Life As We Knew It

by Susan Beth Pfeffer
Life As We Knew It cover
Good Books rating 4.31
Dystopian/Post-Apocalyptic
Technical
  • ID: 5016
  • Added: 2025-10-22
  • Updated: 2025-10-22
  • ISBN: 9780152061548
  • Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
  • Published: 2008-01-01
  • Reviews: 4

Life as We Knew It by Susan Beth Pfeffer is a gripping dystopian novel that follows high school sophomore Miranda as she documents her family's struggle to survive after an asteroid knocks the moon closer to Earth. The catastrophic event triggers worldwide tsunamis, earthquakes, and volcanic eruptions, plunging the world into chaos. Miranda and her family retreat to their sunroom, relying on stockpiled food and a wood-burning stove as they face the harsh realities of a world in decline./n/nThe novel is told through a year's worth of Miranda's journal entries, providing an intimate and heart-pounding account of her family's fight for survival. As they grapple with dwindling resources and the psychological toll of their new reality, Miranda's story is a poignant exploration of hope and resilience in the face of unimaginable adversity.

Reviews
bookbrowse.com · Unknown · 2025-10-24
compelling 4.50

The reviewer found the book to be a gripping and realistic portrayal of a family's struggle to survive after a natural disaster. They appreciated the author's attention to detail and the emotional depth of the characters.

Life as We Knew It is a compelling novel that delves into the harsh realities of survival in the aftermath of a catastrophic event. The reviewer was particularly impressed by the author's ability to create a sense of urgency and tension throughout the story. The characters are well-developed, and their emotional journeys are both heart-wrenching and inspiring. The reviewer also noted the book's educational value, as it provides a stark reminder of the fragility of modern society and the importance of preparedness. While the plot may be intense for some readers, the reviewer believes it is a valuable and thought-provoking read.

Quick quotes

    The author's attention to detail makes the story feel incredibly real.

    The emotional depth of the characters is what truly sets this book apart.

    It's a gripping and realistic portrayal of a family's struggle to survive.

The Storygraph · 2025-10-22
great 4.75

The novel is praised as one of the best dystopian books, offering a terrifying yet realistic scenario. The reviewer appreciates the book's ability to make the reader consider the possibility of such an event happening.

The reviewer on The Storygraph considers 'Life As We Knew It' to be one of the best dystopian novels they have ever read. They highlight the book's terrifying yet realistic scenario, which makes the reader think about the possibility of such an event occurring in real life. The reviewer appreciates the book's ability to evoke a sense of dread and urgency, making it a compelling and thought-provoking read. They also mention that the book's realistic portrayal of the characters' struggles and the societal collapse makes it a standout in the dystopian genre.

Quick quotes

    One of the best dystopic novels I have ever read.

    Life As We Knew It is a great book for someone who likes a terrifying reality: This could happen to us, and ...

    It's a book that will stay with you long after you've finished reading it.

Shelf Promotion · 2024-07-19
good 3.50

The book is loved for its gripping narrative but criticized for its lack of realism. The story's pacing and character development are seen as its strengths.

This reviewer has a lot of love for this book, but they do feel it falls a little short of perfection. The story is engaging and keeps you on the edge of your seat, but it's not the most realistic scenario. The characters are well-developed, and the pacing is good, but the overall plot feels a bit dulled down. They appreciate the book's attempt to explore a post-apocalyptic world, but feel it could have been more impactful with a bit more realism.

Quick quotes

    As much as I adore this book, it isn't the brightest star in the sky.

    The story isn't very realistic and is dulled down at times.

    The characters are well-developed, and the pacing is good.

AOPLD · 2021-12-02
harrowing 4.50

The book is described as deeply unsettling and psychologically disturbing. It is seen as a powerful exploration of human resilience in the face of disaster.

This reviewer found the book to be deeply unsettling and one of the most psychologically disturbing stories they've ever read. They appreciate the way the book explores the human condition and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of disaster. The story is intense and keeps you on the edge of your seat, but it's the psychological depth that really sets it apart. They also mention that the book is not just a thrilling ride, but a thoughtful exploration of what it means to be human.

Quick quotes

    It's deeply, deeply unsettling–one of the most psychologically disturbing stories I've ever read.

    And that's not because the book is overly graphic or violent, but because it's so realistic.

    The book is a powerful exploration of human resilience in the face of disaster.

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