Not a Drop to Drink by Mindy McGinnis [Joint Review!][

4.5 out of 5 Robots!

Not a Drop to Drink By Mindy McGinnis 
Series: Not a Drop to Drink #1
Genre: Young Adult Dystopia
Release: September 24, 2013
Paperback:  309 Pages
Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books
My Copy: Library
Reviewer: Julia & Shannon

Book Summary:
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… (Courtesy of Goodreads)

Julia & Shannon - Review! 

1. What are your immediate feelings after reading NOT A DROP TO DRINK?

Shannon:  "Dang, she went there!"  Finally a post-apocalyptic story that is harsh and unrelenting, in what I think is realistic.  I tore through this book! 

 

Julia: NOT A DROP TO DRINK is frighteningly realistic, and that ending... bad ass!

 

2. Could you relate to or at least get along with the main character, Lynn?

Shannon:  Lynn is very much a product of her environment and upbringing.  So, I completely understood her on that level.  I liked that she was willing to do the hard thing and she had a clear conscience over some of her decisions.  But I also enjoyed watching her sharp edges smooth out once Lucy and Eli come into the picture. 

 

Julia: I think Lynn is cold and unrelenting in her resolve. It is easy to understand why she is this way - and it is brilliant. Her character makes sense to her surroundings and once new people are introduced to her world, she evolves. It is fascinating watching her character grow and adapt.

 

3. What about the plot? There isn't much romance, good thing?

Shannon:  I would say this is very much a character driven novel, so there isn't a big, explosive plot.  But it still was tense, unsettling, and even scary at parts.  As I mentioned, I tore through this book!  I also appreciated the minimal romance, even if I wouldn't have minded more.  But the focus remains very much on survival and I liked the author's choice in that matter.

 

Julia: There isn't much romance, but the characters and plot are so intriguing that it isn't something you will miss.

4. How about all those characters?

Shannon:  I loved them, I really did.  Lucy is adorable, although I thought she was remarkable adaptable for someone who loses both her parents in a short amount of time.  I especially like Stebbs because he truly truly gets Lynn.  And I loved when they finally team up together.  I got less out of Eli and Neva because they just aren't involved as much, but I liked how they served the story.  

 

Julia: They feel real, pragmatic. I felt like I was trying to survive with them, rooting for them to make it. My favorite character is Stebbs, he is kind and reliable and teaches Lynn things that her mother could not. He gets her better than anyone. Their dynamic is my favorite part of everything!

5. That ending! Yay or nay!

Shannon:  Lynn does not mess around.  Damn.  I liked the ending a lot.  And I liked that Lynn stayed true to who she was the whole way through.

 

Julia: I loved the ending. People die that you don't expect to die. People live that you don't expect to live. And Lynn is a cold and ruthless! Her character is true through to the last page. Thank you for this ending!!! It's my favorite kind. Endings shouldn't always be wrapped up neatly, especially in a post-apocalyptic world.

6. Did you like it! Rate it! Will we continue the series?

Shannon:  I loved it!  4.5 stars!  I am excited to continue the story, which takes place 10 years in the future and focuses on teenage Lucy.

 

Julia: I LOVED it. 4.5 Stars for me too. Can't wait to start the sequel asap. Thankful that there is another, because after the ending in this one, a second wasn't necessary.