Not a Drop to Drink

From Goodreads:    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. 

Book Trailer:

My Thoughts:

-    This was a really bland book. I didn't feel any sort of sympathy or connection to any of the characters or their situation. 

-    Lynn reminded me a little of Katniss. She is a survivor. Something about Lynn bothered me though. I can't say exactly what. She isn't as awesome as Katniss, not even close. 

-    There is some heavy language and a lot of raping. It doesn't describe the rapings, or go into it at all, but it is mentioned and eluded to a lot.

-    This isn't a happy book. If you don't like sadness, don't read this.

-    The ending was really disappointing. I felt like the conflict and resolution was rushed. Wasn't surviving hard enough? Did we really need to throw in a shoot out? 

-    I would rather have had the story focus more on Lynn and her social skills improving, like letting people in, and accepting help. I really liked Stebbs and his added warmth.

-    I was really disappointed with this book. I've heard good things, but it just didn't deliver.