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96 pages 3 hours read

Susan Beth Pfeffer

Life As We Knew It

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2006

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Essay Topics

1.

Discuss the different forms of love that are addressed in the novel. Be sure to give examples of each.

2.

How is faith and belief important to the plot of the novel? Describe Miranda’s faith, as well as that of family and friends. Is faith naïve or necessary for the characters?

3.

Miranda’s family goes above and beyond to ensure their survival. Describe each member of the family. What role do they play in the family’s survival, and what character traits do they bring to the task?

4.

The novel mentions that Miranda’s family lives away from the town. With examples from the novel, describe the differences between rural living and town living. What are the pros and cons of living away from town in the novel?

5.

Compare and contrast Miranda and her friends, Sammi and Megan. What are their reactions to the events following the asteroid hitting the moon?

6.

Miranda notes that civilization seems to have ended when technology becomes a luxury early on in the novel. Explain what happens to technology in the novel. Would you say that mankind is too dependent on technology? How does the novel address this dependence?

7.

What does Miranda notice about Reverend Marshall’s weight? What does he tell her about Megan and Megan’s mom? Why does Miranda call him “despicable?” Do you agree with her?

8.

Describe a few of Miranda’s dreams. Why is her last dream of the pizza parlor so significant, and what does she do as a result of that dream?

9.

What are some of the things in the novel that have helped Miranda realize just how precious life is?

10.

The act of bearing witness is extremely important in the novel. Describe different ways that people “bear witness” in the novel. How does this relate to Miranda’s journal?

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