Life As We Knew It
written by Susan Beth Pfeffer
Bibliography
Pfeffer, S. B. (2006). Life as we knew it.
Brief Summary
Miranda, her two brothers, and her mother are forced to adapt to changes on Earth precipitated by a change in the moon’s orbit after a collision with an asteroid. At first, the event is frightening. Widespread tsunamis cause massive flooding along the coastlines of many countries. The weather is affected as well, and unusual storms form. Miranda’s mother has the foresight visit the local supermarket as well as the mall to purchase anything and everything that the family might need during this extraordinary crisis. The availability of electricity is intermittent at first, then it becomes a rarity.
The family finally settles down into a new routine, living without many of those things that they had taken for granted only weeks before the asteroid hit. Over time, each day brings yet another inconvenience. Sometimes, however, the changes are much more than inconveniences like lack of food, too little fuel, and illnesses. Families begin to leave the area to head south before the cold weather hits in
My Impressions
Although story is rather lengthy, it held my attention. Just when I thought that the situation couldn’t possibly become worse, it did so of course. Life was affected in ways that I would not have imagined. Pfeffer accomplishes quite a feat in considering what possible challenges this type of natural catastrophe could produce. It made me aware of numerous factors in life which we don’t even think about which greatly enhance our existence.
Reviews
“This novel will inevitably be compared to Meg Rosoff's Printz Award Book, How I Live Now (2004). Pfeffer doesn't write with Rosoff's startling eloquence, and her setup is not as smooth (Why don't scientists predict the possibility of this outcome?). But Miranda and her family are much more familiar than Rosoff's characters, and readers will respond to the authenticity and immediacy of their plight. Each page is filled with events both wearying and terrifying and infused with honest emotions. Pfeffer brings cataclysmic tragedy very close.”
-- Booklist (September 1, 2006)
Ilene Cooper Copyright 2006
“The book may be lengthy, but most readers will find it absorbing from first page to last. This survival tale by the author of The Year Without Michael celebrates the fortitude and resourcefulness of human beings during critical times. The story unfolds through Miranda's journal entries, from May, when the asteroid strikes, to the following March. Though the entries paint a grim picture of a rapidly shrinking civilization ("I write stuff down in here and I don't read it. Things are bad enough without having to remind myself of just how bad things are," she explains), her words also evoke a strain of hope which proves to be her most essential survival tool. Miranda's changing priorities, undying love for her family and heightened appreciation of simple pleasures will likely provoke discussion and inspire gratitude for life as we know it now. Ages 12-up.”
-- Publishers Weekly (October 16, 2006)
Copyright 2006 Reed Business Information
“Pfeffer tones down the terror, but otherwise crafts a frighteningly plausible account of the local effects of a near-future worldwide catastrophe…In Miranda's day-by-day journal entries, however, Pfeffer keeps nearly all of the death and explicit violence offstage, focusing instead on the stresses of spending months huddled in increasingly confined quarters, watching supplies dwindle, and wondering whether there will be any future to make the effort worthwhile. The author provides a glimmer of hope at the end, but readers will still be left stunned and thoughtful… Gr 6-8.”
-- School Library Journal (October 1, 2006)
John Peters, New York Public Library Copyright 2006 Reed Business Information
Suggestions for Library Use
Publishers Weekly and School Library Journal recommend this book for grades 6/7 and up. It is one of those titles which could appeal to adults as well as middle/high school students. The book could easily support social studies, science, psychology, sociology, and language arts content.
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