Dry, by N. & J. Shusterman
How difficult are we to live WITHOUT fresh WATER?
This story is recommended for young adults. It was introduced to me by my teenage grandchildren. As is usual for me, the first thing I do after receiving an invitation to look at a book, I read all the book reviews from google.
The two authors of this climate-fictional book are the father and son team of Neal Shusterman and Jarrod Shusterman. The story is about a very likely situation in our modern society when water, fresh drinkable water, dries out in the State of California.
Check out what Neal Shusterman says on his book at: https://youtu.be/nVPtSacSe30
Read the authors’ interview at https://thenerdybookfairy.com/2018/11/neal-jarrod-shusterman-discuss-dry-at-mysterious-galaxy-books/
Imagine the scenario: Climate change has contributed to draughts and strict water conservation regulations are in place. Then one day, the taps run dry and when this happens the people react in different ways. Some are the panicked, choosing to flee buying high priced air tickets to get out from the State and finding that all flights out of California are overbooked.
Some of the population become opportunists who capitalize on the situation. Then there are the survivalists who are able to get through the crisis by the sheer determination of character and thorough planning. There are also the good and the kind-hearted who organize the pooling and the sharing of resources.
The story was told from the perspectives of Alyssa (16), her brother, Garrett (10), their family members, parents and Uncle, and then Kelton, his family members. There were introductions of other prominent characters throughout the book.
The story is fast paced, and interesting. However, the conclusion is a little forced and would have been better if the planning of the book follows that of the Scythe, with at least one sequel.
How the five teenagers are dealing with the water crisis is not as surprising as to how the adults around them are coping with the situation. People quickly turn against one other to fight over an essential resource, Water, but there are also shows of bravery and good behavior. Kelton and Henry are two characters to read about.
I must admit that the story left me thirsty and I have started to take a ‘survival kit’ more seriously, just in case.
Here is a sample of one book review where I share her sentiments:
“Let me start by saying I’ve never been happier to live near the biggest fresh water supply in the world. Because this book is downright terrifying at times.
“The
“The snapshots were my favorite part of the story because they allowed me to see more than just the story of those teenagers. And, in the end, most of them were connected. It carved the big pictures, showing the reader just how bad it is for others, not just for our Main Characters.
“The main characters were weak in many ways, and I didn’t particularly like them. The boys were sexist and no bad behaviour within the group was ever really punished. Even the slap didn’t solve anything; it was just a way for Alyssa to evacuate some anger.
“I think the ending might have been better if it had kept going. It was too pretty for what they had to endure, imo. Still, as far as YA (Young Adult) climate fictions go, this is a pretty good one.”
I am adding this spoiler as my conclusion to this article: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TgU3A5MlkA4 Don’t wait Guys, grab this novel from your nearest library right now.
END NOTES: A separate Chinese version of this article will be posted soon. Following that, there will be a Thai version of this story and then, lastly a Maori version, as this is the Learn Te Reo Week in New Zealand.