This book at first read like a really second rate script for a made-for-t.v. movie. From the characters who are all stereotypes, to the plot which is pretty tired, the beginning left me a little sorry for starting to read it. Then, as the book progressed, the author used the situation of having kids trying to go about surviving after all the adults died off (Lord of the Flies anyone?) and got down to some social criticism. I enjoyed those bits that focused on the idea of who we really are and how in that sort of crisis we redefine reality and separate it from convention. I think this is a real thing we do as people; when things are going well, we cruise on auto-pilot through everyday life. But when a real crisis arises, our world feels shaken, and those loose things that aren't truly important fall away. I was a bit annoyed by the language, and the unnecessary insertion of sexual conduct and attachments. In a world where people are constantly fighting just to survive, I doubt romance would have a chance to bloom. In any case, I found it a cheap, teen-distraction meant to satisfy his teenage readers.Overall, the book reads better than I expected, better as it went on, and better than the ubiquitous post-apocalyptic book. Well, you can tell that Chris Weitz is a movie director. This book has all the drama, thrills, and action that make a good movie. I love that the action takes place in New York because I visited there this summer and I was able to visualize the actual setting of the events that take place in the book. Kids can identify with all the pop culture references and the pace is nonstop so that will definitly hold their attention. The story is told in the alternating voices of Jefferson and Donna and they are both smart and funny personalities that kids will like.A student loaned me this book and I'm so glad they did. I plan on adding it to our school library and promoting it to my survival, post-apocalyptic, adventure fans.
