The Leftovers takes place three years after the Sudden Departure, Rapture, etc. It has many names but the fact remains that on October 14th, a large proportion of the Earth's population just up and vanished with no rhyme or reason to these disappearances.

First things first, this is a character-driven story. Don't do what I did and spend have the book searching for a plot because, other than moving on from the Sudden Departure, there really isn't much of one. It was only when I stopped looking for the plot and just let myself enjoy the characters that I started to like the book.

There were a vast array of important characters but Tom and Nora's storylines were my favourite. Tom had been in his first year of university when the Sudden Departure happened, and could not find his footing afterward. All the things he had enjoyed beforehand now felt empty and meaningless. That was until he crossed paths with Holy Wayne. Becoming a loyal follower, he left his education and family behind to volunteer for the cause. But then when Holy Wayne gets arrested for a number of crimes, including statutory rape, Tom gets put on a different path.

Nora's entire family disappeared on that day. Her husband and two beautiful young children. How do you come back from that? One moment you're a suburban housewife and mother, and the next you're neither. I really felt for her.

However I loved Jill's character development the most. Having been present when her friend Jen disappeared, everyone begins to walk on eggshells around her. That is until she starts to hang around Aimee and turns loose the wildchild within. Then all of a sudden she's shaving her hair and failing classes, coming home drunk and having Aimee move in without getting permission from her father Kevin. But oh boy do I love how she grew and changed.

As a result of the ~Rapture, a number of new religious cults appeared, such as Holy Wayne who was considered a prophet. There was also the Guilty Remnant who were hella creepy. You never really figure out what their deal is and they do some really strange stuff. But then there were the Barefoot People who I could totally...maybe, get behind. Think 1960s/70s hippie and you're pretty spot on.

Tom Perrotta's writing style was quite simple and enjoyable. It was easy to read and held a number of good quotes.