by TPS reader lutzr22
Dry by Neal Shusterman is a novel set in the near future at the height of California’s water crisis. They all know the rules, no swimming pools, no watering of the lawns, no long showers, no excessive use of water. The Tap-Out has been happening for a long time, sparse use of neighboring states’ water, allowing normal activity to happen until the taps run dry. The Shutout has just occurred leaving the entire state of California without water and as one would expect chaos is on the brim. Alyssa and her brother, Garrett, like most of the neighborhood are unprepared and terrified. Her life long admirer and neighbor, Kelton, has been preparing for disaster for years. As thirst increases among everyone, chaos erupts. Unlikely events bring unlikely people together in an attempt for survival.
I adore this novel. The characters are fresh and fleshed out. Each perspective brings a new light to the story and feels as if it is being told by a new person. Neal Shusterman does not disappoint. The idea of the story is new, but the message it tells and the parallel of their situation to modern day is striking. The book serves as an interesting form of social commentary on the future. The only critique I have is of the ending. While the rest of the novel is clear and easy to follow, it becomes slightly confusing. Even when understood, it still feels somewhat incomplete. It provides no closure but more importantly does not give the idea that it was well planned. For such a well written and thought provoking story, the last chapters fall short. Overall, I still love the book and would highly recommend it to anyone interested in a well-written plot and characters.
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