Wednesday, November 10, 2010

Life As We Knew It by Susan Beth Pfeffer


     I read this in eigth grade. It is even more wonderful the second time around, if possible. The characters are just so thoroughly developed. The plot line is interesting as well.

     Miranda is a sophmore in Pennsylvania. She is basically your average teenage girl. When an asteroid crashes into the moon, knocking it closer to earth, her life changes. The world is going through cataclysmic events including tsunamis, volcanoes, and crop failures. Along with her family and the wonderful Mrs. Nesbitt, Miranda's life is turned upside down and they must find a way to survive.


     Miranda is the girl I wish I could be under these circumstances. She is amazingly strong and I love her for it. Compared to most teenagers at her age, she is quite mature. Miranda doesn't go around complaining about everything all of the time. The situatio
n is excruciatingly hard, but she manages to avoid being a complete brat. She finds ways to make life seem a bit more normal, if only for a bit. She goes ice skating, because that is what she loves. Miranda helps keep the entire family sane.
     Matt is Miranda's older brother, the one she goes to for advice. He is definitely the best big brother. He doesn't avoid subjects to protect her, but he explains everything to the best of his knowledge. Matt is just great.
     Johnny is young, but he's still old enough to understand most of what is going on. I feel bad for him though. No one tells him what is going on. I wish he didn't have to go through all that he does.
     Miranda's mom is wonderful too. I love how much she cares about her family. She will do anything for them, anything. I thought it was kind of funny how she made all of them study something since they couldn't go to school. Beyond that, she let's Miranda make her own mistakes. She realizes that for her daughter to really learn, she has to experience some things.
     Pfeffer weaves a wonderful story. It is real and amazing. She obviously put a lot of thought into her masterpiece! What is so amazing is that it seems like some of this could actually happen. The moon really could be hit by an asteroid. If that were to happen, everything that follows is plausible: the volcanoes, food shortages, and everything else.
     Miranda's voice brings the events to life. I like that it is written in journal form, it makes it seem even more real. Everything about this book is beautifully written. I know I probably sound like the nerdiest fan girl, but I can't think of anything I would change about it. I love the details and the characters and all of it! I'm eager to finish the next book!
     Rating: 10!!
     If you haven't read this yet, do yourself a favor and  pick it up from Amazon or Walmart.



This video was just pretty epic, so I had to put it in here!

I like her points on the book too. :)

20 comments:

Alison Can Read said...

This sounds very good. I'm not big into apocalyptic books, but this sounds more like a character driven novel of how people cope with hard times. I like that they sound like a strong family.

Barnard Baker said...

They really are a strong family. I almost felt as if they could have been my own. :) Pfeffer just does a wonderful job creating dynamic characters who are as real as if they were standing in front of you.

Mrs. DeRaps said...

I've read all three of the books in this series. And, I loved them all! My favorite is the second. I can totally relate to this series because I live in the middle of nowhere and often wonder what would happen if there were a natural disaster here. I don't know that I would be as strong as Miranda.

Thanks for sharing your love for this book!

Angelique said...

Love books with strong characters as well as strong plots...sounds like this fits the bill!

Jennifer said...

Awesome trailer. Definitely one to look into. Great post.

Jennifer @ Book Noise

resugo said...

Ooh! I loved this book. I read it a few years ago and have read the others in the series since than. So sad reading about what they went through, yet they do the best they can and they are a really strong family.
Thanks for the review!

Steph said...

I just bought this series... It looks really good. Hopefully I will get to it soon! Great Review!!

Steph S.
stephanie_xoxo27)at)yahoo(dot)com

Marie said...

I totally agree! I absolutely love this book! Still haven't read the next books though.

Barnard Baker said...

Mrs. DeRaps: I loved the one about Miranda best too. Although, I haven't been able to find the last one yet, so that could be my favorite. She is waaaaayyy stronger than I think I could ever dream of being! :)
Vampires and Tofu: Yep, fantastic characters!
Jennifer: Thank you! You should certainly check them out.
Resugo: I know, it made me want to cry so many times!
Steph: Clear out your schedule and start NOW! ;)

MannaB said...

I loved this book! It really has a realistic kick to it so it makes me wonder if it could really happen.

Ricki said...

I've read an excerpt of this book. It is simply amazing even though it is not the type of book I usually read.

Maureen said...

I had never heard of this book but your review is interesting. It sounds like it's centered around a whole family.
mce1011 AT aol DOT com

Bookworm Lisa said...

I have not read this book. I have seen it in many different places and I am interested in reading it. Thanks for the review, it may push it up farther on my too read list.

Vivien said...

I absolutely loved this series! My favorite is the first. But they are all amazing. She did a really great job. I recommend to anyone.

Barnard Baker said...

MannaB: It is beyond realistic! I've actually discussed the possibility of something similar happening with my friend... :)
Ricki: Everyone has their own tastes. Who knows, you might enjoy it anyway!
Maureen: It does have a lot to do with family, but it is told in Miranda's perspective.
Lisa: Yes! Push it up on the list!!
Vivien: I still need to read the last one before I decide which is best. Pfeffer is an awesome writer though.

latishajean said...

I really enjoyed the interview I can't wait to check the books out sound very good!

Kate said...

Great review and interview. I'm excited to read this book but
I'm a little weary because I tend to not like apocalyptic books but you make it sound really good! So I'll give it a try!

Unknown said...

This isn't my usual genre but there are so many good reviews that I'm adding it to my list. I like to read out of my comfort zone once in a while!

Thanks for the review.
Jules@OneBookShy

Barnard Baker said...

Latishajean: You must check them out!
Kate: Thanks! Well, there isn't any harm in at least trying it, right?
Jules: Yay! Reading out of your comfort zone is so hard, but it can be very rewarding.

Martha Eskuchen said...

Wow - a 10 book. I like catastrophic books like this. I also like the cover. I am adding this to my wish list. Thanks for the review.