The Dead and the Gone (by Susan Beth Pfeffer)
common sense media says
Grim sequel of survival grittier than first installment.
parents & educators say
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this sequel deals with a family trying to survive after a natural disaster. It is a grim and, at times, rather gruesome book, with many deaths, including some major characters, and details about decomposing and rat-eaten bodies. This book will be terrifying to some kids, especially those without the experience to put it in context. Readers on the younger end of the spectrum may want to know more about their own family's readiness for disaster, and about the likelihood of these types of events occurring. Those mature enough to handle the content will find plenty to discuss, and main characters who work hard to protect and care for one another.
Educational value:
Like the first book, this sequel raises big, discussion-worthy themes of response
to climate change, the collapse of the energy infrastructure, and the
role of the individual within the community.
to climate change, the collapse of the energy infrastructure, and the
role of the individual within the community.
Positive role models:
After the disaster, the main characters work toward protecting and caring for one another.
Violence:
Many deaths, including main characters. Bodies are left to decompose and be eaten by rats; main characters strip the bodies for goods to barter; Alex goes to a stadium filled with nude, dead, decomposing bodies to look for his mother. In a food riot a baby and old man are trampled; a man leaps to his death from a high window. A young girl is grabbed by a man who attempts to drag her into a park
where, it is assumed, he will rape her, but she is rescued first.
where, it is assumed, he will rape her, but she is rescued first.
Sex:
The sounds of lovemaking are heard through a window, Playboy centerfolds and "get[ting] laid" are mentioned.
Language:
Not applicable.
Consumerism:
Food and drink brands mentioned.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking:
Not glamorized: Beer, vodka, cigarettes, and cigars are bartered; a mother becomes an alcoholic and her son provides her with booze.
More on The Dead and the Gone
Review It
Most useful reviews by all members
Mark101733
teen, 14 years old
teen, 14 years old
The best 1 out of the series
I insanly love this story. It is perfect for any age
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lolcutie995
teen, 16 years old
teen, 16 years old
good book
the begining was a tad bit slow but it was a really good book though sad in some parts
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hashbrowns
teen, 16 years old
teen, 16 years old
Deep, dark and depressing; but addicting
Were do i start with this book; there is just so much to comprehend in this book.Basicly, this book shows the struggles of alex, a teen, who has to take care of his sibblings when his parents die. one word: depressing! There are lots of disturbing material in this book (body stealing, suicide,dead corpes rotting in the streets)This is a good book though, but its hard not get scared of it happening in real life.
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gymnasticsupergirl
kid, 12 years old
kid, 12 years old
Good for middle school kids
I love this book but it has some scenes that are not very appropriate for tweens. I think middle schoolers and up could handle this book with maturity and be able to enjoy it.
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JustinBieber_JB
teen, 15 years old
teen, 15 years old
I absolutely loved this book. It was very very sad but i found i could never put the book down. It was a little scary and very sad but if you get the chance, definitely read it.
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davindie
teen, 16 years old
teen, 16 years old
Disturbing
Although this was a good book, it was not as good as life as we knew it. Also, it is much more disturbing because of the denial, sudden deaths, and hate endured by many characters. It is best for 12+.
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cicoriac
teen, 15 years old
teen, 15 years old
darker than the previous book in the series
This book is more graphic and violent than its prequel, but it gives a different view of a disaster that changed the whole future of the human race. It also covers moral issues, such as theft, violation of dead bodies, and more. Scary descriptions of the dead and dying, and some scenes will send younger readers to bed with nightmares! Overall, a good read, but make sure you can stomach the details.
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cornyjokes
teen, 17 years old
teen, 17 years old
Perfect for tweens and teens, but not for little kids.
i LOVED THIS BOOK! when i took it out of the library, and I finished it, I realized the whole book was like 5 years old, and I was the first to take it out, and it was soooo good!
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Life as we ...
teen, 15 years old
teen, 15 years old
good book
I think it is an ok book defenitly not better then life as we knew it but i really liked the book.
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pinkg
teen, 14 years old
teen, 14 years old
An amazing book for confident readers
I thought this book was amazing. The way the writer had captured my imagination blew me away and I could not put this book down. My mum read it and she too thought it was outstanding! All me and my mum could talk about was the book and we can't wait to read more of Susan Pfeffer's books!
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Delaneyy876
adult
adult
A hard-core book showing the harsh realities of survival of the fittest.
This book is shown from the point of view of Alex Morales, and seventeen year old boy living in New York City. After a meteor hits the moon, moving it closer to earth, chaos strikes. Millions die, including his parents, leaving Alez to look after his two younger sisters. This book is very realistic, though she does hit some unnecssesarily gruesome points. It is well-written, and she uses her adjectives nicely. Fast-paced, and interesting, you are sure to be on the edge of your seat reading this, until you reach the anti-climatic, loose-ends ending.
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Rainyreader97
teen, 14 years old
teen, 14 years old
A Great Teen Book
I really loved the book. There are some parts that might be a little disturbing for some younger kids. There are some small scientific facts in here involving the moon (ex. the moon's gravitational pull). Most of it focuses on the main character's family's survival. There are some... gruesome details involving the corpses of New York citizens. If you can handle those types of things, though, you should definately read it.
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