The Quiet Concert: REVIEW: Not a Drop to Drink by Mindy McGinnis

Dec

2013

REVIEW: Not a Drop to Drink by Mindy McGinnis

Title: Not a Drop to Drink
Author: Mindy McGinnis
Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books
Release Date: September 24th 2013
Pages: Hardcover, 320 pages
Source: Bought

Summary from Goodreads:
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.

It is refreshing to read about a strong female lead, while Lynn is frequently rough on the edges and on the stubborn side she is far from weak. She grows and changes through the story; the rough edges became softer and she learned to love more than just her mother.
The intense story line and society McGinnis created. I felt like there was tension through the whole story; constantly worrying about the water situation and potential enemies.
While I do not agree with all the choices she made, I really enjoyed that the author took quite a few risks. Some aspects like the romance were pretty predictable but then there was a curve ball. It kept the story fresh and it kept me wanting to read more and more.

While it is not a huge issue, I wish some aspects of the world in its deserted state were better explained. I did not feel like I had a complete picture of the world Lynn lived in. I could picture her house and its surroundings just not much past that point.
I was not the biggest fan of the ending. Parts of it felt unnecessary. My thoughts went along the lines of... "WHYYYY?!?!?!"

Not a Drop to Drink is a suspenseful post-apocalyptic book with a strong female lead that has surprises throughout the whole book. Definitely recommend it to those looking for a scarily realistic take on the future with subtle romance yet strong character growth and development.

Comments (13)

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@BookSwoon · 590 weeks ago

I really like this sound of Not a Drop to Drink's,/i> suspenseful post-apocalyptic setting, and the strong female lead! I have this on my tbr list and hope to get to it soon. Wonderful review and thanks for the pros and cons which always helps :)

1 reply · active 589 weeks ago

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Ashley @TQC · 589 weeks ago

Enjoy :)
My recent post REVIEW: Parallel by Lauren Miller

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Christianna · 590 weeks ago

I loved this book so much! I love what you have to say about the ending, that it left you saying/screaming "Whhyyyy?"

I don't know, I kinda like that McGinnis decided to throw curve balls that I didn't love into the mix. It worked for me, but at the same time I totally understand what you're saying. Some of it got really gnarly.

I loved this review!
My recent post [Waiting On Wednesday: Vivian Divine Is Dead]

1 reply · active 589 weeks ago

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Ashley · 589 weeks ago

I did like the curve balls, I felt like I never knew what was going to happen! It was the ending that I was not the happiest with!

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Kay · 590 weeks ago

So you pretty much just summed up my thoughts on Not a Drop to Drink. I loved Lynn and that she was so complex. Although I think McGinnis was great at descriptions you are right that we don't get to see a lot outside of Lynn's little world. Although I wasn't a huge fan of the ending I did like all the craziness of it.
My recent post Review: The Registry by: Shannon Stoker

1 reply · active 589 weeks ago

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Ashley · 589 weeks ago

Agreed, I was not a huge fan but it was unexpected and I can give her credit for that!

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Pam@YA Escape · 590 weeks ago

I got this one recently from the library, but I haven't read it yet. Now I'm a little nervous, given your comment about the ending. I can't take another depressing ending, I'm just so tired of them. I read a book recently and almost every single character died in the end. I know it's realistic sometimes, but I don't read books because I want things to be realistic. :)
My recent post Book Review: Beastly by Alex Finn

1 reply · active 589 weeks ago

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Ashley · 589 weeks ago

Hmm.. I definitely recommend reading it, just maybe wait if you want a happier ending :)

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Kelly L. · 590 weeks ago

Oh no, it sounds like the worldbuilding isn't really well done in this one, especially when you can't picture how the world outside Lynn's house looks like. D:
I can't tell if the ending is a good thing or a bad thing. Looks like I'll have to read it to see. o:
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1 reply · active 589 weeks ago

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Ashley · 589 weeks ago

I definitely recommend checking it out! Parts of the ending were a surprise that I just did not like

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mel1704 86p · 590 weeks ago

Oh no, those type of endings can be horrible. I'm still far too fascinated by this book... Lynn sounds at least like a great characters! :)

1 reply · active 589 weeks ago

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Ashley · 589 weeks ago

I think you will enjoy!!

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jaimelester 53p · 582 weeks ago

Whhhyyy??? is never a great reaction to the end of a story. It kind of makes you want to throw up sometimes. However, even knowing that the ending is a headscratcher at best, I am still ridiculously excited about Not a Drop to Drink. A reaction that I haven't felt towards any dystopians for a long time. Something about this one calls to me I suppose. And I love that the MC is a girl who is tough and smart and willing to protect herself and the one that she loves at all costs. I like that she is rough around the edges, but that she grows in the story. There are many things about this one that make me think I will genuinely enjoy it, and I can't wait to get the chance to find out!