Just finished Tilt by Emma Pattee and, it’s one to remember. The book is set in Portland, USA and features Annie, a 9-months pregnant woman who’s stuck at IKEA when a massive earthquake hits. With no phone, no car fit to drive, and the whole city basically falling apart, she sets out on foot to find her husband (Yes, she is at full term and on foot, walking the whole day). The entire story takes place in one day.
 
What really makes this book stand out isn’t just the ‘disaster part’ (though it’s super intense and vividly written), it’s how real and raw Annie feels. She’s not just trying to survive physically—she’s dealing with all the mental weight of becoming a mum, questioning her choices, her identity, her relationship… all while literally walking through chaos and a broken city. It’s stressful, emotional, sometimes funny, albeit in a dark way, and basically just human. The turmoil in Annie’s mind is what most first-time mothers- to-be can relate to. 
 
The title Tilt isn’t just about the earthquake; it also reflects how Annie’s entire life is being thrown off balance in ways she didn’t expect. That said, some parts felt a bit unrealistic: in the same way the world has been amazed by Meghan Markle’s ability to twerk full-term, so I was incredulous at what the protagonist manages to do. I also found the structure a little challenging, with the story jumping between the present-day disaster and flashbacks from Annie’s  past. 

Still, Tilt is an intense read and a good pick if you’re looking for something to pull you in. And when it’s funny, it really is.