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TL;DR: In 1951 and 1952, three airplanes crashed in Elizabeth, New Jersey, within 58 days. Fifteen-year-old Miri Ammerman and her family and neighbors cope with fear and loss. The novel follows the town's response and how it changes their lives.
Table of Contents
In the Unlikely Event at a Glance
| Author | Judy Blume |
| First published | 2015 |
| Type | Historical fiction |
| Best for | readers who like family and community stories set in the 1950s |
In the Unlikely Event is a novel by Judy Blume, first published in 2015. The novel is based on real events in Elizabeth, where Judy Blume grew up. It is her third novel for adults. Below you will find a part-by-part summary, five key takeaways, a few ideas worth remembering and a note on who will enjoy it most. The part-by-part section gives away the plot, including the ending, so skip it if you have not read the book yet.
Content note: Contains plane crashes and deaths.
What Happens, Part by Part (Contains Spoilers)
Miri's world
Miri lives with her mother, Rusty, and her grandmother. She is a teenager who loves her friends and a boy.
The first crash
A plane crashes into the river. The town is shocked and reacts with grief.
More crashes
Two more crashes follow. People wonder what is going on and fear the sky.
Many viewpoints
The novel shows many characters, including a journalist, a survivor and a teenage dancer.
Community
The town comes together to support victims. Families struggle.
Aftermath
Miri and others find ways to move forward. The ending is hopeful.
5 Key Takeaways
- Tragedy tests a community.
- Families adapt after loss.
- Teenage life goes on even in fear.
- Memory shapes people.
- Kindness is key.
Ideas Worth Remembering
These are paraphrased, not direct quotes:
- The book has a large cast.
- It is rooted in a real story.
- Blume's voice is warm.
Who Should Read In the Unlikely Event?
Read it if you like historical family stories. It is long.
Questions to Think About After Reading
These prompts work for solo reading, a book club or a classroom discussion of In the Unlikely Event:
- Which character did you understand best, and what did the author do to make you feel that way?
- Which scene would you change, and what would that do to the ending?
- What does the book say about its main theme that you agree or disagree with?
Quick Facts to Remember
- Book: In the Unlikely Event by Judy Blume (2015)
- Type: Historical fiction
- Best for: readers who like family and community stories set in the 1950s
- Main idea in one line: Tragedy tests a community.
Reading Time and Format
Novels differ a lot in length and pace, so check the page count of your edition before you start. If you prefer to listen, many public libraries lend audiobooks through free apps, and a narrated edition can suit a long novel well. Whichever format you choose, a library copy is a low-cost way to try the book before you buy, and used or digital editions are often cheaper than new print copies.
How to Use This Summary
Use this page as a quick reference before a book club meeting, an exam, or a decision about whether In the Unlikely Event is worth your time. The takeaways are written to stand on their own. If a point interests you, go back to the book for the author's full argument, examples and style, which no short summary can carry.
A simple way to get the most from it: first read the TL;DR and the takeaways to decide if the book fits your interests, then read the part-by-part section for the structure, and finally write down one idea you want to remember or one question you want answered by the full text.
A Note on Accuracy and Spoilers
This summary is based on the published text of In the Unlikely Event, not on any film, series or stage adaptation, which often change the story. Details are kept at the level of the main events so that nothing is invented. Editions differ slightly in length and wording, so page numbers and small details may vary from your copy.
Should You Read the Book?
If you plan to read it, set aside a few evenings and read the opening chapters before you decide. A summary tells you what happens, but the voice and pacing are what make a novel work or not. If you are still unsure, read a free sample or the first chapter, because the opening pages usually show whether the voice and subject suit you. Reviews from readers with tastes like yours can help too, but your own reaction to a few pages is the best test.
Check price of In the Unlikely Event on Amazon
What to Read Next
- Summer Sisters by Judy Blume: a story of two friends
- Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret by Judy Blume: a classic coming-of-age book
- Wifey by Judy Blume: an adult novel
Related: Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing by Judy Blume: Summary and Key Takeaways
Frequently Asked Questions
Is In the Unlikely Event based on a true story?
It is inspired by real crashes in Elizabeth, New Jersey.
Is it for children?
No, it is an adult novel.
How long is it?
About 400 pages.
Is In the Unlikely Event worth reading?
It depends on what you want. The book is best for readers who like family and community stories set in the 1950s. If that describes you, it is likely a good fit. If not, the titles under What to Read Next may suit you better.
Can this summary replace reading In the Unlikely Event?
No. A summary covers the main events and ideas, but it cannot carry the author's voice, detail or pacing. Use it to decide whether to read the book, to refresh your memory or to prepare for a discussion.