Books
Young Adult Fiction
Life As We Knew It
Life As We Knew It
Author(s)
Publisher
Genre(s)
Age Range
12+
ISBN
0152058265
Buy This Book
Editor reviews
Teenager Miranda tells the story via diary entries of what happens when an asteroid hits the moon, shoving it closer to Earth. It is a disaster with drastic consequences: changes in the ocean tides result in tsunamis that kill multitudes of people and eliminate cities. Previously inactive volcanoes erupt; the ash blocks the sun and destroys air quality. Earthquakes are unleashed, worldwide. The weather changes, with freezing temperatures in August.
Miranda changes from a girl who worries about school, grades, and swim team performance to one who must struggle to survive as options narrow. The lack of sunshine means crops can't be grown. Can they survive on the food they've squirreled away? Can Miranda live on one meal a day . . .or less?
Electricity is a pleasure of the past, and heating oil is no longer available. Will the family freeze before they starve? Will the violence in town reach them, now that there is no law enforcement? And what has become of Miranda's dad and his pregnant second wife? Little do Miranda and her family know that their troubles are just beginning.
LIFE AS WE KNEW IT is a gripping tale. It is a terrifying story made even scarier not only because natural disasters are so often in the news but because the reader feels she knows Miranda and her family. The author does not strike one false note in this book as Miranda evolves and matures through life's challenges. And, although some of the details are grim, Miranda and the reader are uplifted by a realistically small yet true hopefulness.
LIFE AS WE KNEW IT is a true page-turner that's nearly impossible to put down. I give it my highest recommendation.
Miranda changes from a girl who worries about school, grades, and swim team performance to one who must struggle to survive as options narrow. The lack of sunshine means crops can't be grown. Can they survive on the food they've squirreled away? Can Miranda live on one meal a day . . .or less?
Electricity is a pleasure of the past, and heating oil is no longer available. Will the family freeze before they starve? Will the violence in town reach them, now that there is no law enforcement? And what has become of Miranda's dad and his pregnant second wife? Little do Miranda and her family know that their troubles are just beginning.
LIFE AS WE KNEW IT is a gripping tale. It is a terrifying story made even scarier not only because natural disasters are so often in the news but because the reader feels she knows Miranda and her family. The author does not strike one false note in this book as Miranda evolves and matures through life's challenges. And, although some of the details are grim, Miranda and the reader are uplifted by a realistically small yet true hopefulness.
LIFE AS WE KNEW IT is a true page-turner that's nearly impossible to put down. I give it my highest recommendation.
| Overall rating | 5.0 | |
| Plot | 5.0 | |
| Characters | 0.0 | |
| Writing Style | 0.0 |
Can Miranda and Her Family Survive the Disaster?
Teenager Miranda tells the story via diary entries of what happens when an asteroid hits the moon, shoving it closer to Earth. It is a disaster with drastic consequences: changes in the ocean tides result in tsunamis that kill multitudes of people and eliminate cities. Previously inactive volcanoes erupt; the ash blocks the sun and destroys air quality. Earthquakes are unleashed, worldwide. The weather changes, with freezing temperatures in August.
Miranda changes from a girl who worries about school, grades, and swim team performance to one who must struggle to survive as options narrow. The lack of sunshine means crops can't be grown. Can they survive on the food they've squirreled away? Can Miranda live on one meal a day . . .or less?
Electricity is a pleasure of the past, and heating oil is no longer available. Will the family freeze before they starve? Will the violence in town reach them, now that there is no law enforcement? And what has become of Miranda's dad and his pregnant second wife? Little do Miranda and her family know that their troubles are just beginning.
LIFE AS WE KNEW IT is a gripping tale. It is a terrifying story made even scarier not only because natural disasters are so often in the news but because the reader feels she knows Miranda and her family. The author does not strike one false note in this book as Miranda evolves and matures through life's challenges. And, although some of the details are grim, Miranda and the reader are uplifted by a realistically small yet true hopefulness.
LIFE AS WE KNEW IT is a true page-turner that's nearly impossible to put down. I give it my highest recommendation.
Was this review helpful to you?
User reviews View all user reviews
Average user rating from: 17 user(s)
Interesting book, but ending leaves me with too many questions. One of the best post-apocalyptic tale I've read in awhile though.
This book makes you think about your own life and how just one little thing can happen and then you never know it could turn out like this book where the world (miranda and her family)are struggling to hang on just all because an asteroid hits the moon.
Many twists and turns in this book and I know for sure that anyone who reads this book will want to read on and on and on. Yes, it has flaws but, it is good.
To sum it all up I personally like this, and I highly recommend. When I think about it though, this is most likely not the type of book everyone is interested in, but give it a chance.
This book makes you think about your own life and how just one little thing can happen and then you never know it could turn out like this book where the world (miranda and her family)are struggling to hang on just all because an asteroid hits the moon.
Many twists and turns in this book and I know for sure that anyone who reads this book will want to read on and on and on. Yes, it has flaws but, it is good.
To sum it all up I personally like this, and I highly recommend. When I think about it though, this is most likely not the type of book everyone is interested in, but give it a chance.
| Overall rating | 4.3 | |
| Plot | 4.0 | |
| Characters | 4.0 | |
| Writing Style | 5.0 |
Interesting!
Interesting book, but ending leaves me with too many questions. One of the best post-apocalyptic tale I've read in awhile though.
This book makes you think about your own life and how just one little thing can happen and then you never know it could turn out like this book where the world (miranda and her family)are struggling to hang on just all because an asteroid hits the moon.
Many twists and turns in this book and I know for sure that anyone who reads this book will want to read on and on and on. Yes, it has flaws but, it is good.
To sum it all up I personally like this, and I highly recommend. When I think about it though, this is most likely not the type of book everyone is interested in, but give it a chance.
Do You Recommend?
Yes
Was this review helpful to you?
I was totally captivated by this book. Everything that Miranda's family went through seemed feasible in our current world, and I found myself wondering how my family would cope in a similar situation. It was chilling and frightening, because her family doesn't react to their new circumstances like heroes in a story; they react like a regular family.
Miranda was an excellent narrator. Somehow, Susan Beth Pfeffer was able to really crawl inside the mind of a 16-year-old girl. She had the invincibility syndrome that so many teenagers have, convincing herself time and time again that nothing was going to change, that everything would soon return to normal, that things couldn't possibly get any worse. I found myself infuriated with her when she argued against her mother's rationing of their food, or her brother's stockpiling of firewood. I groaned inwardly every time she mentioned that she couldn't imagine how things could get worse, since obviously, they could. But she reacted the way I expect many teenagers would react -- she resisted the magnitude of the situation, and opted instead to focus on whether or not there would still be a prom, or how her favorite figure skater was doing. But my frustrations with her character are actually a testament to the strength of the writing -- I believed I was listening to a 16-year-old.
On the flip side, I loved Miranda's mother. She was level-headed, forward-thinking, and did a marvelous job of looking out for her family. Yes, she made mistakes, had her moments of selfishness, and there were occasions where Miranda's conflicts with her were perfectly justified. But no matter how bad things got, Miranda's mother continued to display the kind of sacrifice and perseverance that I feel exemplifies a parent's love for her child.
I also enjoyed the development of Miranda's brothers, Jonny and Matt, and their neighbor, Mrs. Nesbitt. I came away from the book feeling like I really knew and understood these characters.
As for the progression of the story itself, I found it mostly believable. Miranda's family found themselves situated in the best possible scenario in the case of global disaster: their house had oil heat, a gas stove, a wood-burning stove in a separate room, and well water. Convenient, yes, but not unrealistic -- these houses do exist, after all. There were parts of the story I found far-fetched, such as being able to immediately hop onto the Internet and surf fan sites every time the electricity turned back on for 10 minutes, but those irritations were minor in the grand scheme of things. There was also a bit of propaganda the author wove into the story that I thought felt a bit awkward and out of place, but again, it didn't really lessen my enjoyment of the overall tale.
The way the world slowly crumbled around Miranda and her family seemed disturbingly accurate. Humanity didn't simply plunge into chaos; it descended in increments. Businesses stayed open. Currency still held value. Schools held classes. It was only as the weeks and months progressed that the direness of their situation is truly revealed. I found myself holding my breath as I wondered what could possibly happen next.
Overall, I found this to be a sad yet hopeful look at family, society, and friendship. It was a story of strength, survival and triumph, but also loss and regret. The story progressed in a quiet manner, with very little action or fanfare, and was more pensive than nail-biting. Its strengths were the characters, the relationships, and the incredibly well though-out progression from life as we know it to the world that Miranda's family unwillingly finds themselves in.
Note: While this book does have two sequels, The Dead and the Gone and This World We Live In, I felt the ending was satisfying enough for this to have been a standalone novel. I do intend on reading the sequels, but if they didn't exist, I still would have been satisfied.
Miranda was an excellent narrator. Somehow, Susan Beth Pfeffer was able to really crawl inside the mind of a 16-year-old girl. She had the invincibility syndrome that so many teenagers have, convincing herself time and time again that nothing was going to change, that everything would soon return to normal, that things couldn't possibly get any worse. I found myself infuriated with her when she argued against her mother's rationing of their food, or her brother's stockpiling of firewood. I groaned inwardly every time she mentioned that she couldn't imagine how things could get worse, since obviously, they could. But she reacted the way I expect many teenagers would react -- she resisted the magnitude of the situation, and opted instead to focus on whether or not there would still be a prom, or how her favorite figure skater was doing. But my frustrations with her character are actually a testament to the strength of the writing -- I believed I was listening to a 16-year-old.
On the flip side, I loved Miranda's mother. She was level-headed, forward-thinking, and did a marvelous job of looking out for her family. Yes, she made mistakes, had her moments of selfishness, and there were occasions where Miranda's conflicts with her were perfectly justified. But no matter how bad things got, Miranda's mother continued to display the kind of sacrifice and perseverance that I feel exemplifies a parent's love for her child.
I also enjoyed the development of Miranda's brothers, Jonny and Matt, and their neighbor, Mrs. Nesbitt. I came away from the book feeling like I really knew and understood these characters.
As for the progression of the story itself, I found it mostly believable. Miranda's family found themselves situated in the best possible scenario in the case of global disaster: their house had oil heat, a gas stove, a wood-burning stove in a separate room, and well water. Convenient, yes, but not unrealistic -- these houses do exist, after all. There were parts of the story I found far-fetched, such as being able to immediately hop onto the Internet and surf fan sites every time the electricity turned back on for 10 minutes, but those irritations were minor in the grand scheme of things. There was also a bit of propaganda the author wove into the story that I thought felt a bit awkward and out of place, but again, it didn't really lessen my enjoyment of the overall tale.
The way the world slowly crumbled around Miranda and her family seemed disturbingly accurate. Humanity didn't simply plunge into chaos; it descended in increments. Businesses stayed open. Currency still held value. Schools held classes. It was only as the weeks and months progressed that the direness of their situation is truly revealed. I found myself holding my breath as I wondered what could possibly happen next.
Overall, I found this to be a sad yet hopeful look at family, society, and friendship. It was a story of strength, survival and triumph, but also loss and regret. The story progressed in a quiet manner, with very little action or fanfare, and was more pensive than nail-biting. Its strengths were the characters, the relationships, and the incredibly well though-out progression from life as we know it to the world that Miranda's family unwillingly finds themselves in.
Note: While this book does have two sequels, The Dead and the Gone and This World We Live In, I felt the ending was satisfying enough for this to have been a standalone novel. I do intend on reading the sequels, but if they didn't exist, I still would have been satisfied.
| Overall rating | 4.3 | |
| Plot | 4.0 | |
| Characters | 4.0 | |
| Writing Style | 5.0 |
Thoughtful and mostly feasible post-apocalyptic tale
I was totally captivated by this book. Everything that Miranda's family went through seemed feasible in our current world, and I found myself wondering how my family would cope in a similar situation. It was chilling and frightening, because her family doesn't react to their new circumstances like heroes in a story; they react like a regular family.
Miranda was an excellent narrator. Somehow, Susan Beth Pfeffer was able to really crawl inside the mind of a 16-year-old girl. She had the invincibility syndrome that so many teenagers have, convincing herself time and time again that nothing was going to change, that everything would soon return to normal, that things couldn't possibly get any worse. I found myself infuriated with her when she argued against her mother's rationing of their food, or her brother's stockpiling of firewood. I groaned inwardly every time she mentioned that she couldn't imagine how things could get worse, since obviously, they could. But she reacted the way I expect many teenagers would react -- she resisted the magnitude of the situation, and opted instead to focus on whether or not there would still be a prom, or how her favorite figure skater was doing. But my frustrations with her character are actually a testament to the strength of the writing -- I believed I was listening to a 16-year-old.
On the flip side, I loved Miranda's mother. She was level-headed, forward-thinking, and did a marvelous job of looking out for her family. Yes, she made mistakes, had her moments of selfishness, and there were occasions where Miranda's conflicts with her were perfectly justified. But no matter how bad things got, Miranda's mother continued to display the kind of sacrifice and perseverance that I feel exemplifies a parent's love for her child.
I also enjoyed the development of Miranda's brothers, Jonny and Matt, and their neighbor, Mrs. Nesbitt. I came away from the book feeling like I really knew and understood these characters.
As for the progression of the story itself, I found it mostly believable. Miranda's family found themselves situated in the best possible scenario in the case of global disaster: their house had oil heat, a gas stove, a wood-burning stove in a separate room, and well water. Convenient, yes, but not unrealistic -- these houses do exist, after all. There were parts of the story I found far-fetched, such as being able to immediately hop onto the Internet and surf fan sites every time the electricity turned back on for 10 minutes, but those irritations were minor in the grand scheme of things. There was also a bit of propaganda the author wove into the story that I thought felt a bit awkward and out of place, but again, it didn't really lessen my enjoyment of the overall tale.
The way the world slowly crumbled around Miranda and her family seemed disturbingly accurate. Humanity didn't simply plunge into chaos; it descended in increments. Businesses stayed open. Currency still held value. Schools held classes. It was only as the weeks and months progressed that the direness of their situation is truly revealed. I found myself holding my breath as I wondered what could possibly happen next.
Overall, I found this to be a sad yet hopeful look at family, society, and friendship. It was a story of strength, survival and triumph, but also loss and regret. The story progressed in a quiet manner, with very little action or fanfare, and was more pensive than nail-biting. Its strengths were the characters, the relationships, and the incredibly well though-out progression from life as we know it to the world that Miranda's family unwillingly finds themselves in.
Note: While this book does have two sequels, The Dead and the Gone and This World We Live In, I felt the ending was satisfying enough for this to have been a standalone novel. I do intend on reading the sequels, but if they didn't exist, I still would have been satisfied.
Do You Recommend?
Yes
Was this review helpful to you?
Life as we Know centers around the life of a family after a catastrophe ,as told by the 16 year old narrator Miranda, in diary format. After a worldwide catasptrophe, Miranda and her family must learn to survive in a drastically changed world. Gas prices rise, food is scare, family and friends are dead.With everything changing around them Miranda and her family struggle to stay together.
The main protagonist matures nicely in the book from a slightly pampered sixteen year old to more mature and decisive character.Miranda intially pines for the creature comforts lost but eventually realizes that they are all in a struggle for survival. Life as We Knew It Is not just a look at how things change after catatsrophe but, also a look at how people change.Life As We Knew It is the first book in the last survivor's series.
This book is a perfect book for readers that like post-apocalyptical reads with great writing, the main character will also be very relateable to many readers.
Age group: 13 and up
Content: a refernce to somone letting her teenage daughter go off with a grown man, a reference to a charcter committing suicide, references to several people dying in disasters, some characters consume wine at a dinner, also a reference to teenage pregnancy.
The main protagonist matures nicely in the book from a slightly pampered sixteen year old to more mature and decisive character.Miranda intially pines for the creature comforts lost but eventually realizes that they are all in a struggle for survival. Life as We Knew It Is not just a look at how things change after catatsrophe but, also a look at how people change.Life As We Knew It is the first book in the last survivor's series.
This book is a perfect book for readers that like post-apocalyptical reads with great writing, the main character will also be very relateable to many readers.
Age group: 13 and up
Content: a refernce to somone letting her teenage daughter go off with a grown man, a reference to a charcter committing suicide, references to several people dying in disasters, some characters consume wine at a dinner, also a reference to teenage pregnancy.
| Overall rating | 4.7 | |
| Plot | 5.0 | |
| Characters | 5.0 | |
| Writing Style | 4.0 |
Life As We Knew It (Last Survivors #1)
Life as we Know centers around the life of a family after a catastrophe ,as told by the 16 year old narrator Miranda, in diary format. After a worldwide catasptrophe, Miranda and her family must learn to survive in a drastically changed world. Gas prices rise, food is scare, family and friends are dead.With everything changing around them Miranda and her family struggle to stay together.
The main protagonist matures nicely in the book from a slightly pampered sixteen year old to more mature and decisive character.Miranda intially pines for the creature comforts lost but eventually realizes that they are all in a struggle for survival. Life as We Knew It Is not just a look at how things change after catatsrophe but, also a look at how people change.Life As We Knew It is the first book in the last survivor's series.
This book is a perfect book for readers that like post-apocalyptical reads with great writing, the main character will also be very relateable to many readers.
Age group: 13 and up
Content: a refernce to somone letting her teenage daughter go off with a grown man, a reference to a charcter committing suicide, references to several people dying in disasters, some characters consume wine at a dinner, also a reference to teenage pregnancy.
Good Points
The first person diary format allows the reader to connect with the character on a greater level than most books.
Bad Points
At times the protagonist is whiny, and quite self-absorbed.
Do You Recommend?
Yes
Was this review helpful to you?
Reader reviewed by GBC
Life As We Knew It is a great book for teens who are looking for a book with a post-apocalyptic feel, but without a terrorist attack or world war. There are plenty of deaths, and people do act a bit crazy, but this book provides a great view of what life could be like if life as we knew it changed drastically. After the moon gets knocked out of orbit, and disaster ensues, Miranda steps up and finds a way to survive and help her family, both growing up and learning a lot about herself. The book prompts all kinds of discussion, especially begging the question: "What would you do?". This is a fantastic end-of-the-world type story for middle school and up!
Life As We Knew It is a great book for teens who are looking for a book with a post-apocalyptic feel, but without a terrorist attack or world war. There are plenty of deaths, and people do act a bit crazy, but this book provides a great view of what life could be like if life as we knew it changed drastically. After the moon gets knocked out of orbit, and disaster ensues, Miranda steps up and finds a way to survive and help her family, both growing up and learning a lot about herself. The book prompts all kinds of discussion, especially begging the question: "What would you do?". This is a fantastic end-of-the-world type story for middle school and up!
| Overall rating | 5.0 | |
| Plot | 5.0 | |
| Characters | 0.0 | |
| Writing Style | 0.0 |
Exciting and terrifying
Reader reviewed by GBC
Life As We Knew It is a great book for teens who are looking for a book with a post-apocalyptic feel, but without a terrorist attack or world war. There are plenty of deaths, and people do act a bit crazy, but this book provides a great view of what life could be like if life as we knew it changed drastically. After the moon gets knocked out of orbit, and disaster ensues, Miranda steps up and finds a way to survive and help her family, both growing up and learning a lot about herself. The book prompts all kinds of discussion, especially begging the question: "What would you do?". This is a fantastic end-of-the-world type story for middle school and up!
Was this review helpful to you?
Reader reviewed by Books N' Cooks
Life As We Knew It was the latest book for our little book club. A young adult book, once I started reading it, I couldnt put it down.
This book was about the life of a 16-year old girl and her family living in Pennsylvania after a meteor hits the moon and knocks it out of orbit. This spurs off a series of natural disasters tsunamis, storms, droughts, blizzards, effecting the lives of everyone. Ordinary life shifts rapidly to a life with spotty or no electricity, little to no news about the present circumstances or predictions for the future, and limited food supplies (whatever you have stocked up on). The family struggles to cope with these challenges and prepare for an uncertain future, sacrificing so much for each other.
This book really makes you realize just how quickly things can change, and how we should remind ourselves how lucky we are. There are so many things most people today take for granted a never-ending supply of food and gas; electricity; heat and air conditioning; telephones; etc. Life As We Knew It takes away all of these things, and reminds us of what is important family.
I found Life As We Knew It to be a quick read but highly recommended.
| Overall rating | 5.0 | |
| Plot | 5.0 | |
| Characters | 0.0 | |
| Writing Style | 0.0 |
quick but highly recommended
Reader reviewed by Books N' Cooks Life As We Knew It was the latest book for our little book club. A young adult book, once I started reading it, I couldnt put it down. This book was about the life of a 16-year old girl and her family living in Pennsylvania after a meteor hits the moon and knocks it out of orbit. This spurs off a series of natural disasters tsunamis, storms, droughts, blizzards, effecting the lives of everyone. Ordinary life shifts rapidly to a life with spotty or no electricity, little to no news about the present circumstances or predictions for the future, and limited food supplies (whatever you have stocked up on). The family struggles to cope with these challenges and prepare for an uncertain future, sacrificing so much for each other. This book really makes you realize just how quickly things can change, and how we should remind ourselves how lucky we are. There are so many things most people today take for granted a never-ending supply of food and gas; electricity; heat and air conditioning; telephones; etc. Life As We Knew It takes away all of these things, and reminds us of what is important family. I found Life As We Knew It to be a quick read but highly recommended.
Was this review helpful to you?
Reader reviewed by Jenna
Like As We Knew It kept me on the edge of my seat the whole time!!
The disasters in the book are great and creative, I mean a meteor hitting the moon dead center and knocking it out of orbit creating tidal waves covering most of the continent, volcanoes exploding so often because of the moons gravity pull that the ash is starting to cover the sun, they're getting blizzards in August, Imagine that for a summer!!
Like As We Knew It kept me on the edge of my seat the whole time!!
The disasters in the book are great and creative, I mean a meteor hitting the moon dead center and knocking it out of orbit creating tidal waves covering most of the continent, volcanoes exploding so often because of the moons gravity pull that the ash is starting to cover the sun, they're getting blizzards in August, Imagine that for a summer!!
| Overall rating | 5.0 | |
| Plot | 5.0 | |
| Characters | 0.0 | |
| Writing Style | 0.0 |
Great disasters
Reader reviewed by Jenna
Like As We Knew It kept me on the edge of my seat the whole time!!
The disasters in the book are great and creative, I mean a meteor hitting the moon dead center and knocking it out of orbit creating tidal waves covering most of the continent, volcanoes exploding so often because of the moons gravity pull that the ash is starting to cover the sun, they're getting blizzards in August, Imagine that for a summer!!
Was this review helpful to you?
Reader reviewed by Amy Ward
What an amazing book! And heart-pounding! And sad! And terrifying! And disturbing! I could go on and on but I think you get the picture! Life as we Knew it by Susan Beth Pfeffer tells the horrifying story of Miranda and her family after a meteor knocks the moon closer to earth. The horror is unimaginable. It was very difficult to read this book. At times I would be crying and other times I would be so hopeful. It was a rollercoaster of emotions. I had to force myself to put the book down even though I didn't want to. I actually had a few bad dreams because of this book. But don't let that put you off. It was an amazing story. Miranda and her family go through ordeals that I wouldn't wish on anyone! The best thing about the book is how they are able to hope and try to live life in the midst of chaos! The ending had me on the edge of my seat! Find out what happens for yourself!
What an amazing book! And heart-pounding! And sad! And terrifying! And disturbing! I could go on and on but I think you get the picture! Life as we Knew it by Susan Beth Pfeffer tells the horrifying story of Miranda and her family after a meteor knocks the moon closer to earth. The horror is unimaginable. It was very difficult to read this book. At times I would be crying and other times I would be so hopeful. It was a rollercoaster of emotions. I had to force myself to put the book down even though I didn't want to. I actually had a few bad dreams because of this book. But don't let that put you off. It was an amazing story. Miranda and her family go through ordeals that I wouldn't wish on anyone! The best thing about the book is how they are able to hope and try to live life in the midst of chaos! The ending had me on the edge of my seat! Find out what happens for yourself!
| Overall rating | 5.0 | |
| Plot | 5.0 | |
| Characters | 0.0 | |
| Writing Style | 0.0 |
STUNNING!!!
Reader reviewed by Amy Ward
What an amazing book! And heart-pounding! And sad! And terrifying! And disturbing! I could go on and on but I think you get the picture! Life as we Knew it by Susan Beth Pfeffer tells the horrifying story of Miranda and her family after a meteor knocks the moon closer to earth. The horror is unimaginable. It was very difficult to read this book. At times I would be crying and other times I would be so hopeful. It was a rollercoaster of emotions. I had to force myself to put the book down even though I didn't want to. I actually had a few bad dreams because of this book. But don't let that put you off. It was an amazing story. Miranda and her family go through ordeals that I wouldn't wish on anyone! The best thing about the book is how they are able to hope and try to live life in the midst of chaos! The ending had me on the edge of my seat! Find out what happens for yourself!
Was this review helpful to you?
Reader reviewed by BooksObsession
This apocalyptic novel was fantastic and thought-provoking! Based on the "end-of-the-world" concept, this book gave a whole new meaning to family and survival. I liked how it was written in the form of diary entries. It kept my attention, and made me eager to read the sequel. I really enjoyed this book, and definitely recommend it to other readers.
This apocalyptic novel was fantastic and thought-provoking! Based on the "end-of-the-world" concept, this book gave a whole new meaning to family and survival. I liked how it was written in the form of diary entries. It kept my attention, and made me eager to read the sequel. I really enjoyed this book, and definitely recommend it to other readers.
| Overall rating | 5.0 | |
| Plot | 5.0 | |
| Characters | 0.0 | |
| Writing Style | 0.0 |
Life As We Knew It
Reader reviewed by BooksObsession
This apocalyptic novel was fantastic and thought-provoking! Based on the "end-of-the-world" concept, this book gave a whole new meaning to family and survival. I liked how it was written in the form of diary entries. It kept my attention, and made me eager to read the sequel. I really enjoyed this book, and definitely recommend it to other readers.
Was this review helpful to you?
Reader reviewed by JulieA.
Life as we knew it is a great book about life on earth suddenly and dramatically changing told through the eyes of a teenager. A comet that is supposed to creat an amazing light show in the night sky shockingly collides with the earth's moon pushing it dangerously close to the earth. Gravity is disturbed, so tides change. Immediately Cape Cod and Manhattan are submerged. How would you respond to such a catastrophe. This book is exciting, suspenseful, scary and even a little romantic. A must read!
Life as we knew it is a great book about life on earth suddenly and dramatically changing told through the eyes of a teenager. A comet that is supposed to creat an amazing light show in the night sky shockingly collides with the earth's moon pushing it dangerously close to the earth. Gravity is disturbed, so tides change. Immediately Cape Cod and Manhattan are submerged. How would you respond to such a catastrophe. This book is exciting, suspenseful, scary and even a little romantic. A must read!
| Overall rating | 4.0 | |
| Plot | 4.0 | |
| Characters | 0.0 | |
| Writing Style | 0.0 |
Life As We Knew It
Reader reviewed by JulieA.
Life as we knew it is a great book about life on earth suddenly and dramatically changing told through the eyes of a teenager. A comet that is supposed to creat an amazing light show in the night sky shockingly collides with the earth's moon pushing it dangerously close to the earth. Gravity is disturbed, so tides change. Immediately Cape Cod and Manhattan are submerged. How would you respond to such a catastrophe. This book is exciting, suspenseful, scary and even a little romantic. A must read!
Was this review helpful to you?
Reader reviewed by Samantha
This was a book on my Reading Bowl list. I thought it was going to be sad by what some of the other girls said, but it really wasn't.
If I was asked what my favorite part of this book was, it would have to be the swimming and the ice skating part. I always thought Miranda was more fun there.
It scared me a little though, her bro's names was my bro's name, her BF's name was MY name, it got creppy after a while.
This was a book on my Reading Bowl list. I thought it was going to be sad by what some of the other girls said, but it really wasn't.
If I was asked what my favorite part of this book was, it would have to be the swimming and the ice skating part. I always thought Miranda was more fun there.
It scared me a little though, her bro's names was my bro's name, her BF's name was MY name, it got creppy after a while.
| Overall rating | 4.0 | |
| Plot | 4.0 | |
| Characters | 0.0 | |
| Writing Style | 0.0 |
Unforgetable
Reader reviewed by Samantha
This was a book on my Reading Bowl list. I thought it was going to be sad by what some of the other girls said, but it really wasn't.
If I was asked what my favorite part of this book was, it would have to be the swimming and the ice skating part. I always thought Miranda was more fun there.
It scared me a little though, her bro's names was my bro's name, her BF's name was MY name, it got creppy after a while.
Was this review helpful to you?
Reader reviewed by mearley
Miranda and her family are trying to survive after a giant asteroid affects the moon's gravitational pull. Through Miranda's diary, we see how her family struggles from day to day, making sure there's enough food, medicine, fuel, etc. just to live. It really does make you think about what you would do--what you'd be willing to do--to make sure you and your family survived even when so many other people were dying.
I had this book for a long time before I read it. I'm guilty of judging a book by it's cover. The cover shown here looks fine, but the version I have (Scholastic school edition) shows a pink dresser with various hair accessories and art supplies and figure skating pictures. The cover seems to appeal to "tweenage" girly-girls, and I thought I wouldn't be interested. It's too bad the cover is so misleading, because it really is a challenging story about moving beyond childish, selfish needs and instead making serious, grown-up decisions.
Reprinted here with the author's permission.
Miranda and her family are trying to survive after a giant asteroid affects the moon's gravitational pull. Through Miranda's diary, we see how her family struggles from day to day, making sure there's enough food, medicine, fuel, etc. just to live. It really does make you think about what you would do--what you'd be willing to do--to make sure you and your family survived even when so many other people were dying.
I had this book for a long time before I read it. I'm guilty of judging a book by it's cover. The cover shown here looks fine, but the version I have (Scholastic school edition) shows a pink dresser with various hair accessories and art supplies and figure skating pictures. The cover seems to appeal to "tweenage" girly-girls, and I thought I wouldn't be interested. It's too bad the cover is so misleading, because it really is a challenging story about moving beyond childish, selfish needs and instead making serious, grown-up decisions.
Reprinted here with the author's permission.
| Overall rating | 4.0 | |
| Plot | 4.0 | |
| Characters | 0.0 | |
| Writing Style | 0.0 |
What will it take to survive?
Reader reviewed by mearley
Miranda and her family are trying to survive after a giant asteroid affects the moon's gravitational pull. Through Miranda's diary, we see how her family struggles from day to day, making sure there's enough food, medicine, fuel, etc. just to live. It really does make you think about what you would do--what you'd be willing to do--to make sure you and your family survived even when so many other people were dying.
I had this book for a long time before I read it. I'm guilty of judging a book by it's cover. The cover shown here looks fine, but the version I have (Scholastic school edition) shows a pink dresser with various hair accessories and art supplies and figure skating pictures. The cover seems to appeal to "tweenage" girly-girls, and I thought I wouldn't be interested. It's too bad the cover is so misleading, because it really is a challenging story about moving beyond childish, selfish needs and instead making serious, grown-up decisions.
Reprinted here with the author's permission.
Was this review helpful to you?
Reader reviewed by Dominique
I loved this book. I had to keep reading the next page to see what they'd do or how they'd survive.
The only part I didn't like is that it's written as a diary entry. It ruined it for me. When it seemed like she was about to die, I'd remember "Hang on, she has to be alive to write a diary entry".
I loved this book. I had to keep reading the next page to see what they'd do or how they'd survive.
The only part I didn't like is that it's written as a diary entry. It ruined it for me. When it seemed like she was about to die, I'd remember "Hang on, she has to be alive to write a diary entry".
| Overall rating | 4.0 | |
| Plot | 4.0 | |
| Characters | 0.0 | |
| Writing Style | 0.0 |
Very good; a real thriller
Reader reviewed by Dominique
I loved this book. I had to keep reading the next page to see what they'd do or how they'd survive.
The only part I didn't like is that it's written as a diary entry. It ruined it for me. When it seemed like she was about to die, I'd remember "Hang on, she has to be alive to write a diary entry".
Was this review helpful to you?
Reader reviewed by Khy
It's almost the end of Miranda's sophomore year in high school, and her journal reflects the busy life of a typical teenager: conversations with friends, fights with mom, and fervent hopes for a driver's license. When Miranda first begins hearing the reports of a meteor on a collision course with the moon, it hardly seems worth a mention in her diary. But after the meteor hits, pushing the moon off its axis and causing worldwide earthquakes, tsunamis, and volcanoes, all the things Miranda used to take for granted begin to disappear. Food and gas shortages, along with extreme weather changes, come to her small Pennsylvania town; and Miranda's voice is by turns petulant, angry, and finally resigned, as her family is forced to make tough choices while they consider their increasingly limited options. Yet even as suspicious neighbors stockpile food in anticipation of a looming winter without heat or electricity, Miranda knows that that her future is still hers to decide even if life as she knew it is over.
---
For my review, I have compiled a list of good things about this book:
1. The characters were very easy to relate to. This made the book much each to get into and made the book's point come across clearer and more powerfully.
2. The diary writing made the book even easier to get into. I really got into the mind of Miranda, the narrator.
3. The book moved quickly, but not too quickly.
4. This book is very effective in making you appreciate what you have. After I finished it, I was thinking "We have food. There's electricity. And it's warm outside. Thank goodness."
I can't think of any bad things about the book, except for the fact that Miranda irritated me a lot. She always managed to get into fights with her mom over silly things.
I command everyone to read it and gain a new appreciation for all the things in the world most people don't usually appreciate.
It's almost the end of Miranda's sophomore year in high school, and her journal reflects the busy life of a typical teenager: conversations with friends, fights with mom, and fervent hopes for a driver's license. When Miranda first begins hearing the reports of a meteor on a collision course with the moon, it hardly seems worth a mention in her diary. But after the meteor hits, pushing the moon off its axis and causing worldwide earthquakes, tsunamis, and volcanoes, all the things Miranda used to take for granted begin to disappear. Food and gas shortages, along with extreme weather changes, come to her small Pennsylvania town; and Miranda's voice is by turns petulant, angry, and finally resigned, as her family is forced to make tough choices while they consider their increasingly limited options. Yet even as suspicious neighbors stockpile food in anticipation of a looming winter without heat or electricity, Miranda knows that that her future is still hers to decide even if life as she knew it is over.
---
For my review, I have compiled a list of good things about this book:
1. The characters were very easy to relate to. This made the book much each to get into and made the book's point come across clearer and more powerfully.
2. The diary writing made the book even easier to get into. I really got into the mind of Miranda, the narrator.
3. The book moved quickly, but not too quickly.
4. This book is very effective in making you appreciate what you have. After I finished it, I was thinking "We have food. There's electricity. And it's warm outside. Thank goodness."
I can't think of any bad things about the book, except for the fact that Miranda irritated me a lot. She always managed to get into fights with her mom over silly things.
I command everyone to read it and gain a new appreciation for all the things in the world most people don't usually appreciate.
| Overall rating | 5.0 | |
| Plot | 5.0 | |
| Characters | 0.0 | |
| Writing Style | 0.0 |
Unforgettable
Reader reviewed by Khy
It's almost the end of Miranda's sophomore year in high school, and her journal reflects the busy life of a typical teenager: conversations with friends, fights with mom, and fervent hopes for a driver's license. When Miranda first begins hearing the reports of a meteor on a collision course with the moon, it hardly seems worth a mention in her diary. But after the meteor hits, pushing the moon off its axis and causing worldwide earthquakes, tsunamis, and volcanoes, all the things Miranda used to take for granted begin to disappear. Food and gas shortages, along with extreme weather changes, come to her small Pennsylvania town; and Miranda's voice is by turns petulant, angry, and finally resigned, as her family is forced to make tough choices while they consider their increasingly limited options. Yet even as suspicious neighbors stockpile food in anticipation of a looming winter without heat or electricity, Miranda knows that that her future is still hers to decide even if life as she knew it is over.
---
For my review, I have compiled a list of good things about this book:
1. The characters were very easy to relate to. This made the book much each to get into and made the book's point come across clearer and more powerfully.
2. The diary writing made the book even easier to get into. I really got into the mind of Miranda, the narrator.
3. The book moved quickly, but not too quickly.
4. This book is very effective in making you appreciate what you have. After I finished it, I was thinking "We have food. There's electricity. And it's warm outside. Thank goodness."
I can't think of any bad things about the book, except for the fact that Miranda irritated me a lot. She always managed to get into fights with her mom over silly things.
I command everyone to read it and gain a new appreciation for all the things in the world most people don't usually appreciate.
Was this review helpful to you?
Reader reviewed by Stephanie
One minute 16-year-old Miranda was worrying about getting a date and if she is ever going to be able to go back to the sport of figure skating again. The next, an asteroid has hit the moon, sending it closer to earth, affecting the planet in all sorts of ways as to make everyone believe that the apocalypse has come. Tides swamp miles of coastline cities; earthquakes and thunderstorms avail; and volcanoes erupt, spewing volcanic ash into the air, which hides the sun and makes the temperature drop dangerously.
This event changes the way they have to look at everything. Mirandas mom, once so eager to share what they had, now tells her children that family comes first, before anyone else. Mirandas older brother Matt does what he can to support the family and make sure they survive the brutal winter. Her younger brother Jonny is forced to grow up a lot faster than he should have to.
The fights, the fear, the good times--Miranda documents it all in her journal, as she and her family learn to sacrifice a little for what is most important when the world comes to an end: family.
LIFE AS WE KNEW IT hooks you and doesnt let you go. Every time I had to take a break from reading, I stumbled out into the real world, where I was amazed to find that there was still plenty of food, water, electricity, and heat. Mirandas simple, diary-like language thus makes her story all that more believable. This novel is an incredible achievement.
One minute 16-year-old Miranda was worrying about getting a date and if she is ever going to be able to go back to the sport of figure skating again. The next, an asteroid has hit the moon, sending it closer to earth, affecting the planet in all sorts of ways as to make everyone believe that the apocalypse has come. Tides swamp miles of coastline cities; earthquakes and thunderstorms avail; and volcanoes erupt, spewing volcanic ash into the air, which hides the sun and makes the temperature drop dangerously.
This event changes the way they have to look at everything. Mirandas mom, once so eager to share what they had, now tells her children that family comes first, before anyone else. Mirandas older brother Matt does what he can to support the family and make sure they survive the brutal winter. Her younger brother Jonny is forced to grow up a lot faster than he should have to.
The fights, the fear, the good times--Miranda documents it all in her journal, as she and her family learn to sacrifice a little for what is most important when the world comes to an end: family.
LIFE AS WE KNEW IT hooks you and doesnt let you go. Every time I had to take a break from reading, I stumbled out into the real world, where I was amazed to find that there was still plenty of food, water, electricity, and heat. Mirandas simple, diary-like language thus makes her story all that more believable. This novel is an incredible achievement.
| Overall rating | 5.0 | |
| Plot | 5.0 | |
| Characters | 0.0 | |
| Writing Style | 0.0 |
Apocalyptic Story Sucks You Right In
Reader reviewed by Stephanie
One minute 16-year-old Miranda was worrying about getting a date and if she is ever going to be able to go back to the sport of figure skating again. The next, an asteroid has hit the moon, sending it closer to earth, affecting the planet in all sorts of ways as to make everyone believe that the apocalypse has come. Tides swamp miles of coastline cities; earthquakes and thunderstorms avail; and volcanoes erupt, spewing volcanic ash into the air, which hides the sun and makes the temperature drop dangerously.
This event changes the way they have to look at everything. Mirandas mom, once so eager to share what they had, now tells her children that family comes first, before anyone else. Mirandas older brother Matt does what he can to support the family and make sure they survive the brutal winter. Her younger brother Jonny is forced to grow up a lot faster than he should have to.
The fights, the fear, the good times--Miranda documents it all in her journal, as she and her family learn to sacrifice a little for what is most important when the world comes to an end: family.
LIFE AS WE KNEW IT hooks you and doesnt let you go. Every time I had to take a break from reading, I stumbled out into the real world, where I was amazed to find that there was still plenty of food, water, electricity, and heat. Mirandas simple, diary-like language thus makes her story all that more believable. This novel is an incredible achievement.
Was this review helpful to you?
Reader reviewed by the book muncher
Miranda hears the news about the meteor about to hit the moon but isnt concerned, because even though it will be the largest to ever do so, scientists dont predict anything bad to happen. But they were wrong. As Miranda and her family watch, the meteor crashes into the moon, knocking it out of orbit and closer to the earth. Everything changes. With the tides drastically altered, natural disasters are occurring worldwide causing thousands of casualties, with no end in sight. Everyone is affected as gas prices rise to above $10 a gallon, supermarkets close, and other stores and the homes of dead people are ransacked. As the climate changes only for the worse, Miranda and her family find themselves in an increasingly desperate situation, continuously wondering just how long their current supplies can sustain them and which of them will be the first to go.
Although Life As We Knew It is an extremely depressing novel, it was also extremely well-written. The story is filled with a constant air of desperation and sadness as Miranda struggles between self-pity and actively helping her family. I really enjoyed how Mirandas character was so nicely developed; she really matured throughout the novel because of the horrible situation she and her family were in. The idea behind this novel is so unique, and it really makes you think and ask yourself, what if the world would end tomorrow? It makes you really take into account what you should be grateful in your life, because a totally unpredictable natural occurrence could change your life tomorrow.
Life As We Knew It is a scary novel that Id only recommend for serious readers. I didnt necessarily enjoy reading this dismal tale, but it has a great message and unforgettable story.
reposted from http://thebookmuncher.blogspot.com
Miranda hears the news about the meteor about to hit the moon but isnt concerned, because even though it will be the largest to ever do so, scientists dont predict anything bad to happen. But they were wrong. As Miranda and her family watch, the meteor crashes into the moon, knocking it out of orbit and closer to the earth. Everything changes. With the tides drastically altered, natural disasters are occurring worldwide causing thousands of casualties, with no end in sight. Everyone is affected as gas prices rise to above $10 a gallon, supermarkets close, and other stores and the homes of dead people are ransacked. As the climate changes only for the worse, Miranda and her family find themselves in an increasingly desperate situation, continuously wondering just how long their current supplies can sustain them and which of them will be the first to go.
Although Life As We Knew It is an extremely depressing novel, it was also extremely well-written. The story is filled with a constant air of desperation and sadness as Miranda struggles between self-pity and actively helping her family. I really enjoyed how Mirandas character was so nicely developed; she really matured throughout the novel because of the horrible situation she and her family were in. The idea behind this novel is so unique, and it really makes you think and ask yourself, what if the world would end tomorrow? It makes you really take into account what you should be grateful in your life, because a totally unpredictable natural occurrence could change your life tomorrow.
Life As We Knew It is a scary novel that Id only recommend for serious readers. I didnt necessarily enjoy reading this dismal tale, but it has a great message and unforgettable story.
reposted from http://thebookmuncher.blogspot.com
| Overall rating | 5.0 | |
| Plot | 5.0 | |
| Characters | 0.0 | |
| Writing Style | 0.0 |
An Unforgettable Story
Reader reviewed by the book muncher
Miranda hears the news about the meteor about to hit the moon but isnt concerned, because even though it will be the largest to ever do so, scientists dont predict anything bad to happen. But they were wrong. As Miranda and her family watch, the meteor crashes into the moon, knocking it out of orbit and closer to the earth. Everything changes. With the tides drastically altered, natural disasters are occurring worldwide causing thousands of casualties, with no end in sight. Everyone is affected as gas prices rise to above $10 a gallon, supermarkets close, and other stores and the homes of dead people are ransacked. As the climate changes only for the worse, Miranda and her family find themselves in an increasingly desperate situation, continuously wondering just how long their current supplies can sustain them and which of them will be the first to go.
Although Life As We Knew It is an extremely depressing novel, it was also extremely well-written. The story is filled with a constant air of desperation and sadness as Miranda struggles between self-pity and actively helping her family. I really enjoyed how Mirandas character was so nicely developed; she really matured throughout the novel because of the horrible situation she and her family were in. The idea behind this novel is so unique, and it really makes you think and ask yourself, what if the world would end tomorrow? It makes you really take into account what you should be grateful in your life, because a totally unpredictable natural occurrence could change your life tomorrow.
Life As We Knew It is a scary novel that Id only recommend for serious readers. I didnt necessarily enjoy reading this dismal tale, but it has a great message and unforgettable story.
reposted from http://thebookmuncher.blogspot.com
Was this review helpful to you?
Powered by JReviews
Twitter
Our Facebook Page
The YABC Blog
RSS Feed
YABC Giveaway Board