“Not A Drop to Drink” is a Young Adult Science Fiction novel by Mindy McGinnis, set in a dystopian world where clean water is scarce and tightly controlled by large companies in urban areas. Despite the familiar theme, McGinnis offers a fresh outlook by focusing on a small group of characters in a rural setting.
The story revolves around Lynn, who lives with her mother in the countryside, far from the chaos of the cities. They lead a solitary life, fiercely protecting their only water source, a small pond. Their day-to-day existence is fraught with danger from drought, coyotes, starvation, dysentery, harsh winters, and other humans coveting their resources. After her mother dies suddenly, Lynn faces these threats alone in the only world she knows.
Taught from a young age not to trust anyone, Lynn finds herself in a dilemma when a clueless family from the city sets up camp downstream. She has to decide whether to help them or let them fend for themselves. This choice forces her to consider if there is more to life than just surviving, mirroring a significant theme of the book: survival.
The novel delves into the nitty-gritty details of survival, such as collecting and purifying water, stockpiling wood, canning food, and preparing for winter, all while maintaining vigilance against enemies. These survival tasks are described in a way that keeps readers engaged. Additionally, the relationships Lynn forms with other survivors add depth to the story.
McGinnis’ writing is both straightforward and captivating, with well-developed, non-stereotypical characters. Lynn stands out as a strong, occasionally ruthless heroine, necessary for survival in her harsh world. Her emotional journey is convincing and compelling. Although the pacing is uneven at times, it builds towards a satisfying climax. The imagined scenario is well-crafted and intriguing, though the romance between Lynn and Eli feels somewhat forced and unnecessary.
Overall, “Not A Drop to Drink” is an exciting read that appeals to fans of dystopian and post-apocalyptic fiction. McGinnis is unafraid to place her characters in genuine danger, making for a gripping story.
Content Note: The book includes some graphic descriptions of wounds, and the main character faces a threat of rape at one point.
