Review: Not a Drop to Drink

So today, I have a guest review for y'all!  I got an ARC from Read Between the Lynes and decided it wasn't really my thing (although I'd heard a lot about it in the blogger world), so I gave it to Hannah and asked if she'd review it.  Here's what she had to say...



Not a Drop to Drink by Mindy McGinnis
Grade: B-
This book was an ARC provided by Read Between the Lynes in exchange for an honest review.
Summary: 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.

The Good: This was one of the better post apocalyptic books that I’ve read.  I had a hard time putting it down. I actually read it all in one night.  It had some quite humorous parts, too.  The storyline, while not 100% original, was intriguing.  The characters are lively and colorful and easy to connect with. 

The Bad: I’ve read other books with the same main idea (a water shortage), but as I’ve said it wasn’t that big of a deal for me.  The romance wasn’t too bad, only kissing, except it was a little predictable who-would-fall-for-who wise.  It was gory, but if you’ve read The Hunger Games than you should have no problem with this book. 

The Ugly: There was a fair amount of swearing.  Let’s just say if this was a movie it would be rated R for language.  Also, although they didn’t actually say it outright, sex and rape was strongly alluded to.  Actually, since her mother never gave Lynn (the main character) “the talk,” she was amusingly in the dark and it was hilarious. 

The Verdict: It's a good read, as long as you don't mind the gore and swearing and the other stuff.  It's probably more of a mature read.

Okay, so have any of you read this book?  What did you think?