Synopses & Reviews
Fans of classic frontier survival stories, as well as readers of dystopian literature, will enjoy this futuristic story where water is worth more than gold.
New York Times bestselling author Michael Grant says
Not a Drop to Drink is a debut "not to be missed." With evocative, spare language and incredible drama, danger, and romance, Mindy McGinnis depicts one girl's journey in a frontierlike world not so different from our own.
Teenage Lynn has been taught to defend her pond against every threat: drought, a snowless winter, coyotes, and most important, 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. But when strangers appear, 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. . . .
For more in this gritty world, join Lynn on an epic journey to find home in the companion novel, In a Handful of Dust.
Review
A high-quality survivalist story for readers who enjoy internal story arcs as well as external dangers. Kirkus Reviews
Review
The intensity of action moves the story forward, but not at the expense of character development. The complex, authentic characters are neither fully evil nor unbelievably good. The honest and hopeful endingwhile not “happily ever after”will resonate with readers and leave them asking for more. Voice of Youth Advocates (VOYA)
Review
In an understated but gripping debut, McGinnis paints a stark picture of a world not far removed from our own, concentrating on Lynns gradual emotional growth as contrasted against the physical harshness of her existence. Publishers Weekly
Review
A brutally beautiful debut, not to be missed. NOT A DROP TO DRINK is an unwavering story with incredible drama, danger, and power. This writer is for real. Michael Grant, New York Times bestselling author of the Gone series
Review
I cant say enough good things about the writing, and the characterization. If youre looking for grit, realism and heart, you found it. Kendare Blake, author of Anna Dressed in Blood
Review
Deftly written, Mindy McGinniss NOT A DROP TO DRINK is a frightening picture of a potential future without fresh water, which left me ridiculously grateful for my working faucet. This post-apocalyptic survival tale is about so much more than just survival. I loved it. Jodi Meadows, author of the Incarnate trilogy
Review
Set against the grim backdrop of an all-too-possible future, McGinniss very fine coming of age novel doesnt stint on lifes hard lessonsor its triumphs. Lynns story is what Laura Ingalls Wilder mightve penned if shed traveled a frontier imagined by Cormac McCarthy. Ilsa Bick, award-winning author of the Ashes trilogy and THE SIN-EATER & #8217;S CONFESSION
Review
Those in search of fierce female survivalist characters need look no further than this. Booklist
Review
"War, community, long-festering anger, and forgiveness—all thoughtfully and deliberately conveyed."
—Kirkus
Synopsis
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 important, 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, the nighttime threats, and the 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 from our own.
Synopsis
A stark, beautiful fantasy that explores the aftermath of the battles we fight and the slow, careful ways love can mend broken hearts—and a broken world.
Synopsis
The strange war down south—with its rumors of gods and monsters—is over. And while sixteen-year-old Hallie and her sister wait to see who will return from the distant battlefield, they struggle to maintain their family farm. When Hallie hires a veteran to help them, the war comes home in ways no one could have imagined, and soon Hallie is taking dangerous risks—and keeping desperate secrets. But even as she slowly learns more about the war and the men who fought it, ugly truths about Hallie’s own family are emerging. And while monsters and armies are converging on the small farm, the greatest threat to her home may be Hallie herself.
About the Author
Mindy McGinnis is the author of Not a Drop to Drink and A Madness So Discreet and is an assistant YA librarian who lives in Ohio. She cans her own food and graduated from Otterbein University magna cum laude with a BA in English literature and religion. Mindy has a pond in her backyard but has never shot anyone.