birddogs - Shop now

Apocalypse Child: A Life in End Times

4.2 out of 5 stars 150
3.7 on Goodreads
(368)
Loading Images...
Double-tap to zoom
Kindle
$11.99
Available instantly
See all formats
See all formats
$7.99 with 60 percent savings
List Price: $19.99

The List Price is the suggested retail price of a new product as provided by a manufacturer, supplier, or seller. Except for books, Amazon will display a List Price if the product was purchased by customers on Amazon or offered by other retailers at or above the List Price in at least the past 90 days. List prices may not necessarily reflect the product's prevailing market price.
Learn more
$3.99 delivery July 22 - 23. Details
Or fastest delivery July 17 - 22. Details
Only 1 left in stock - order soon.
$$7.99 () Includes selected options. Includes initial monthly payment and selected options. Details
Ships from
books4you88
Ships from
books4you88
Sold by
books4you88
Sold by
books4you88
Returns
Eligible for Return, Refund or Replacement within 30 days of receipt
Eligible for Return, Refund or Replacement within 30 days of receipt
This item can be returned in its original condition for a full refund or replacement within 30 days of receipt. You may receive a partial or no refund on used, damaged or materially different returns.
Read full return policy
Returns
Eligible for Return, Refund or Replacement within 30 days of receipt
This item can be returned in its original condition for a full refund or replacement within 30 days of receipt. You may receive a partial or no refund on used, damaged or materially different returns.
Read full return policy
Payment
Secure transaction
Your transaction is secure
We work hard to protect your security and privacy. Our payment security system encrypts your information during transmission. We don’t share your credit card details with third-party sellers, and we don’t sell your information to others. Learn more
Payment
Secure transaction
We work hard to protect your security and privacy. Our payment security system encrypts your information during transmission. We don’t share your credit card details with third-party sellers, and we don’t sell your information to others. Learn more
Press and hold to save to specific list
Brief content visible, double tap to read full content.
Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

Book details

  1. Print length
    240 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    Turner
  4. Publication date
    March 13, 2018
  5. Dimensions
    5.5 x 0.75 x 8.5 inches
  6. ISBN-10
    1683367685
  7. ISBN-13
    978-1683367680
  8. See all details
Brief content visible, double tap to read full content.
Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

Book overview

"A smart debut."―Publishers Weekly"A riveting read."―Readers' Favorites Review"A slim, concise, compulsively readable memoir."―Ingram Publishing"A wrenching testimony about a complicated childhood reclaimed."―Publishers Weekly"An impressive religious memoir―candid and inspiring without being sensationalistic or self-pitying."―Kirkus Reviews
For the first thirteen years of her life, Flor Edwards grew up in the Children of God. The group's nomadic existence was based on the belief that, as God's chosen people, they would be saved in the impending apocalypse that would envelop the rest of the world in 1993. Flor would be thirteen years old. The group's charismatic leader, Father David, kept the family on the move, from Los Angeles to Bangkok to Chicago, where they would eventually disband, leaving Flor to make sense of the foreign world of mainstream society around her. Apocalypse Child is a cathartic journey through Flor's memories of growing up within a group with unconventional views on education, religion, and sex. Whimsically referring to herself as a real life Kimmy Schmidt, Edwards's clear-eyed memoir is a story of survival in a childhood lived on the fringes.

Review

"Flor Edwards’s APOCALYPSE CHILD is an engrossing account of growing up within the strangely insular Children of God cult. With expressive yet measured candor, Edwards conveys her sense of identity confusion and outrage during a time of readjustment, as well as her eventual journey to greater self-acceptance and spiritual peace."―Foreword Reviews

"Edwards grippingly chronicles her bizarre childhood within a California cult in her smart debut. This is a wrenching testimony about a complicated childhood reclaimed."―Publishers Weekly

"The moving story carries a muted, often dark sense of humor, with a wry sense of timing. An impressive religious memoir―candid and inspiring without being sensationalistic or self-pitying."―Kirkus Reviews

"As a child, when given spending money for the first time, Flor Edwards purchased a pen. She wasn’t allowed to use it―the cult she grew up in didn’t allow for individual creative expression―but she carried it around like a totem. How lucky we are that she wields a pen now, that she has claimed her own voice, that she has found the perfect words to share her compelling, unconventional story."―Gayle Brandeis, author of The Art of Misdiagnosis

“An astounding work written with indelible clarity and style. APOCALYPSE CHILD is a brilliant and vivid depiction of what goes on behind the walls of a cult―revealing how terror permeates each and every waking moment. Flor Edwards is a wise and savvy soul who was forced to dance the dance―intuitively knowing it was wrong―but also knew she had to do everything in her power to be set free. A singular achievement.”―Diana Raab, author of Regina’s Closet and Writing for Bliss

""APOCALYPSE CHILD is a beautifully crafted narrative about growing up in a religious cult in the 1980s. While candid and revealing of the extreme practices within a secret society, the writer retells the story of her life with compassion and remarkable wisdom. A compelling, important memoir by an unusually gifted author."―Simon Van Booy, author of Everything Beautiful Began After and The Illusion of Separateness

"An addictive, deeply emotional, and terrifyingly true account of growing up in a religious cult. Apocalypse Child heralds an exciting new literary voice. I can't wait to read more by Flor Edwards."―Reza Aslan, author of Zealot and God: A Human History

About the Author

Flor is a writer and lives in Los Angeles. She has taught English and writing and Santa Monica College and UC Riverside. Flor has a BA in journalism and an MFA in nonfiction.

About the author

Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
Flor Edwards
Brief content visible, double tap to read full content.
Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

Flor Edwards is an author and lives in Los Angeles, California. By age twelve, Flor had lived in 24 different locations across three continents. Always on the move to escape the Antichrist and in preparation for the Apocalypse in 1993, her nomadic childhood prompted her to pen her memoir Apocalypse Child: A Life in End Times. In her debut memoir, Flor movingly describes her early life growing up with her family and 11 siblings as a member of The Children of God, a controversial religious movement that many describe as an apocalyptic cult.

Visit her website at www.floredwards.com.

Brief content visible, double tap to read full content.
Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.
Esembly
Reusable cloth diapers and baby accessories.
Brief content visible, double tap to read full content.
Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

From the Publisher

The Addictive Story of the Real Life Kimmy Schmidt

A gallery wall with framed photos and a note that says "You are a chosen child of God."

a quote that says "a vivid depiction of what goes on behind the walls of a cult." by Diana Raab

a quote that says the book is about growing up in a religious cult in the 80s

Kirkus Reviews called this book an impressive religious memoir

Product information

Brief content visible, double tap to read full content.
Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.
Brief content visible, double tap to read full content.
Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.
Brief content visible, double tap to read full content.
Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

Customer reviews

4.2 out of 5 stars4.2 out of 5
150 global ratings

Customers say

Customers find the memoir worth reading, inspiring, and excellent. They also say the message is fascinating and inspiring.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

Select to learn more
Reading experienceMessageWriting quality
Reading experienceMessageWriting quality
11Customers mention
11Positive
0Negative

Customers find the book fascinating and inspiring. They mention it's a memoir worth reading.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

"This was a very interesting book from the point of view of Flor, a girl raised in the Children of god cult...." Read more

"...It was a lovely read with a happy ending!" Read more

"I read this book in three days. Flor Edwards wrote an illustrative and captivating autobiography that left me intrigued and baffled by the history..." Read more

"An excellent read. Highly recommended. The author does a great job bringing us into a world that few have ever known...." Read more

10Customers mention
10Positive
0Negative

Customers find the message fascinating, inspiring, and savvy. They also appreciate the well-written, compassionate memoir that sincerely shares her experiences with candor. Customers say the book captures more than just childhood memories.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

"...Flor Edwards account of her life is not dreary...it is very uplifting and she tells this story so that I can picture every word like it was a movie...." Read more

"...Flor Edwards is a wise and savvy soul who was forced to dance the dance--intuitively knowing it was wrong, but also knew she had to do everything in..." Read more

"...shares her experiences with candor, and yet demonstrates a deep understanding and compassion for her family and others who walked the same road." Read more

"Sad yet powerful ...." Read more

10Customers mention
10Positive
0Negative

Customers find the writing quality excellent, authentic, and clear. They also appreciate the author's ability to convey her thoughts and help the reader.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

"...34;An astounding work written with indelible clarity and style...." Read more

"A great read that I highly recommend. The voice of the author comes through with authenticity and it is clear that she is writing from her honest..." Read more

"...Her writing style is comfortable and easy to get through while still managing to affect your emotions and thoughts—a great combination!" Read more

"Aside from Flor's excellent writing skills and ability to convey her thoughts and help the reader to visualize/experience the world she experienced,..." Read more

Reviews with images

1 11 1
  1. Customer Image

Submit a report

A few common reasons customers report reviews:
  • Harassment, profanity
  • Spam, advertisement, promotions
  • Given in exchange for cash, discounts
When we get your report, we'll check if the review meets our Community guidelines. If it doesn't, we'll remove it.
Sorry we couldn't load the review
Thank you for your feedback

Sorry, there was an error

Please try again later.

Top reviews from the United States

Anneke Schieberl
5.0 out of 5 starsVerified Purchase
I could not put this book down. This was amazing interesting fabulous
Reviewed in the United States on November 28, 2018
I started this book about a girl raised in a cult who was told her life would end at 12 years old from the end of the world. First of all, who does this to children? Flor Edwards account of her life is not dreary...it is very uplifting and she tells this story so that I... See more
I started this book about a girl raised in a cult who was told her life would end at 12 years old from the end of the world. First of all, who does this to children? Flor Edwards account of her life is not dreary...it is very uplifting and she tells this story so that I can picture every word like it was a movie. My husband and I listened to this book together and couldn't wait to travel so that we could hear more. I have to confess...I sneaked reading it on my Kindle it was so good. If you are looking for your next book to read this will not disappoint. Lots of insider secrets into this group and she tells about the human condition. Raised all over the world in third world countries and finally coming to the States with her family and now 11 siblings. I am not a very good write so I cannot do this review justice except to say I am picky and an avid reader and I cannot tell you how many stories I start and never finish. This one had me from the beginning all the way to the last words...which by the way...were PERFECT last words. If I ever write a book I may steal those last few words. You will laugh and cry all the while being completely engaged and having to read more no matter how tired you are to find out how this amazing journey continues.
2 people found this helpful
Helpful
Share
Report
Jennifer Thompson-Thalasinos
4.0 out of 5 starsVerified Purchase
This is the cult Rose McGowen grew up in...
Reviewed in the United States on July 6, 2018
This was a very interesting book from the point of view of Flor, a girl raised in the Children of god cult. For those of you unfamiliar, the Children of god cult is a cult that promotes “flirty fishing” to lure men into the cult, and promotes pedophilia and swinging. This... See more
This was a very interesting book from the point of view of Flor, a girl raised in the Children of god cult. For those of you unfamiliar, the Children of god cult is a cult that promotes “flirty fishing” to lure men into the cult, and promotes pedophilia and swinging. This is the same cult the Phoenix family (River, Joaquin), and Rose McGowen were raised in.

Note: Flor states that she was not sexually abused. In addition her parents were unusual as they stayed monogamous with each other. She is aware of abuse and infidelities however.

Flor and her family lived mostly outside of the US growing up, including Thailand. Their leader, David, believed the apocalypse was coming in 1993. Flor was raised her entire life to believe that the world was going to end shortly. After it didn’t end, she and her family had to adjust to the idea that the apocalypse was not coming and how to live in a world that was not ending. For some cult members this was too difficult.
4 people found this helpful
Helpful
Share
Report
Peter B. Reinheimer
3.0 out of 5 starsVerified Purchase
More details were expected.
Reviewed in the United States on August 20, 2021
Too little in depth info. I was left wanting. ESP after Berkeley !
One person found this helpful
Helpful
Share
Report
Diana Raab
5.0 out of 5 starsVerified Purchase
Apocalypse Child is a brilliant and vivid depiction of what goes on behind the ...
Reviewed in the United States on June 7, 2018
This book was just released in mid-March. It's not often that you read a published book that you can't put down by someone you know. What's also rare is reading a published book by one of your writing students. Many years ago, Edwards took my memoir-writing workshop at the... See more
This book was just released in mid-March. It's not often that you read a published book that you can't put down by someone you know. What's also rare is reading a published book by one of your writing students. Many years ago, Edwards took my memoir-writing workshop at the Santa Barbara Writers Conference, where I read the beginnings of this memoir and instinctively knew she had a gift for writing. I'm over-the-moon thrilled that she's now sharing her riveting story with the world.

Here's my review on Amazon, which has been excerpted for the book cover:

"An astounding work written with indelible clarity and style.
Apocalypse Child is a brilliant and vivid depiction of what goes on behind the walls of a cult--revealing how terror permeates each and every waking moment. Flor Edwards is a wise and savvy soul who was forced to dance the dance--intuitively knowing it was wrong, but also knew she had to do everything in her power to be set free. A singular achievement."

Highly recommended!
6 people found this helpful
Helpful
Share
Report
Deborah Beighley
5.0 out of 5 starsVerified Purchase
A great read that I highly recommend
Reviewed in the United States on May 21, 2018
A great read that I highly recommend. The voice of the author comes through with authenticity and it is clear that she is writing from her honest personal experiences. There is no hype or exaggeration. None is needed as her childhood and young teen years had all the... See more
A great read that I highly recommend. The voice of the author comes through with authenticity and it is clear that she is writing from her honest personal experiences. There is no hype or exaggeration. None is needed as her childhood and young teen years had all the drama imaginable to write a fascinating memoir. I couldn't put it down and although I half expected to be reading a 'tale of woe' with a lot of bitterness and blame, I was pleasantly surprised and impressed how she sincerely shares her experiences with candor, and yet demonstrates a deep understanding and compassion for her family and others who walked the same road.
3 people found this helpful
Helpful
Share
Report
S. Myers
4.0 out of 5 starsVerified Purchase
Interesting Story
Reviewed in the United States on January 10, 2019
It moved a little slow, but I was interested in knowing what it was like to grow up in that environment. I am glad that I read it, but could not give it 5 sstars.
One person found this helpful
Helpful
Share
Report
LC
5.0 out of 5 starsVerified Purchase
A great read and an amazing story!
Reviewed in the United States on December 21, 2018
I just completed Flor Edward's story of being raised by her family in The Children of God cult and I could not put the book down. I read it in a day, which is unlike me. Her writing causes the reader to take her journey with her and to catch a glimpse of what she endured... See more
I just completed Flor Edward's story of being raised by her family in The Children of God cult and I could not put the book down. I read it in a day, which is unlike me. Her writing causes the reader to take her journey with her and to catch a glimpse of what she endured as a child in the COG cult. I related to her story because I too was a part of several, Christian, religious cults who - except for the free-love, sexual teachings of the Children of God - also controlled and manipulated followers with the same kind of apocalyptic fear/hope, existential anxiety, guilt, shame, divine authoritarianism and anti-intellectualism.

I hope this book is read by a large audience because it is a warning to anyone who encounters any group who demands you to mindlessly obey and follow the leader to run the opposite way and go have a life!
3 people found this helpful
Helpful
Share
Report
Lisa Lawson
3.0 out of 5 starsVerified Purchase
Well done!
Reviewed in the United States on August 18, 2018
Well done!
One person found this helpful
Helpful
Share
Report

Top reviews from other countries

Carpedia
5.0 out of 5 starsVerified Purchase
Thoughtful Prose about an Astonishing Childhood
Reviewed in Canada on June 28, 2018
Flor Edwards’ description of her childhood in an apocalyptic cult defies the usual stereotypes. She paints a clear picture of a young life in isolation in secretive compounds in Thailand & the U.S. & her bewildered transformation as the cult begins to fall apart just as...See more
Flor Edwards’ description of her childhood in an apocalyptic cult defies the usual stereotypes. She paints a clear picture of a young life in isolation in secretive compounds in Thailand & the U.S. & her bewildered transformation as the cult begins to fall apart just as she’s reaching puberty. An honest, sometimes dark, exploration of a terrified child in a world of manufactured light.
Report
See more reviews

How customer reviews and ratings work

Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.Learn more how customers reviews work on Amazon