Chapters 1-2 Summary

Life As We Knew It is a survival story in which the moon is hit by an asteroid and is knocked into a closer orbit. This affects the tides and the volcanoes, causing chaos on earth. This leads to a breakdown of civilization and food shortages. Life as people once knew it is over, and the narrator and her family have to struggle to survive as their electricity, fuel, water and food runs out.

The story is told by Miranda in the form of her diary. It begins on May 7th when Miranda's dad calls to tell her that his new wife is pregnant. Miranda tells him this is great news. She asks her mother for skating lessons, but her mom is reluctant. They fight because Miranda thinks her mom is more willing to spend money on her little brother Jonny...