While this is the 2nd book in the series, you can read either one first. I read this 2nd.

First of all I want to say, not many books can make me cry. This one however, made me cry like a baby at the end of the book. Anyway, The Dead and The Gone was so much better in my opinion then Life as we knew it. Although, do not skip Life as we knew it because in the 3rd book, BOTH characters from both books will be in it! But back to the point, I thought this book was wonderful, it was written so much better (in 3rd person vs. the journal style in LAWKI) Also, the characters were no where near as annoying. Alex and his sisters were very strong and while they had there bad days, they handled the situation ten times better then Miranda and her family in the first book.

Since I don't want to give too much away, I just want to say that even if you didn't like Life as We Knew it..I highly highly recommend reading this one anyway because I don't think you will be disappointed :)