[R] Not a Drop to Drink, by: Mindy McGinnis

Not a Drop to Drink
(Not a Drop to Drink #1)
by: Mindy McGinnis

3.5 of 5 stars

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.

my thoughts

“There's a famous line from a poem about the ocean," Mother had finally said to end the discussion. "'Water water every where, but not a drop to drink.”

Well, I was and still I'm not sure how exactly to rate this book, because it was the perfect story, but the worst end of all (believe me). I always think that reading an Epilogue would make me happy, but not so fast fellas, because I hate this one.

“We've got to defend what's ours, or we die.”

That its basically Lynn's motto. In a world when water is almost non-existent and you got a pond by your house, you must do anything to protect it, right? Even kill, which Lynn is ok with it, because Mother taught her to. Everything she knows is because of her. After strange footprints, and some smoke from the south began to appear, Lynn must be careful. And even after her mother died, Lynn must be more careful. But Stebbs (neighbor) is there for her and some people more?

“Men got two guns, you know. One for now," he tapped the barrel of his gun against her nose. "And one for later." When his free hand went to his zipper, she twisted underneath him, bringing her knee into his groin and pulling her knife from her boot. "Mother taught me to carry a knife for always." She left him holding his intestines in disbelief as she disappeared down the hill, his gun tucked securely in her waistband.”

Like I said, the story is great. Because what better dystopian than a world without much water, just little of gas, no electricity and a sickness that can kill you [cholera]. Lynn is a little naive character for my like, but it was good when Eli was around saying sweet things or even when Stebbs was around to say wise and funny things. I hate that Lynn's mother died, but it was obviously that it has to happened, because without that Lynn wouldn't grow up as she did. I hate the end, no doubt [not going to spoiler you], but let's see if the next book make this end justice and bring me some happiness. The book is good enought to recommend it, but hell! do not read if you want a happy ending. That's it.

“Another low moan rose from the grass. "That was a good shot," Mother said, nodding toward it. "Not good enough." Mother shrugged. "It was dark." She rose and stretched out her stiff body, a sign that she truly felt safe. "You'll get better." Another cry. Mother licked her finger, tested the wind, and fired once into the night. Silence fell.”