All of America is trying to cope with the elctromagnetic pulses of the universe. They have no electricity and their bank accounts are frozen so they have no money to buy food. All of the families in the communities are digging wells for fresh water, tilling their yards so they can be used for planting fresh vegetables, and they are bartering amongst themselves for animals, clothing and items that can used in everyday life.

The community starts to hold town meetings down by the river. Families bring their lawn chairs and it is during these times that the neighbors talk and visit amongst themselves. The neighbors had just waved to each other in passing before the pulses. Now, they are conversing with each other and helping their community in anyway possible.

There is alot of theft in this community because they are unable to get medicines for the sick, food for the hungry and no air conditioning to get relief from the heart. We read that there is a murder dealing with the mother of four children. The oldest boy, who is nine, has been taking care of his siblings. They live in an apartment building and the oldest steals food so they can live. When the Brannings' discover this tragedy , they move the children into their home and provide for them.
Eventually, they are able to locate the address of their grandparents' and send a letter to them. Since the postal system is overloaded and does not work on a time schedule, they are not sure when the letter will get its destination. It is late at night several weeks later that there is a knock at the door. The grandparents have come for the grandchildren.

I have enjoyed this series very much. There is another book in this series which hasn't come my way yet. The books remind me of what happens when the lights go out in our house. My family lights candles and gets together to do other things than computer. I can not wait to read what happens to this community and its people when their electricity comes 'back on'.