55 pages • 1 hour read
The Dead and the Gone
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Book Brief
336
Novel • Fiction
New York City • Contemporary
2008
YA
14-18 years
680L
Super Short Summary
The Dead and the Gone by Susan Beth Pfeffer follows 17-year-old Alex Morales, who becomes head of his household after an asteroid strikes the moon, causing worldwide disasters. Alex struggles to keep his sisters Bri and Julie safe in their New York City apartment as society collapses. Facing starvation, illness, and loss, the siblings rely on their faith and resilience to survive. Contains death and graphic descriptions of disaster aftermath.
Dark
Unnerving
Emotional
Melancholic
Gritty
Reviews & Readership
41,943 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
The Dead and the Gone by Susan Beth Pfeffer is a compelling post-apocalyptic novel praised for its emotional depth and realistic portrayal of survival. Critics commend its strong character development and thought-provoking themes. However, some readers find the pacing slow and the plot predictable. Overall, it’s a gripping and poignant continuation of the series.
Who Should Read The Dead and the Gone?
Readers who relish gripping post-apocalyptic survival tales, such as The Road by Cormac McCarthy or Life As We Knew It by Susan Beth Pfeffer herself, will find The Dead and the Gone captivating. Ideal for fans of young adult fiction with strong emotional arcs, compelling characters, and a focus on resilience.
41,943 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Briana Morales
Briana Morales
Known as "Bri," she is Alex's 14-year-old sister who is deeply religious and takes over household responsibilities when their mother is absent.
Julie Morales
Julie Morales
The youngest sibling at 12 years old, Julie is spirited and initially more dramatic than her older siblings but learns to adapt to their challenging circumstances.
Kevin Daley
Kevin Daley
A classmate of Alex with a cunning nature who becomes a significant source of support and friendship through challenging times.
Father Franco
Father Franco
The priest at St. Margaret’s Church who provides comfort and support to Alex, helping him navigate difficult personal challenges.
Father Mulrooney
Father Mulrooney
The strict yet occasionally compassionate headmaster of St. Vincent de Paul Academy, who values structure and discipline while also showing unexpected empathy at times.
336
Novel • Fiction
New York City • Contemporary
2008
YA
14-18 years
680L
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