Tolog Review: Life as We Knew It

Life as We Knew It
by Susan Beth Pfeffer
reviewed by Abigail Kim

In her science-fiction, coming-of-age novel, Life as We Knew It, Susan Beth Pfeffer endeavors to establish the importance of family, courage, and sacrifice during times of survival. The story focuses on sixteen-year-old Miranda, who learns to appreciate the gift of life after her world drastically changes. Pfeffer begins as Miranda undergoes the challenges of a typical sophomore year: nearing exams, broken relationships, and of course, boys. The world is soon buzzing with news of an asteroid crossing paths with the moon, but many believe it to be yet another rumor. As Miranda, her constructive mother, and her middle school, baseball-loving brother, Jonny, prepare to watch the supposed impact of the asteroid, they are unaware of what is about to change. On impact, the moon is immediately shoved closer to the earth, changing the appearance of its size and light. Pandemonium strikes instantaneously when coastal cities are submerged by numerous tsunamis, all due to the change of the tides. After Matt, Miranda’s reassuring older brother, returns to Pennsylvania from Cornell University, global chaos strikes, leaving the earth drowned in illness, natural disasters, famine, volcanic eruptions, and unimaginable living conditions. The story continues as Miranda and her family, along with their beloved neighbor, Mrs. Nesbitt, learn the art of survival, relying on themselves and each other, for hope of getting out alive.

Pfeffer accurately illustrates the tragic truth of inevitable death, and perhaps human extinction, throughout her novel. The reader is able to more fully understand Miranda’s character because of Pfeffer’s choice of presenting the narrative through Miranda’s journal entries. When tragedy first strikes, Miranda declares, “I guess I always felt even if the world came to an end, McDonald’s still would be open” (Pfeffer 46). Miranda’s realization becomes evident, and the reader is able to feel more in touch with her character due to the presentation of humor and honesty. Furthermore, Miranda’s expression of confusion and fear draws attention to her human nature of vulnerability. When she begins to express her doubts, Miranda writes, “I feel myself shriveling along with my world, getting smaller and harder. I'm turning into a rock, and in some ways that's good, because rocks last forever. But if this is how I'm going to last forever, then I don't want to” (Pfeffer 236). The reader is able to empathize with Miranda’s feelings of loneliness and helplessness and can then comprehend her question of the importance of life. Because Miranda tells her story through her diary, the reader is able to connect with her character more successfully by being informed of her unheard ideas and thoughts.

Pfeffer’s novel catches the eye as a book that encourages individuals to value people and the gift of life. I would recommend Life as We Knew It to readers of all ages in search of a captivating story of perseverance through adversity. Although I personally do not usually enjoy science-fiction, Pfeffer’s creativity and realistic ideas drew me into her novel. I appreciate her writing technique using the journal entry layout and the realistic possibility of her tragic events. Pfeffer’s story invites readers to learn the true importance of sacrifice and moxie.