Review: Not a Drop To Drink by Mindy McGinnis

Title: Not a Drop to Drink 
Author: Mindy McGinnis 

Publisher:  Katherine Tegen Books 
Publishing Date: September 24th 2013

Pages: 320
Genre:  YA Post Apocalyptic 

Series: Stand Alone
Source: Audio

  

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.

This was one of the my favorite reads this year. The story was amazing, the writing wonderful, the characters were unforgettable. Heartbreaking, memorable, a powerful read. I think it will be qutie a while before I recover from this book, just in time to read it again. 

Its years after the fresh water source has diminished and Lynn and her mother live on their own out in the middle of nowhere on a pond. Lynn's entire life has been a lesson to protect the pond on their land. As soon as she could hold a gun she was taught to shoot. Lynn's mother trusts no one and helps no one. Shoot first ask questions later.... or not... just make sure too shoot.  Lynn suddenly finds herself in need of the help of strangers when there are new and dangerous people living south of her pound. She finds out that shooting first isn't always the way to go and she isn't the only one just trying to survive. 

This was a very slow building book but it very intense slow. I was never bored and even though it was not full of thrills, the story still kept me on the edge of my seat. I didn't want to stop listening and I never wanted the story to end. I think I could have stayed in Lynn's scary world for a quite a bit of time. I loved the characters and I was completely pulled into their lives and their world. 

I absolutely adored Lynn. I found her her heartless nature understandable and I found it easy to soften out when she did. It was in her nature to be caring but she was always taught to be ruthless. For good reason, survival.  The relationship between Lynn and her mother was strong and endearing. They were the only ones in each other's lives and they meant the world to one another. I loved their relationships and their interactions with each other. Lynn held all her mother taught to her dear and as truth. It was a hard road for Lynn to learn and accept that her mother's way may not have been the only way. It was quite a journey to watch Lynn grow and learn about other relationships... first love, friendship, and family with no blood relation. She learned responsibility came in all forms. I loved her sense of duty, her loyalty, and her integrity. She was by far one of my all time favorite characters.

The book was full of awesome characters... Lucy, a 5 year old that completely stole my heart. I loved her voice, her innocence, and her loving heart.  Stebbs was just the best. A true survivor with a heart of gold. I also loved Eli... Sweet and sincere through in through.. not a mean bone in his body. Just so so so sweet.**blush** and swoon worthy. Each character brought something fresh and new to the story and held their own. The relationships between each were beautiful and heartbreaking at the same time. The characters made the story for sure. 

One of my favorite things about this story was the tone. It almost had a western feel but was completely modern oh and of course the feel of desolation. All of it together was just amazing and I could feel the atmosphere perfectly. The tone held strong throughout the entire book and made the story that more haunting, exciting, and intense. 

I love post apocalyptic stories, especially when they are done well and stand on their own. Its hard to really make one unique and one that can stand out against all others out there on the market. This one was done supremely well and it made all others I have read recently disappear into the background. It was completely engrossing and trapped me til the end... by the way the end was pretty darn awesome. 

I don't generally mention narrators and I know I should... they can make or break the read. The narrator for this book completely rocked and I would read anything she narrated.

Loved it and will love it over and over again. A Must have in my shelf collection.