{Audiobook} Review: Not at Drop to Drink by Mindy McGinnis

Title: Not a Drop to Drink
Author: Mindy McGinnis
Series: n/a
Narrator: Cassandra Champbell
Publisher: Harper Audio
Publication Date: September 24, 2013
Source: Purchased Audio
Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Audible

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.

This book killed me. I’m dead. Put a fork in me.

I decided to listen to the audio book even though Jen bought the beautiful hardcover for my birthday. You see, I requested the second book on Edelwiess and I needed to get this one done so that I can move on. Audio was the quickest route. It was chancy requesting book two when I haven’t read book one yet, but I trust Jen, and I was right to do so because Not a Drop to Drink was freaking great. So well written.

I’m not going to lie though, it’s not happy. Like not happy at all. I had trouble listening at times. I took a lot of breaks, because it’s depressing. It’s harsh, but it’s real. I loved the grittiness of it. I’m glad I knew that it was going to be that way before going into it, because I’m all about happiness. This book was lacking in the sunshine and rainbows department.

There is apparently a shortage of water. Lynn and her mother live by a pond and everyday is a struggle to live and protect what is theirs. I liked all the survival aspects. The author really gets in there and details it out. It was so realistic. It’s a hard knock life for sure.

Bad things happen. People die. Big characters, so prepare yourselves if you haven’t already read and been devastated. I think these bad things are what makes this book so special. Even though I was expecting the harshness, I still found myself shocked at times. I wish I could say I’m looking forward to In a Handful of Dust, but I’m scared shitless. I suppose that’s the same as excitement? Lol.

The Narrator, oh I was so not sure about her at first. I listened to the sample on audible, and initially I thought no way. She sounds like a grandma. But a lot of that sound I think was coming from her reading the mom’s dialogue. I quickly got used to it, and I think she was perfect for this book.

If you have a weak stomach and an ultra sensitive heart, this book might not be for you. If not, give it a try.

About the author:

I'm a YA librarian and author, represented by Adriann Ranta of Wolf Literary. My YA debut, NOT A DROP TO DRINK, is a survival tale set in a world with limited fresh water. It will be available from Katherine Tegen / Harper Collins, September 24, 2013.

I'm an avid blogger, posting six days a week to my personal blog, Writer, Writer Pants on Fire, which features interviews with agents, established authors, and debut authors. Learn how they landed their agents, what the submission process is really like, and how it feels when you see your cover for the first time. I also do query critiques every Saturday on the Saturday Slash for those who are brave enough to volunteer.

I also contribute to the group blogs From the Write Angle, Book Pregnant, Friday the Thirteeners, The Lucky 13s, The League of Extraordinary Writers and am a member of the Class of 2k13.

Find Mindy:

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