Rating:  ☆☆☆

Recommended by:

Author:  Judy Blume

Genre:   Fiction, Historical Fiction

402 pages, published June 2, 2015

Reading Format:  Audio Book on Overdrive

Summary

In the Unlikely Event takes place in Elizabeth, New Jersey during the early 1950’s when two airplanes crash, killing most of the passengers and explores the impact on the community and several of the residents.  It is also a time capsule, capturing a slice of America during that innocent time.

Quotes 

“Life is a series of unlikely events, isn’t it? Hers certainly is. One unlikely event after another, adding up to a rich, complicated whole. And who knows what’s still to come?”

 

“Anything could go wrong any day of the week. What’s the point of worrying in advance?” “How do you stop yourself from worrying?” “I think of all the good things in my life.” “What about the bad things?” “There’s no room for them inside my head. Not anymore. Now I say live and let live, and I kick those other thoughts away. You can do that, too.”

 

“When Miri asked if she believed in God, what was she supposed to say? ‘Of course I believe in God,’ she’d told her.  ‘But how could God let such a terrible thing happen?’ ‘It’s not God’s job to decide what happens,’ she’d said. ‘It’s his job to help you through it.”

 

“Not that memories were enough—they didn’t keep you warm on a cold winter’s night. They couldn’t hold you when you were frightened or sad. But they were better than nothing.”

My Take

I liked, but did not love, In the Unlikely Event.  As a tween and teenager, I read all of Judy Blume’s books and have fond memories of them.  I think she is a terrific young adult writer, able to really connect with her audience.  This book was enjoyable to read, but also pretty forgettable.  Blume does, however, do a pretty good job of capturing the early 1950’s era.