The Dead and the Gone is the second book in Susan Beth Pfeffer's moon trilogy. For information on the third book in the series, a continuation of Miranda's diary, click here. (Warning: if you haven't read Life as We Knew It, there are some spoilers for that book here.)

The Dead and the Gone tells the same story as Life as We Knew It, but in New York City instead of a small town. A meteor has hit the moon, knocking it closer to the earth. That means a whole bunch of natural disasters, starting with the rising tides and including tsunamis, volcanoes, earthquakes, and more. Alex and his two sisters are trapped in the city with dwindling food supplies and no parents to help them.

I read this book in about a day. It is so riviting. It's hard not to get sucked into the mood of the story, and it's pretty terrifying. I also kept thinking about what I would do in Alex's situation. And let's just say I don't think I'd do as well--I mean, no hot water? Living on the 14th floor with no elevator? Half a can of beans for your food for the day? Hmmmm.

I highly recommend this book. Just don't try to check it out til I return it tomorrow!

And remember, if you check out a book before we close on Wednesday, you can keep it til we re-open in January. If you need any recommendations for books to tide you over til the new building opens, just let me know!

I'm here in Nashville, TN at the Young Adult Literature Symposium. I've gotten to meet so many great people, and best of all, there are loads of amazing authors here: Gene Yang, Terry Trueman, Coe Booth, Barry Lyga, and Patrick Jones, just to name a few! I'm going to try to get pictures of all of them for you...

Okay, Terry Trueman just started talking. Gotta go -- I'll be back!!

High School Musical 3: Senior Year is getting pretty good reviews! Check out some of the highlights on Rotten Tomatoes.

If you can't get enough of Zach and Vanessa, check out all the HSM stuff we have at the library!