In A Perfect World . . . Soft Apocalypse Concluded

In a perfect world there would be no market for books such as Soft Apocalypse. I know this sounds very harsh, but after reading the book (and yes, I forced myself to read the entire novel), I just couldn't find any redeeming qualities.  The main character, Jasper, never changes.  He is clearly the intended protagonist because he seems to be struggling to find a place to fit into a chaotic world, but his character never undergoes any sort of change.  Jasper never really learns anything about himself or anyone else.  The novel presents a society that is both chaotic and contradictory; most people function as animals, surviving on what little can be foraged. However, there is an indication that a wealthy class exists that lacks nothing and continues to have access to food, technology, money, and luxury.  He does present one interesting idea that I think is evident in our current administration--dissent is not tolerated.  In this novel, the only people who have everything they need are those who are willing to be infected with the "happy" virus so that they become automatons, without the capacity to think for themselves.  These people are gathered into walled cities and have everything they need supplied for them; unfortunately, they have also lost the ability to think and experience any sort of real emotion.  Perhaps one of my biggest problems with the novel is the use of profanity that proliferates the novel.  Profanity in dialogue, while objectionable, can serve a purpose if it adds to the development of a character (even though I personally disagree with this), but this novel uses profanity even within the narrative portions.  That completely uncalled for and unacceptable.  In my opinion, it shows lack of development as a writer.  The only reason I would recommend this novel to anyone (and I don't) is that is illustrates what society and life might be after Christ raptures his church.  When God's presence is removed from this world; total depravity will set in.  Only God's grace and mercy has protected our world from the depraved state depicted in this novel.  Let me take this opportunity to ask you to accept Christ as your personal saviour if you have not done so.  For those who claim to be followers of Christ, I ask that you examine your life and make sure that sin has not been able to gain a foothold.  Jesus is coming again; we all need to be ready!