The Shade of the Moon by Susan Beth Pfeffer (Book 4 Life as We Knew It series)

The Shade of the Moon by Susan Beth Pfeffer
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed the first three books in this series. Originally, I thought the third book would be the last in the series. The ending of the third book was open, but I was satisfied with the way things ended. I was surprised to learn the fourth book had come out. The book jacket states this is the "riveting conclusion" to the series. I hope it is the end . . . don't know how much more I could take - as far as the horrific things the characters must live through.
In this book, Jon (Miranda's younger brother) is the main character. Time has passed and he is now an older teenager. The world and circumstances have made him into a pretty horrible person. What I love about this book is the way he grows as a character. He truly grows and changes dramatically throughout the book and not because things get any better or easier - they definitely don't. He learns through circumstances and relationships with others that "society" (as it has become) doesn't have to be right. The new world system that's been set up can be "bucked".
This was definitely the most difficult book in the series for me in terms of horrific crimes against people. It's tough to read, very sad, but it extends the stories of many of the characters.
Excellent book, but I do hope this is really the end of this series.

Highly recommended for young adult readers and readers who like apocalyptic fiction.


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This World We Live In by Susan Beth Pfeffer

This World We Live In by Susan Beth Pfeffer
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

WOW! That's all I can say at this moment. Maybe I'll be able to write more later, but I just finished and . . . wow.

This is a MUST read, however, you must read the first two books in order to fully appreciate the last. Amazing!

Highly recommended!

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The Dead & The Gone by Susan Beth Pfeffer

The Dead and the Gone by Susan Beth Pfeffer
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wow! I just finished this amazing book! I really loved Life As We Knew It and wasn't sure how I would feel about the companion book.

The same natural events take place causing a total change in life for everyone on Earth. The book does not focus on background information leading up to the asteroid crashing into Earth's moon and delves right into life afterward for another character and his family. This time we see what happens to Alex Morales living in New York City. Alex's life seems right on track for going to a good college. He is from a very devout Catholic family and attends an excellent Catholic boy’s school on a scholarship. Life dramatically goes horrifically downward almost immediately after the moon disaster. This was definitely much darker and scarier than the companion book.

A quick and very engaging read. I am a little sad to see how much shorter the final book is (it will bring Alex and Miranda together). But I'm excited to find where the author takes these characters and everyone who remains on Earth in This World We Live In.

Highly Recommended!


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Life As We Knew It by Susan Beth Pfeffer

Hello! Hope everyone is having a great summer! I'm enjoying the time off and reading like crazy. (Side note: I did not get any of the library jobs I applied/interviewed for so I will be back at the technology teacher thing for at least another year). For a long while I've had this book, Life As We Knew It, on my "to read" list and I got a Barnes and Noble gift card for my birthday, so I bought a paperback copy. I am totally loving it! It's very difficult to put down. Very interesting and so well written (my only gripe is I have found 2 typos!). This is the very interesting story of high school sophomore Miranda whose life is totally changed (as well as the rest of the world's) when a larger than expected asteroid hits Earth's moon and moves it close to Earth and at a different tilt on its axis. We know that the moon affects many things on Earth (tides, seasons, etc.) and within 12 hours things start going crazy on the home planet. This is the first of a trilogy and I will definitely be reading it all! When I finish, you can read my full review on Goodreads . . . . . . and here it is: Life As We Knew It by Susan Beth Pfeffer
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I absolutely loved this book! Sixteen-year-old Miranda's life is dramatically changed (along with the rest of the world) when an asteroid collides with Earth's moon causing it to change position on it's axis and move much closer to Earth. The moon affects many things on Earth like tides, seasons, etc. and major catastrophic events begin occurring within 12 hours. Miranda and her family struggle to survive in an increasingly difficult natural and social environment. After the initial establishment of "life as usual" the book becomes very engaging and I had difficulty putting it down. Very well written! I cannot wait to read the next book in the trilogy to find out what happens next.

Highly recommended!

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