The Apocalypse of Elena Mendoza

By: Shaun David Hutchinson

Narrated by: Candace Thaxton

A Junior Library Guild Selection

“Surreal, brainy, and totally captivating.” —Booklist (starred review)
“Provocative and moving.” —Publishers Weekly (starred review)
“Hutchinson artfully blends the realistic and the surreal.” —School Library Journal (starred review)

From the critically acclaimed author of We Are the Ants and At the Edge of the Universe comes a mind-bending, riveting novel about a teen who was born to a virgin mother and realizes she has the power to heal—but that power comes at a huge cost.

Sixteen-year-old Elena Mendoza is the product of a virgin birth.

This can be scientifically explained (it’s called parthenogenesis), but what can’t be explained is how Elena is able to heal Freddie, the girl she’s had a crush on for years, from a gunshot wound in a Starbucks parking lot. Or why the boy who shot Freddie, David Combs, disappeared from the same parking lot minutes later after getting sucked up into the clouds. Other things that can’t be explained are the talking girl on the front of a tampon box, or the reasons that David Combs shot Freddie in the first place.

As more unbelievable things occur, and Elena continues to perform miracles, the only remaining explanation is the least logical of all—that the world is actually coming to an end, and Elena is possibly the only one who can do something about it.

Interesting, But A Little Long

Overall enjoyable and fans of Shaun David Hutchinson will appreciate a few references to his other books scattered throughout (but never so much as to be distracting). My only complaint is that it felt just a bit too long. There were several sections where essentially the same thing was said over and over. The same characters had the same conversations and the main character’s inner monologue repeated itself frequently. Could’ve used a bit of trimming down.

Born of a virgin

The Apocalypse of Elena Mendoza- a delightful and beautiful concept. Shaun David Hutchinson always has a wonderful talent for giving us the feels-whether it’s love or heart break or overcoming depression. Elana is just another one of his beautiful creations.

Transported

I loved this book, and narrator was excellent in executing different voices for the characters. I would highly recommend!

Absolutely loved it!!

I absolutely loved the the narrator! They really put emotion into the voices and did excellent at, well narrating. The story really did make me feel I even cried at some parts it just really spoke to me. Probably because I related to Elena and Freddie a lot for different reasons Elena because I too struggle with making the 'right' choices and with Freddie... well I have many reasons for relating to her.

There was a glimmer of potential..

Basic story could have been great. Hitting all the topical talking points was over-the-top used-car-salesman-schtick, hope the author at least got a new car from this bit of prostitution. Narrator- if the character is a Latina from Florida, why this? Would never, nor would be willing to be paid to, listen to this voice again. BTW, in case you are wondering, I am pretty much unable to not finish either reading or listening to a book once I start it