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The Age Of Miracles

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2012

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Book Brief

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Karen Thompson Walker

The Age Of Miracles

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2012
Book Details
Pages

304

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

California • 2010s

Publication Year

2012

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

14+ years

Lexile Level

810L

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Super Short Summary

The Age of Miracles by Karen Thompson Walker follows 11-year-old Julia as she navigates personal and societal challenges amid a dystopian world where Earth's rotation has slowed, causing environmental catastrophes and societal divides between "real-timers" and "clock-timers." Sensitive topics in the book include bullying, infidelity, and illness.

Melancholic

Contemplative

Mysterious

Bittersweet

Serene

Reviews & Readership

3.9

97,667 ratings

60%

Loved it

29%

Mixed feelings

11%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Karen Thompson Walker's The Age of Miracles delves into a world where the Earth's rotation slows, unfolding a young girl's coming-of-age against a unique, catastrophic backdrop. The prose is praised for its lyrical quality and fresh take on dystopian themes, but some critics find the plot's pace too slow and its characters underdeveloped. Overall, it offers a thought-provoking and melancholic narrative worth exploring.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Age Of Miracles?

Fans of speculative and coming-of-age fiction, similar to Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel or The Road by Cormac McCarthy, will appreciate The Age of Miracles by Karen Thompson Walker. Readers curious about the impact of extraordinary situations on everyday life and human resilience will find this novel compelling.

3.9

97,667 ratings

60%

Loved it

29%

Mixed feelings

11%

Not a fan

Character List

Julia

The narrator and protagonist who reflects on the onset of a global event called “the slowing” that started when she was 12 years old. She navigates the challenges of adolescence, relationships, and the world shifting around her.

Julia’s adolescent love interest, characterized by his quiet nature and skateboarding skill. He shares a brief but impactful romance with Julia amid the chaos of “the slowing.”

A former actress who turns to survivalist behavior and later struggles with health issues amid “the slowing.” She copes with the drastic changes in their world in various ways.

An OBGYN specializing in high-risk births who faces personal and family challenges. He is depicted as a caring father trying to navigate the moral complexities in the face of global change.

Julia’s piano teacher and a naturalist who maintains a “real-timer” lifestyle, adhering to natural time despite societal shifts. Her relationship with Julia’s father adds complexity to Julia’s family dynamics.

An eccentric man known for his strong opinions and resistance to conforming with community expectations. His character serves as a familial touchstone for Julia.

Julia’s former best friend whose relationship with Julia changes after moving away with her family due to “the slowing.” Her character represents the first significant loss of Julia's childhood friendships.

A rebellious girl from the neighborhood and Julia’s last remaining friend before circumstances lead to their separation. Her actions highlight divergent paths taken in response to the new world order.

Book Details
Pages

304

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

California • 2010s

Publication Year

2012

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

14+ years

Lexile Level

810L

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