Book Review: This World We Live In

This World We Live In by Susan Beth Pfeffer
(Click on the cover to find a library copy.)

SUMMARY: It's been a year since a meteor collided with the moon, catastrophically altering the earth's climate. For Miranda Evans, life as she knew it no longer exists. Her friends and neighbors are dead, the landscape is frozen, and food is increasingly scarce. The struggle to survive intensifies when Miranda's father and stepmother arrive with a baby and three strangers in tow. One of the newcomers is Alex Morales, and as Miranda's complicated feelings for him turn to love, his plans for his future thwart their relationship. Then a devastating tornado hits the town of Howell, and Miranda makes a decision that will change their lives forever. (adapted from the inside flap)

REVIEW: This is the third (and final?) installment in what is now called The Last Survivors series. It began with two companion novels, Life as We Knew It and The Dead and the Gone. These stories covered the same events from two different points of view, but this third book advances the plot forward while bringing those points of view together. When I first heard about this book, I thought the idea of having all of the characters meet each other sounded lame. While reading, I did think that some of the events were pretty implausible. However, I think the author ultimately pulls it off because this book is bigger than just the characters. As they all work for their survival in an increasingly hostile environment, they forge connections that wouldn't happen under other circumstances. You start to care about these people and root for them against impossible odds. That makes up for some of the other flaws! Plus, this book is a page-turner, with lots of action and tense situations that will keep you riveted until the very end.