Not a Drop to Drink
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4.3 • 50 Ratings
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- $13.99
Publisher Description
Fans of classic frontier survival stories, as well as readers of dystopian literature, will enjoy this futuristic story where water is worth more than gold. New York Times bestselling author Michael Grant says Not a Drop to Drink is a debut "not to be missed." With evocative, spare language and incredible drama, danger, and romance, Mindy McGinnis depicts one girl's journey in a frontierlike world not so different from our own.
Teenage Lynn has been taught to defend her pond against every threat: drought, a snowless winter, coyotes, and most important, people looking for a drink. She makes sure anyone who comes near the pond leaves thirsty—or doesn't leave at all. Confident in her own abilities, Lynn has no use for the world beyond the nearby fields and forest. But when strangers appear, the mysterious footprints by the pond, nighttime threats, and gunshots make it all too clear Lynn has exactly what they want, and they won't stop until they get it. . . .
For more in this gritty world, join Lynn on an epic journey to find home in the companion novel, In a Handful of Dust.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
In an understated but gripping debut, McGinnis offers up a tale of survival in a world where a scarcity of usable water has led to a brutal conflict for what remains. Lynn and her mother eke out a hardscrabble existence, protecting their farmhouse and small pond with lethal force against wildlife and trespassers alike. When Lynn's mother is killed, the 16-year-old is left to make her own way. To her surprise, she soon forms a surrogate family consisting of her crippled neighbor, Stebbs, and some newly arrived refugees, including teenage Eli and five-year-old Lucy. When they're drawn into a desperate struggle against raiders who'd steal everything they possess, Lynn discovers just how hard she can fight for those she loves. McGinnis paints a stark picture of a world not far removed from our own, concentrating on Lynn's gradual emotional growth as contrasted against the physical harshness of her existence. Character-driven but with intense moments, this story works best because of its narrow scope and focused setting, with world-building details largely left to the imagination. Ages 14 up.
Customer Reviews
Amazing Dystopian
This was such a great dystopian book. I love Lynn. She is a kick butt awesome character. I cannot wait to read the next one to see where this goes. I would recommend this.
Okay but not the ending
Overall the book was good, but I was disappointed that the author killed off one of the big main characters. The role that character played in the story made the book so much more interesting, without the character the book is basically the same thing over and over again. I sad that the author would do that in a book that is already so depressing. I was a little disappointed at the outcome, but overall the book was okay.
Young Adult?
With the content and language, I’m failing to see why this book has been promoted as YA. If murders, rapes and vulgar language do not make a book unsuitable for youth, what does? I’m tiring of books and media that feel the need for such “mature” themes. I see this book’s place, and it’s not a bad concept. But I wholeheartedly disagree with recommending it to middle school students to read for studying literature.