Reading Metrics
Description
When a massive earthquake tears through the West Coast, seventeen-year-old Penelope is thrust into a world where she has lost her home, her parents, and her younger brother. She must navigate the ruins, holding onto hope and love while confronting the darkness that surrounds her. The story follows her fight to survive and discover what it means to rebuild in the shadow of environmental catastrophe.
Quick Summary
Penelope's world shatters when a massive earthquake wipes out the West Coast, leaving her homeless and forced to trek through a ruined landscape that's as dangerous as it is hauntingly beautiful. Block crafts a story that's part survival adventure, part tender love story, as Penelope teams up with a mysterious boy and a cast of eccentric characters who each bring their own brand of humor and heart. Readers who love post-apocalyptic novels with a strong female lead think "The Girl Who Owned a City" meets a gritty, lyrical road trip will find the pacing and emotional stakes irresistible. The book mixes moments of dark humor, intense action, and genuine romance, making it a quick read that feels both urgent and intimate. Parents should note that the story includes occasional profanity and some sexual references, so it's best suited for older teens who can handle those elements.