this is definitely a novel. 
 i mean, i never thought it was a true story, but i just want to emphasize that decisions characters make in this book are very much suitable for literary purposes; they provide dramatic tension and character development and a story arc, but as far as practical decision-making goes, these sisters fall a little short. 
 and there was a period when i thought, "hey - these girls finally have it together and are taking real steps towards their own survival," only to modify that somewhat later to, "oh, these characters are making decisions that will have literary appeal and dramatic heft. 
 which is fine, but i would suggest a different book if you are looking for survival tips. 
 and the irony is that at one point, a character does something and then decides not to do it after all (i sacrifice details to slyly avoid spoilers) and i thought "d'oh - you scared little bunny! don't let emotions get in the way of doing the bold and sensible thing!" but then later - in the final act, she has a chance to essentially make the same decision, albeit more conclusive, and even though i had rooted for her to (view spoiler)[strike out on her own and leave the family home behind and try to get to boston with eli (hide spoiler)], i didn't want her to (view spoiler)[burn the damn place down (hide spoiler)] when there is now (view spoiler)[a freaking infant (hide spoiler)] with only (view spoiler)[her somewhat vapid sister (hide spoiler)] to go (view spoiler)[live in a stump where there is a bear (hide spoiler)]. the decision is the same: (view spoiler)[leave behind the known for the unknown and the possible (hide spoiler)], but the circumstances are totally different: (view spoiler)[ baby,lack of male companion, useful as a rape-shield (hide spoiler)] 
 did i mention that there was (view spoiler)[a baby!!!??? (hide spoiler)] because there is. bad decision number two, in my opinion.this is what i mean by literary - it is all well and good to have this idyllic scenario, but whatever your politics (view spoiler)[ two teenage girls raising a rape-baby in the woods with only the forest itself to provide food, medicine, shelter?? of course it has been done before - since the beginning of time; but two girls used to modern conveniences, as smart and savvy as one of them is, are probably going to regret burning that house down, with all of its useful items, come winter, when that baby is squalling within the stump. and long-term? a house would have been nice for privacy as a child grows. but first things first - having a baby under those circumstances? it's not called "survival of the fittest" for nothing. (hide spoiler)] 
 and i am not selling this book right now, am i? i really liked it - i thought it was terrific. but when something nags at my mind, it is as though it is the only thing i can see, and i am like a puppy with a stick. now i have splintered the book for you. but it is splintered with love. tough tough love. 
 it is a great story of sisterhood and mental survival to changed circumstances. but if you read a lot of survival literature, you can't help but worry about these girls and their future among the living.