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Life as We Knew It
- By Susan Beth Pfeffer
- Genre: Science Fiction
Common Sense Media says
Gripping, terrifying disaster tale will inspire discussions.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this book about a global disaster is well drawn but terrifying, and is best for readers who able to put it in the appropriate context. Even kids who have the maturity to read it on their own may appreciate discussing its themes with their families -- see our "Families Can Talk About" section for some ideas. This book was one of the American Library Association's Best Books For Young Adults Readers in 2007, and some kids may find this book on a school recommended reading list. It is the first book in a series of three.
What's the story?
When a meteor crashes into the Moon, it knocks the Moon's orbit a bit closer to the Earth, causing tidal waves, earthquakes, and volcanic eruptions, which in turn wipe out coastal cities, disrupt infrastructure and weather patterns, and cause crop failure. Teenaged Miranda, who lives with her mother and brothers in Pennsylvania, doesn't directly witness most of this, but she feels the effects: Her family must try to survive on hoarded canned food and a woodstove when power and communications fail, there is no food in stores, temperatures plummet, the sun is blocked by volcanic ash, and disease ravages the surviving population.
Is it any good?
This is one terrifying book, more so because it's largely concerned with the mundane -- food, water, heat. The author is very clever here, though: She has chosen a possible but very unlikely event (disruption of the moon's orbit) as the catalyst for the story, providing a little distance for those who need it, but the results of the moon's change are all too similar to much more likely scenarios, such as global warming -- rising tides, weather and agricultural disruption, collapsing infrastructure, and energy failure -- and alert young readers won't fail to make the connection. Ultimately, this book's realism, combined with a gripping writing style, may scare younger kids, and won't be as easy for you to dismiss as just fantasy. But for middle-schoolers and up, it will be extremely compelling and thought-provoking.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about books about the future. Many books, like this one, make dark predictions about what will happen to our planet and our society. Why do you think that is?
Books like this may be somewhat scary -- but are they important to read? Why is it important to consider our possible futures?
This book has two sequels. Will you read any further into the
series? There is some hope at the end of this book -- what do you think
will happen next?
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- All members
- Parents
- Teens & kids
AGE
Great read!
An exciting, dramatic, and frightening book that gives readers a view of what could happen to our world if a catastrophic event occurs. Scary read, and some younger readers might find the idea of an apocalyptic world too much to handle.
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Kid, 12 years old
March 31, 2011
AGE
For 12 and up
I love it my whole school is reading the whole series this book is awesome!!!
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AGE
Good disaster Novel will really make you think.
When I first saw this book at a school book fair and read the back (as I always do), I was positive I'd like it, and I really did. The story is about a teenager who live in a time not too far in the future, and her world totally changes when an asteroid knocks the Moon closer to Earth's orbit. It was very dramatic to see the main character's world change from a normal life to a severe fight for survival, and the story (which is expressed through journal entries) really makes you think about what would happen to you in this situation.
Inappropriate content: For this kind of book, there isn't too much too worry about (unlike the last book in the series). There are some scary moments and the occasional cuss word.
Overall this is a very solid title, and I think if you're a teenager older , this is definitely worth a buy.
Overall rating: In for ages 12 and up and 8.5/10
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AGE
Great Book!
One of the best books ever. A teacher shared it with me in the 6th grade. Great book. High marks. A little language here and there, the whole concept really makes you put things in perspective.
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AGE
it's really good! When i started reading it i couldn't put it down at night i looked up at the moon and started wondering, if that happened us what would do?? I want to read it again but i'm scared to i don't know why
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AGE
Cosmos Rocks!
This one is addictive!!!I can't help reading it time and again!!1
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AGE
One of the best books ever.
I am nearly 15 and I first read this book when I was about 12. I fell in love with this book. Miranda is such a good role model because she had to fight for her life and for her family. I really loved reading about how the world went from being totally normal to being nearly dead. I really really loved this book.
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AGE
Gets you thinking. What would you do?
I really enjoyed this book. I think it gets you thinking about what the future might hold you. When you read about Miranda growing up because she has to and you see what life could be like without all the luxuries we have today, I think it is a real eye opener.
I also felt like it was a fast read (I'm also 21....). the chapters go by fast and it is very easy to follow and understand. Some parts were sad but I think it's important for kids to realize all they have to lose. I'm more grateful for what I have now that I've read this book.
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AGE
Must read!
It's a good book but morbid. I would say the only thing that people wouldn't like about this book is that it's too scary. I suggest reading it in the morning, afternoon, or in a room with family if you have any chance of being scared. After I read this book I appreciated the things around me more.
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AGE
Surprised at the 4 Star Rating
I teach in a parochial school, and my 5th and 6th grade kiddos would have a hard time with this book. As an avid reader of juvenile fiction, I think there are better choices for 5-8 grade kids. This is heavy subject matter. The author does a wonderful job of painting a bleak, dreary, frightening picture of a global disaster, and that's exactly what's wrong with it. The imagery that it creates is a heavy and grey, as if you can feel the weight of these characters around you. Sammi goes off with a 40 year old man so that her parents don't have to worry about feeding her, and her parents seem fine with that, given the circumstances. Megan starves herself to earn redemption for her sins by an unforgiving God. This perception of God is taught to her by a preacher who takes food from his congregation as they are dying from starvation. So much food that he still appears not to have lost any weight at all. I think the message of God and His church in this book is extremely negative. The main character, Miranda, chooses to give up her life by walking out in freezing temperatures in a weakened state so that her family's food can last a few days longer. Luckily, that doesn't occur, but that's about the happiest thing in this story. The ideas of taking care of your family, loving your mother and father, and selflessness are all good messages, but it's told at such a dark, emotional level that I'm afraid some children would be haunted by the tale.
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| Author: | Susan Beth Pfeffer |
| Book type: | Fiction |
| Genre: | Science Fiction |
| Publisher: | Harcourt Brace |
| Publication date: | October 1, 2006 |
| Number of pages: | 337 |
| Hardcover price: | $17.00 |
| Paperback price: | $7.99 |
| Publisher's recommended age(s): | 12 - 12 |
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