Karen Thompson Walker's The Age of Miracles delves into a world where the Earth's rotation slows, unfolding a young girl's coming-of-age against a unique, catastrophic backdrop. The prose is praised for its lyrical quality and fresh take on dystopian themes, but some critics find the plot's pace too slow and its characters underdeveloped. Overall, it offers a thought-provoking and melancholic narrative worth exploring.

Fans of speculative and coming-of-age fiction, similar to Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel or The Road by Cormac McCarthy, will appreciate The Age of Miracles by Karen Thompson Walker. Readers curious about the impact of extraordinary situations on everyday life and human resilience will find this novel compelling.

The Age of Miracles by Karen Thompson Walker follows 11-year-old Julia as she navigates personal and societal challenges amid a dystopian world where Earth's rotation has slowed, causing environmental catastrophes and societal divides between "real-timers" and "clock-timers." Sensitive topics in the book include bullying, infidelity, and illness.

Melancholic / Contemplative / Mysterious / Bittersweet / Serene

- Karen Thompson Walker's inspiration for The Age Of Miracles came from the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami, which made her think about the fragility and unpredictability of everyday life. 
- Before becoming a novelist, Walker worked as an editor at Simon & Schuster, where she honed her skills in storytelling and narrative structure.
- The Age Of Miracles was shortlisted for the Arthur C. Clarke Award in 2013, which recognizes the best science fiction novel published in the UK during the previous year.

**Julia**  
The narrator and protagonist who reflects on the onset of a global event called “the slowing” that started when she was 12 years old. She navigates the challenges of adolescence, relationships, and the world shifting around her.

**Seth Moreno**  
Julia’s adolescent love interest, characterized by his quiet nature and skateboarding skill. He shares a brief but impactful romance with Julia amid the chaos of “the slowing.”

**Helen (Julia's Mother)**  
A former actress who turns to survivalist behavior and later struggles with health issues amid “the slowing.” She copes with the drastic changes in their world in various ways.

**Joel (Julia's Father)**  
An OBGYN specializing in high-risk births who faces personal and family challenges. He is depicted as a caring father trying to navigate the moral complexities in the face of global change.

**Sylvia**  
Julia’s piano teacher and a naturalist who maintains a “real-timer” lifestyle, adhering to natural time despite societal shifts. Her relationship with Julia’s father adds complexity to Julia’s family dynamics.

**Gene (Julia’s Grandfather)**  
An eccentric man known for his strong opinions and resistance to conforming with community expectations. His character serves as a familial touchstone for Julia.

**Hanna**  
Julia’s former best friend whose relationship with Julia changes after moving away with her family due to “the slowing.” Her character represents the first significant loss of Julia's childhood friendships.

**Gabby**  
A rebellious girl from the neighborhood and Julia’s last remaining friend before circumstances lead to their separation. Her actions highlight divergent paths taken in response to the new world order.

Karen Thompson Walker

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