Details

Length: 390
Story Build: Quick 
Character development: Solid
Age Recommendation: 7th and up
Reasoning: language, violence

Summary and Review

So, I am not a big science fiction fan. I appreciate it as a genre, and I believe authors of these texts are talented. However, I just tend to find myself reading realistic fiction or mysteries rather than anything in the science fiction genre. I think the first text I ever read in this vein was actually in 8th grade when my then English teacher required me to read a book of every type. I chose Fahrenheit 451. Looking back now, I think I want to reread that because I was definitely not engaged in it as much as I would be now. 

Anyway, the reason I tell you this is because I bought this book for my classroom without any real expectation that I would read it. I have read books by the Shusterman duo— Challenger Deep— which I need to post the review for at some point! However, when the pandemic became a reality for us in this state and I was forced to leave school, I took it with me to bring home. “Hey, why not,” I thought. “Maybe I will read it.” 

Oh, I read it; actually, I devoured it. I couldn’t put it down. 

Dry tells the story of Southern California where a severe drought is taking place, so severe that almost no one has access to water. Those who do have water suddenly become victims of violence and crime as people enter survival mode to protect themselves and their family. 

At the core of our story is Alyssa and her brother. Alyssa’s parents go out for water one afternoon and don’t return home. Suddenly, the siblings are forced to rely on their kooky neighbor, Kelton, who has always had a crush on Alyssa. 

Kelton and his family are always preparing for the worst; they have their own supply of water and energy sources, and they have a hideaway that they are preparing to go to. Nevertheless, nothing really prepares them for the destruction caused by Kelton’s father’s inability to help others, and this leads to Kelton adventuring out with Alyssa and her brother to find her family and water. 

Along their journey, they meet Jacqui and Henry, separately, who are definitely rough around the edges. The crew find themselves traveling old water-ways, abandoned highways, and tough terrain to try and locate water in order to survive. 

The story is broken up into the different perspectives of the characters, which allows the Shustermans to give their readers insight into the motivations and mindsets of their various creations. Furthermore, they break up the traditional narrative with little news-like stories about the state and the people affected by the lack of water. At first you wonder why we need this beyond just having more perspective into this disaster. However, these little vignettes contain characters who come into the story in small ways. It’s super creative and beautifully crafted. 

I read this book during the first week of social distancing when my world vastly changed because of the pandemic. It was a little eerie to read because the novel explores the lengths people are willing to go in order to survive. It is also a comment on our environmental choices, which could eventually lead to some scary natural and unnatural events. But I think this is so worth reading. It’s brilliantly executed and thought provoking. Just be prepared to feel a little more worried about our world when you are finished. 

Celebrations

There are so many celebrations for this book. But I really want to focus on the fact that the father-son duo have a very creative format for writing this book. They give us multiple perspectives, which is super helpful. You end up rooting for characters that seem tough because you get their insights. Furthermore, the little stories that break up the narrative are fascinating, and even though you don’t think they add to the actual narrative, they do. They are extremely important, actually, and give more layers to the book. So good. 

Hesitations

I have no real hesitations at all. This book made me realize that I need to be more open minded to science fiction.