But what if one day you can’t? What if the water turns off and it doesn’t come back?
This is the premise for Dry. Set in American suburbia, it follows a group of teenagers as they struggle to come to terms with a strange and unpredictable apocalyptic world.
Alyssa and her younger brother Garrett are searching for their parents who went to collect water but never came back.
Their neighbour, Kelton, whose been preparing for doomsday for years, knows how to navigate the dangers they face, but he hasn’t prepared for every scenario.
Jacqui’s been living rogue for a while, so she’s bold and resourceful, but she’s also unpredictable. Henry has figured out how to capitalise on the situation, but he’s hiding many secrets.
No one trusts anyone, but everyone must work together if they’re going to survive. There is no water, and everyone is thirsty. The Government isn’t helping, and the streets are filled with desperate people.
Dry is an awesome YA novel about an apocalyptic world that is based in reality. What happens in Dry could happen. The ways in which characters react, the things they are willing to do to survive, are 100 per cent believable (as well as heartbreaking and scary).
Dry explores what happens when the world tips over the edge it has been balancing upon for so long — when the horrible scenario we keep telling ourselves will never happen, or won’t affect us, finally does happen, and we are not prepared.
It’s also an exploration of human behaviour. What happens when disaster strikes and there isn’t enough to go around? Do you pool resources and work with your community, or is it every man and woman for themselves?
Everyone should read this book. Not only is it an addictive and thrilling story, but its relevant and important subject matter make a powerful and thought provoking read. It's a book that makes you think about the past, the present and the future, as well as how your own actions impact on all three.
If you're looking for that next amazing YA read to devour, I highly recommend you pick up a copy of Dry. And for more awesome Shusterman reads, make sure you check out Scythe and Thunderhead.
Title: Dry
Author: Neal Shusterman and Jarrod Shusterman
Publisher: Walker Books, $16.99
Publication Date: 1 October 2018
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9781406386851
For ages: 13+
Type: Young Adult Fiction
