Lisa R. (alterlisa) -
Helpful Score: 5
As soon as I picked up this book and saw it was in journal style, I was like "crap". I don't do books that are journal style or poetry style. My problem, I already had all three of the books in this series. So I decide, I'll give it a try, I can always find something else to read, although it was highly recommended by a blogger that I had found very reliable in the past. Within a few chapters, I was totally captivated and totally unaware that it was written journal style. Even though, I quickly got tired of Amanda's bratty, poor me attitude (she was a teen after all) I continued on with this wonderful novel. The twists and turns come at you very quickly and while earth as we knew it, was changing very,very quickly, Amanda matured at a much slower rate. You will cry with her and get angry at her but still rejoice in the small day to day victories. This book stayed with me much longer than I would have thought which is why I've resisted writing the review to this awesome series. I was afraid that with time it would not be both horrifying and hopeful all at the same time. I was wrong. Though it has been months, this book has resonated with me like no other. Every time, I check my pantry before going grocery shopping, this little mental bell goes off that makes me extra vigilant that I am well stocked.
Helpful Score: 4
I could not put this book down and ended up staying up most of the night to find out the fates of Miranda and her family, who you will come to admire and root for, even as things get worse for them. Memorable characters navigate devastating world events in a totally believable, and at times heart-breaking, way. A riveting book that will have you pondering your own survival strategies. My only quibble is the lack of an epilogue.
Stephanie S. (skywriter319) -
Helpful Score: 2
LIFE AS WE KNEW IT hooks you and doesn't let you go. Every time I had to take a break from reading, I stumbled out into the real world, where I was amazed to find that there was still plenty of food, water, electricity, and heat. Miranda's simple, diary-like language thus makes her story all that more believable. This novel is an incredible achievement.
Jeannie H. (ilovebooksanddogs) -
Helpful Score: 2
This book just truly scared the shit out of me! The characters were clearly drawn and easy to relate to. I just kept thinking of what I would do if something as catastrophic as this really did happen. Hard to put down, in fact, I read it in one evening because I have the sequels already in hand and couldn't wait to find out what was going to happen next.
This was definitely a can't-put-it-down kind of book. And it was so "real" that it kind of freaked me out. I read all kinds of horror books, and none of them scare me, but while I was reading this book, every news report of a freak storm made me nervous! Excellent read!
