The Age Of Miracles by Karen Thompson Walker

The Age of Miracles
Written by Karen Thompson Walker
Coming of Age, Apocalyptic
Published January 2015
384 Pages
'Maybe everything that had happened to me and my family had nothing at all to do with the slowing. It's possible, I guess. But I doubt it. I doubt it very much.'

One Saturday morning the world wakes to discover that the rotation of the earth has begun to slow. As birds fall from the sky and days grow longer, people start to flee, but there is nowhere on earth to escape to.

Julia is already coping with the disasters of everyday life. And then there's Seth. Tall and quiet and always on his own, the skateboarding boy who knows all about disaster. As the world faces a catastrophe, Julia and Seth are facing their very own unknown.
It happened without warning or reason, the Earth began to slow and the population began to panic. Daylight stretched into the night, and eleven year old Julia was watching her world fall apart. Julia's father still continued to work, a doctor who brings life into the world while her mother is fearing the end and stockpiling non perishable items. In the early days, the news feeds were flooded with theories and proclamations from how this may have happened, to what the public can expect. It wasn't long before theories turned to fact, long periods of sunlight followed by darkness was causing the fresh food supply to perish. As the minutes continued to flow, daylight had been stretched to thirty hours, dividing the population between those following clock time and those following daylight time.

But the population still continued to find normalcy. Julia still attended school, often during darkness only to sleep throughout the daylight hours. Her best friend was only one of many whose family left California, heading for one of many exclusive communities where inhabitants were expected to wait out the end of days. Her mother's insistence to hoard supplies is driving her parents further apart and the popular Seth, who waits alone at the bus stop each day has begun to notice her.

The world may be seemingly ending, but Julia's life is about to begin.


The Age of Miracles was a glorious coming of age novel, and what happens when the world is on the verge of collapse. Daylight spans minutes longer each day, each night lasting into the morning until one full Earth rotation is verging on forty hours. The phenomena has left scientists at a loss with the cause so far unknown, the nation is divided and on the verge of civil war between those who live by the clock and those who live by real time. But amidst the panic, it follows the storyline of eleven year old Julia. She's beginning to see the repercussions the crisis is having on her parents marriage, while her best friend leaves for a Mormon community where she's expected to wait out the end of days. With a sense of normalcy, life still goes on. Her father still works at the hospital, she still attends school and she still has a crush on Seth.

Julia is not only likable, but wise beyond her years. I felt for her, growing up in an uncertain world and seemingly the common factor that is holding her parents together. Even with the promise of the world ending, Julia soldiers on. An incredibly strong young woman that completely endeared me.

It's beautifully written and unique. Reminiscent of the classic Australian novel Puberty Blues, but with an apocalyptic twist. I read long into the early hours of the morning and simply couldn't put it down. It was a cross between being incredibly invested in Julia's story, and the morbid fascination to see whether or not the world would actually end. It's a coming of age novel of epic proportions and I absolutely loved every moment.

45 comments

  1. An eleven year old strong woman. Now that sounds promising, and the plot sounds unique too. Makes me think what if the earth's rotation does slow down what are we gonna do? Lol now I'm being weird.
    I'm curious about Seth though. Will there be romance between him and Julia?

    Ella @ The Filipina Booknote

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    1. I was thinking the exact same thing Ella. It's frightening to think about something so catastrophic. What I loved about this one was that society didn't break down, it wasn't all doom and gloom and amongst the panic, people still lived with what they had. I loved the realism and that it didn't over dramatise it all. There is romance as time passes, but it's mild and more friendship based.

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  2. Ooooh. This sounds promising. Julia seems like a main character that I will really like. And I just like that cover so much. I agree with you already that its unique even though I haven't read it yet. :P Great review KELLY! <3

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    1. Thanks Paula. She really is, and so much on her shoulders for such a young age. But this really doesn't read as a middle grade, even with the character ages. I loved it. I hope you can grab a copy soon Paula, I'd love to see what you think of it.

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  3. I like the idea of it being set in a world that's on the verge of collapse. I'd love to read about how they found normalcy in that weird setting! :)

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    1. I know right! How would you even be able to get out of bed and go about your day when no one knows when or if the world is actually ending. I'd be more inclined to just hide under the bed.

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  4. This sounds quite fascinating. It reminds me a bit of Seeking a Friend for the End of the World (it's a movie) because regular things like love and friendship still occur even as the world is supposedly about to end.

    -Lauren

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    1. Ooh, I'll have to check that one out Lauren. I love realistic books and films about natural disasters and how we cope facing annihilation. Thanks for the recommendation.

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  5. I'm not a fan of post-apocalyptic-ish books but this one does sound pretty good! :P

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    1. This is more about the human response Frannie, even not being a fan of the genre, it's more so of a contemporary and I think you'd really enjoy it.

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  6. Oooooh I'm really excited now. This sounds so good! And I have an ARC of We All Looked Up, which is also a kind of contemporary/apocalypse thing.

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    1. Pretty similar, and also with The Incredible Adventures of Cinnamon Girl as well, which I absolutely loved! This year, I'm right into the contemporaries, but mixed that with a natural apocalyptic disaster and it was as though it was written just for me.

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  7. This sounds so exciting and WOW WHAT AN AWESOME CONCEPT!!!! I definitely want to read this one! And I love younger coming of age novels, I feel like there's been a lacking of.
    Thanks for sharing Kelly! You're thoughts have made me so excited to read it! xoxo

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    1. There is, is there, we definitely need more. That age where they still have that childlike wonder, but learning about the world. It's glorious. This is one of the best ones I've read, I love natural disasters and seeing characters thrive in the face of adversity. I can't wait to see what you think of it Renee.

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  8. Damn you, my 'To Read' list just keeping getting longer and longer thanks to your reviews LOL :-). The idea of the world's rotation slowing does freak me out a bit, but this sound like a really good story, and I'm hanging out for some characters I can really 'feel' :-).

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    1. It was incredible Sarah, Julia was just so likable and strong, considering all that was going on around her. Grab a copy, it's a brilliant read and I can't wait to see what you think of it.

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  9. I'm glad you enjoyed this one! I LOVE THE END OF THE WORLD. Mwahahaha. *ahem* I mean it's sad when the world ends. Pfft, who are we lying to?! I love calamities. I didn't adore this one as much as I hoped (I was kinda surprised the MC was only 12) but I think it was a billion percent realistic.

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    1. Me too, as long as it's not MY world that's ending. I love anything with natural disasters, books, movies, even documentaries. Pretty sure it's more of a sick fascination, if it were to actually happen, I'd be shit scared and probably run around in circles screaming. I'm not so great in a crisis.

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  10. So great to hear you loved this one too Kelly! I read this when it was first released a few years ago and found it so unique and captivating - and now it's great to see it getting some more positive attention it deserves. Wonderful review :)

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    1. Captivating is the perfect word to describe it Eugenia, we need more unique coming of age novels. I fell in love with Julia, she was such a lovely young lady who dealt with everything going on in her life with such maturity.

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  11. I love coming onto your blog & discovering new reads - Thank you for putting this one under my radar, I just added this to my TBR now :) The characters sound interesting especially Seth - I like quite yet brooding male leads, wonderful review <3 Benish | Feminist Reflections

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    1. Seth is lovely and such a breath of fresh air Benish. I hope you enjoy this one as much as I did, can't wait to see your thoughts!

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  12. I hadn't heard of this one before but I immediately saw the cover and wanted to read this one. I'm so happy you had a lovely time with this one! And that it was beautifully written :)

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    1. It really was Lily. It's actually been out for a few years, but they've popped on an edgy new cover. It's absolutely glorious, one of the best coming of age novels you'll ever read.

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  13. Well, damn. The first thing I did when I saw there was going to be a civil war between two groups of people ABOUT KEEPING TIME, I laughed. I AM SO SORRY!!! But I just couldn't picture it! Now I have to read this book even more, because my curiosity HAS to be sated ;) I would love to meet this Julia as well and read how she copes with things! Amazing review, Kelly!

    Faye at The Social Potato

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    1. Oh no, I don't think I explained that all too well did I. That's too funny Faye.

      It's brilliant though Faye, a realistic apocalyptic coming of age. It's a mouthful, but we really don't see too many of those around that are engaging and make you invest wholeheartedly.

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  14. Wow, I can't believe Julia is only 11 years old. I can't remember being so wise when I was that age myself, but I guess when you're living in an apocalyptic society, it changes you. I think the concept is actually so cool (book sense only) because it's actually something that I believe may happen if we don't start taking care of our environment. As much as I love my zombie books and shows, it's the viable futuristic outcomes that scare me the most. It makes me question how YOU would act if something happened to our earth. I mean I also wish for more hours in a day so I can read ALL THE BOOKS but in reality I don't think I really do if it means the death of our planet. Oh man this comment has gotten way too deep :P Lovely review Kels!

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    1. I think being an only child, she was wise beyond her years really. That's what drew me in as well, the realism. That society didn't crumble, despite the issues Julia and her family faced. It really is a brilliant story Joy, I can't wait to see what you think of it.

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  15. Now I wish I had requested this one. It sounds so good, and what an interesting concept. Great review. I really want to get my hands on it now.

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    1. It's actually been out for a few years Rochelle, but had a brand spanking new cover on it now. It's fantastic, I honestly can't praise it highly enough.

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  16. I really enjoyed this one as well. Morbid fascination was a major driving force for me! I couldn't stop thinking about if this happened in real life, what would I do? What would it really be like? It was a great read!

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    1. It really was that realistic wasn't it. I found myself wondering what I would do as well. Panic would be my first response, followed by more panic, rocking in corners, followed by mass hysteria.

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  17. This reminds me of a more middle grade Life as We Knew It, which I absolutely adored. I hadn't heard of this one before, but I am absolutely fascinated. Julia sounds like such an intelligent, mature character and I'm sure she'll be someone readers will find easy to like and sympathize with. Thanks for sharing Kelly and, as always, brilliant review! Thanks for putting this under my radar! ♥

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    1. It's along the same lines Zoe, how they still continue to live despite what's going on around them. I loved that series too, except the follow up brought out last year. Julia is such an intelligent and lovely young lady that I was completely endeared to. I hope you can read this one soon Zoe, I can't wait to see what you think of it.

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  18. Sounds totally up your alley Kelly with the dystopia angle. I like how it explores the life after the big event, which is totally what would happen. Great review lovely!

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    1. Me too Jeann, and that society still continues to function. It's a gradual natural disaster where it shows how different characters cope with a pending crisis. Julia was so incredibly strong for a girl her age, it seemed like it was the adults around her who's lives were falling apart while her's had just begun.

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  19. I usually don't like apocalyptic story lines (mainly because they usually involve zombies) but this sounds really unique. It something you don't think about or don't even know if it is possible. this books sounds amazing and Julia seems really mature. You always mange to find the coolest books. Great Review this is definitely going on my TBR.

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    1. This is natural disaster apocalyptic, and the realism is frightening Taylor. But the world doesn't turn to crap, as most young adult novels tend to play on, but it's about those not only surviving, but learning to live with the threat of the end of existence hanging over their heads. I love the quirky and less popular reads, it feels like you've stumbled upon something really special doesn't it.

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  20. I'm glad you loved it Kelly! This sounds like an amazing novel that kind of brings together contemporary and sci-fi, but only a little. Adding this to my TBR now! :D

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    1. It's such an awesome blend of genres, the realism of natural disaster and the contemporary aspect of how characters cope in the face of a crisis. It's becoming my new favourite now and have been seeking out more books like it. You'll absolutely love it!

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  21. Hmm, it does seem unique :) I wonder if Simon & Schuster Canada has a copy of it, would love to give it a chance. Not sure if I'll love the MC, I might... or mightn't, but the plot has me intrigued. Great review!!

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    1. Julia is super likable actually, it was her character that helped me invest in the storyline from the very first chapter. I adored her. Hopefully you can grab a copy soon Lola, this one is absolutely brilliant!

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  22. I'll be honest, I'd never heard of this one until it came in the mail. BUT now that I've read your review (you always sway me) and you five stars, I'M SO EXCITED TO START IT!

    I was weary of the apocalyptic twist, just because I didn't expect it to be in there. But I love that it's interweaved beautifully and the fact that the coming of age aspect still shines. Beautiful review, Kelly! <3

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    1. It's always in the background, but adds that little something extra to the storyline of the characters, including Julia, to think about her life choices more than usual. Nothing like the threat of the world ending to put things into perspective. It was glorious! I can't wait to see what you think of it.

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  23. I'm so excited about this one now! I wasn't sure if I actually wanted to read it. I love it when the main character is actually likeable. Thank you so much for sharing Kelly!

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