all of the wonderful parts about his family traditions, knowing God’s grace, and growing up in a loving family. But he doesn’t neglect the frustrating aspects: being banned from going to the movies, listening to unapproved music in secret, and being restricted from acting in plays that don’t “honor the Lord.” Hartzler’s good humor and blunt questions about religion, faith, and morality are engaging, and his refusal to reject his upbringing despite disagreeing with some of its morals is refreshing. Rapture Practice is a funny, smart, and probing memoir about faith and the love that connects us all.

Cover Comments: I love, love, love this cover. The colors, the ticket, the tear down the middle are all so perfect.

Book borrowed from the library.