The Dead and the Gone

De: Susan Beth Pfeffer

Narrado por: Robertson Dean

Susan Beth Pfeffer's Life as We Knew It enthralled and devastated listeners with its brutal but hopeful look at an apocalyptic event - an asteroid hitting the moon, setting off a tailspin of horrific climate changes. Now this harrowing companion novel examines the same events as they unfold in New York City, revealed through the eyes of 17-year-old Puerto Rican Alex Morales. When Alex's parents disappear in the aftermath of tidal waves, he must care for his two younger sisters, even as Manhattan becomes a deadly wasteland, and food and aid dwindle.

With haunting themes of family, faith, personal change, and courage, this powerful new novel explores how a young man takes on unimaginable responsibilities.

©2008 Susan Beth Pfeffer (P)2008 Random House, Inc.

another great book

excellent a little turned off by reader, voice too deep for 17 year old boy

Misunderstood narrator

I originally saw that the man speaking was flawed and bad. Went into it expecting bad speech. But it was good and got into the story.

Great Story, Narration was Odd

We’ve been listening to the series while on a family vacation. Everyone really enjoyed the storyline - This one is a bit grittier than the first book. However, the narrator was not well suited to portray female voices without sounding absolutely ridiculous.

Overall story AMAZING

I have to say as with the first book, I couldn’t stop listening to it. The first book took me two and a half days to finish, but this one from start to finish I didn’t stop and took me less than a day to finish. The series so far is so well written and captivating. I literally just finished this and already purchased the next book in the series. I plan on starting the next book in about 10 minutes. I cannot wait. I highly highly recommend this book and the first and the whole series. I’m going to be so sad when I’m done with them.

sad but good

I read the book before listening to it. but I got more out of it.

good book

great story line, I felt really engaged in the story and loved the characters. Highly recommended

Missing gaps but amazing job reading and heartfelt

Loved the story and how well the author got you attached to characters. Amazing job reading felt like I was watching a movie in my mind. Had a few gaps that drove me nuts but good overall

great book

I like it I want the other books in the series to read on and figure out the rest

A pretty good book

Any additional comments?

The narrator was acceptable. The story was pretty good, however grew a little tired of the excess Catholicism. Perhaps the author felt this was needed to build the main characters. The actions of the characters left that hollow if this was the case.

Two Thumbs Up Post-Apocalyptical Adventure!

As others have pointed out, the narration at first feels a little off due to the narrator's deep mature voice portraying a 17 year old. But it doesn't take long to adjust, and Robertson Dean's soothing voice spinning the dark tale was an absolute delight. I hope he narrates the last two books! I found the Dead and the Gone to be far better developed and rewarding than Life as We Knew It. In LAWKI the plot centers around Miranda and her reactions to everyone around her as she's mostly being taken care of in the face of disaster. Her mother and older brother do most of the thinking for her, and at times her immaturity was obnoxious. In Alex's case, quite the opposite, which made the read more compelling. However, Alex isn't the perfect character, either. He can be misogynistic and quick to anger, but ultimately is likable in the sacrifices he makes for his little sisters and strength in the daunting task of carrying his family alone. It was fascinating to witness the moon event first in rural Pennsylvania, and then the same event from an entirely different point of view in New York City. Miranda and Alex, despite being in very different surroundings, experienced the same horrible situations and seemingly hopeless future. But Ms. Pfeffer does a nice job of keeping the story fresh without feeling redundant, which cannot be an easy task. I look forward to seeing what's next for these characters. And I now trust the moon a little less.