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Review: Not a Drop to Drink by Mindy McGinnis

December 2, 2013 by Sana 2 Comments


ABOUT THE BOOK

Not a Drop to Drink by Mindy McGinnis
young adult dystopia published by HarperCollins on 24 September 2013
first book in the Not a Drop to Drink companion duology

Regret was for people with nothing to defend, people who had no water. 
Lynn knows every threat to her pond: drought, a snowless winter, coyotes, and, most importantly, 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. Having a life means dedicating it to survival, and the constant work of gathering wood and water. Having a pond requires the fortitude to protect it, something Mother taught her well during their quiet hours on the rooftop, rifles in hand.
But wisps of smoke on the horizon mean one thing: strangers. 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….
With evocative, spare language and incredible drama, danger, and romance, debut author Mindy McGinnis depicts one girl’s journey in a barren world not so different than our own.

THE RATING


THE REVIEW

We are living in the age where global water shortage is a very, very real possibility. As an environmental science student, I am aware of the numbers and they are nothing short of alarming. It is during these times I’m thankful about one thing that has been instilled in me since childhood: not to waste. That idea is only reinforced in Lynn’s world. It is not pretty, it is not exaggerated. Instead, it is a harsh truth and it will make you think. Even more so when in such a world, the first instinct is to kill any living creature on sight. The lines of humanity are blurred. Yet, it isn’t that simple. Not at all.

We all have measures of worth with which we regard the world, the people and their lives. But in the world Lynn lives, measures are not based on that. Not anymore. If you cannot bring yourself to protect what’s yours, you are as good as dead. It’s a dog-eat-dog world and a very unadulterated one at that.

Living in the basement of her home with her mother, Lynn has always followed a specific way of life. There is only one thing of the utmost importance: survival. They own a pond but it is an endless struggle just to get its water purified enough to drink. Cutting woods is another ordeal. But all of that is nothing when Lynn watches her Mother shoot anyone who’s close enough to drink from their pond. Lynn is indifferent because that’s the life she has always known. She doesn’t know right from left. She doesn’t know what a conscience is and for the time being, that is okay. Better even.

However, time demands many things from Lynn. Her shooting skills. Her watching skills. Her humanity. Life is a constant chip on her shoulder, something she has to look out for. There is no technology, there is no media and there is no electricity. The dangers are measured in the days that the smoke doesn’t billow to the south. Are they gone or are the coming for us? For our pond? These are the thoughts that occupy Lynn’s mind in a world where water is scarce.

Circumstances change and Lynn ends up in an unchartered territory where she learns humanity, conscience and compassion. One never thinks about these things unless someone gets hurt. But if Lynn can do it in a dog-eat-dog world, can’t we? Yes. But only if we stop to see, to think and to care. After all, we’re all trying to survive in all the different ways we can. Read Not a Drop to Drink and you’ll know what I’m talking about.

THE QUOTES

‘Why do you always quote poetry at me when all I want is a straight answer?’

‘I’m so sorry to be doing this last one alone,’ she said. ‘I’m sorry it’s yours.’ 

Categories: dystopia, environment, review, young adult

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Nidhi Mahajan says

    December 2, 2013

    I have heard so many good things about this book and series. Well-written and insightful review.

    Reply
  2. Laura Thomas says

    December 3, 2013

    I have this book on my Santa Wish List. Sorry I didn't read your review as I like to go into a book knowing very little. I'm glad you enjoyed it. Hoping Santa gets my wish!

    Reply

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