Batty About Not a Drop to Drink by Mindy McGinnis - Wrap Up

Batty About Books presents

Not a Drop to Drink
by Mindy McGinnis

If you've missed any discussions, check out Cover Appeal, Part One, and Part Two below. Also, feel free to stop by the Batty About Books Facebook page! Join the discussion!

Cover Appeal
Part One - pgs 1-95
Part Two - pgs 96-195

Now here we are at the end. Maria's thoughts are in purple. For her full discussion, check out Maria's Melange (@mselke01).

Part Three - pgs 196 - end

There were several unexpected things that happened in these final pages. And since these are final pages, they are spoilery.  I decided to write them anyway but I changed the font color on most though I left one intact but labeled, so that you can skip them if you want. “If you do want to read them, highlight the text for the full effect.  As I mentioned on Goodreads, this is one of those rare books that would have benefited from more pages. 

Maria: Ahhh, good plan. I struggled with how to talk around the spoilers. And I agree - I wanted a lot more development of a variety of plot points during this section.

Vera and Lucy and Neva

As we knew she would, Grandma arrived. The way she arrived was wholly unexpected to me though. I expected more of an entrance and even though she arrived with the men from the south. And did I know she was Neva’s mom? Why was I thinking it was Eli’s mom? She did not add anything to the story for me, not sure why we needed her as they could have gotten medicine without her.

S-E-X

There’s an undercurrent of sexual assault that comes to the surface several times throughout the book but particularly in this last part.  It was counteracted, somewhat, by Lynn and Eli’s relationship. I found it nice of Stebbs to take Lucy for a spell so that Eli and Lynn could have some time alone. This gave Lynn a chance to be a somewhat “normal” teen-aged girl for a change.  But, the progression to the cot seemed un-Lynn-like to me. She had just wondered if he was going to try to have sex with her (p.209 ) then she didn't understand why he would need to take a bath in a snowbank. (p. 214) If the cot was as small as it was described (he carries it to the stream house later) and they were wrapped in an embrace...well. 

Maria: Yes, I found this confusing as well. I’d be curious to know if teens would find it more understandable. It’s been a GREAT many years since I teetered on the edge of “knowing but not really understanding”.

Spoiler - I didn't understand why the men wanted Neva and not Lynn. We had already been told how pretty she was and they seemed to be running a trade shop, why didn't they take her too? Despite the father. 

Maria: Exactly. This was a spot I found underdeveloped as well. Even with that we find out later, I found this jarring. I talked about the assault aspects on my post as well. I found it so disturbing, and I want to believe it’s unrealistic. But with what is going on in Nigeria right now - that we think all those girls were kidnapped and sold into “marriages” (really sexual slavery) - it feels all too likely. In a world where societal niceties break down, this is the kind of horror that real people actually do.

1st UNEXPECTED THING - SPOILER

I figured Neva had something crazy up her sleeve, we’d been told often enough that she wasn't right in the head. But, I did not expect her to kill herself. Especially so soon after being reunited with her mother and knowing that Lucy was sick. I I would have expected her to believe in Lynn and Stebbs a little more and see if they would rescue her. I thought she would find a way to let them know where she’d gone, leave a trail somehow. 

Maria: YES. I know we've had the build up of her being a bit unstable, but this event still felt unlikely.

2nd UNEXPECTED THING - SPOILER

Lucy’s father is alive. I guess I should have expected that since he was mentioned quite often. But, in my head, he would not have been in great shape. He was also supposed to be crazy, so I pictured him alive but noticeably mental.  But, he was ruling a town. Making trades. And, like no time had ever passed, building a dam. He knew she was alive and how she was living yet offered no assistance.  

Mara: I think I would have liked this plot twist if it didn't feel so…. twisty and abrupt. Yes, I think there were bits leading up to this point that let us know that her father is important to the story. But because the ending was so quick, I didn't feel like it carried through well. More development with her father might have made me like this part better.

3rd UNEXPECTED THING - SPOILER

Eli. Unbelievable. I thought maybe Stebbs or Lucy but Eli? I was for sure Lynn and he would make it to the next book and possibly get married. Raise Lucy. “...unable to look away from the path of the only bullet she had ever fired with love in her heart.” (295) 

Maria: I know, right?!? I mean, on one hand her actual action fits with what we know about her. She’s decisive, and she doesn't let emotion get in the way of what needs to be done. On the other hand, I was angry about this loss. I expected her to lose someone at the end… but NOT this character!

4th UNEXPECTED THING - SPOILER

She shot her father in the forehead.  

Maria: I did like how she phrased her decision. I think that -- again -- more development in this part of the book would have given this choice greater impact.

Epilogue

I would love to know how old Lucy is now.  I've always wondered how Lauren was able to get all the furniture, including a piano, into the attic. When I picture an attic, I can’t see a piano going up the steep stairs, let alone one being carried alone.  I’m so happy that Lynn found the “safety of community”. It tempts me to read the second book. 
Maria: I put the description of the companion novel on my post. I was hoping I’d get to hear about the city - but instead the book jumps ahead in time to describe this community. I’m interested enough in the characters that it will go on my list to read in the future.

Batty About Not a Drop to Drink by Mindy McGinnis - Week Two

Batty About Books presents

Not a Drop to Drink
by Mindy McGinnis

If you've missed any discussions, check out Cover Appeal or Part One below. Also, feel free to stop by the Batty About Books Facebook page! Join the discussion!

Cover Appeal
Part One - pgs 1-95
Part Two - pgs 96-195
Part Three - pgs 196 - end

Finally we are here for Part Two. My thoughts are below in blue and Maria's are in purple. As usual, Maria and I both post but her blog, Maria's Melange, has her thoughts with my responses. I kept this spoiler-free this week but note that we finish the book next week, so no promises! I'm always amazed and how close Maria and I are to deeming the same topics worth discussing and how differently we approach them. It would be awesome to see this played out with students - via an electronic discussion where you can't see the other person's thoughts until you post yours. Hm.. Anyway on to Week Two. Enjoy!

Part Two - pgs 96-195

Well, the relationship between Lynn and Stebbs (I wonder what his real name is) has progressed beautifully. I love knowing about the background of why Lauren was the way she was and getting some insight into how they were connected.  There has been some hints at a relationship between Neva and Eli and I hope it’s just a red herring. I would like to see Lynn have another positive relationship. I’m a little concerned about the guy that came by, too. Was that just an information-gathering mission I really like how this relationship between Lynn and Stebbs is growing! It’s comforting to see her have a positive relationship with a man, after all the warnings we know her mother gave her. It was also great to finally get more of her backstory. I was surprised at how quickly that man walking by disappeared from the plot. I’m betting we get more of that later.

Entargo

We learned more about the city in this section. We know they have population schedules and the use satellites to make water maps. We also know that Stebbs knew about this. Each time he is surprised that the city still uses these tools. But he has hinted that the shortage started at the very minimum 16 years-ago.  We know that people had to move to the city if they wanted water conveniently. Eli lets us know that only the more well-off had pure water. From a tap. So I wonder - why were soldiers hired to go find water if they already had water? Also, why didn't Neva’s mom come with them? She trained with them, she had to know about Bradley’s death and that her daughter and granddaughter would need some help. Why is she still in Entargo? It seems a bit odd… that things broke down so quickly. Sixteen years isn't that long. How are the cities still doing well, and yet the countryside seems like it has been out of civilization for so very long?

Eli and Neva and Lucy

He’s 16 and responsible for his brother’s wife and her 5 year old child. We know that he likes Lynn “...being good-looking doesn't seem to drop the survival rate out here.” 111. “We’re going to have to find a shared vocabulary before I can flirt.” 170 I thought their flirtations were adorable. I loved that Lynn seemed to need to be taught how to flirt. It reminds you that flirting is a learned skill… and very tied to your own culture.

Though McGinnis keeps laying hints of a relationship between him and Neva. I’m hoping this is just what Lynn is thinking and a way to distract us. Eli hasn't mentioned the Grandmother coming to save them. So does he plan to build a life for him, Neva, and Lynn? Does he want to find a new city or does he plan on settling where they are?

Neva also hasn't mentioned her mother coming to find them. She’s angry and sad and knows that she’s not taking care of Lucy. Now she has a gun. I can’t help but think the men that were mentioned earlier will be back for a showdown. Too much has been said about the way her and Lynn look as well as men taking whatever they want.... Especially since we are told over and over how beautiful she is. Yes, and now that Lynn knows a bit more about how men and women interact (how awkward must that have been for Stebbs?), it’s even more tense.

Lucy comes across as much older than a five-year-old. I know Eli mentions that Neva talked to her like an adult, but she’s still five. “...It’s like I got the water inside me, and they can’t just take it out.” 148 Her instant take into this dilemma seemed too insightful even for a bright, precocious child. I want to know what other things she’s overheard. “I know it’s important, all the secrets are” 150 Where is this Lucy is a “water witch” going to take us.... Yes, she does seem awfully precocious. I also thought that the “water witch” thing seemed odd…. like bits of magic stitched into a scientific landscape. McGinnis did make sure to mention that it is genetic… but it still seems awfully magical to me. I’m not sure how well this fits with the rest of the world building.

Stebbs

“He’s kinda like magic, isn't he?” He has this way of bringing everyone together. I curious as to how old he is and if he really is attracted to Neva, after being alone for so long, or if he was just noting Neva’s attractiveness for us. I wondered about that as well. He seems like a much older man sometimes… and relatively youngish at others.

.At first I was surprised to find out that he had a well, especially knowing that Lynn and Lauren depend on a pond that isn't always reliable. I wanted to know why he wasn't helping them but now I know. We know why he is so giving - “Sometimes it’s the things you don’t do that make you feel the worst.” 182

I was also surprised to know that he was a dowser. (Have you read The Water Seeker by Kimberly Willis Holt?) And that Lynn didn't immediately get crazy about it, instead she wants to make sure that Lucy keeps it under wraps. But he didn't make more of an effort to share with Lauren and Lynn. I bet if things got rough for Lauren and Lynn, he might have tried to help them with water.

He gave Lynn The TALK! Bwhahahahaha!! I love you, Stebbs! That was adorable - and so awkward! I did appreciate how it was handled. Those reading the books bring their own level of knowledge to what was discussed in that sidebar.

His past with Lauren and Lynn’s dad was interesting. Especially when he admits that he wanted to be with her but missed his opportunity.“...when I shot her down I think it killed everything that was left in her but pride in herself and love for you...” 193

Now he’s trying to make up for lost time and trying to help Lynn. “I’m asking you to be more than she was. Be strong, and be good. Be loved, and be thankful for it. No regrets.” 193 This stems from the part of him that has regrets about not taking Lauren up on her offer, I’m guessing. You mentioned so many of the passages I marked! I love that his idea of having no regrets includes helping those around him.

Lynn

Lynn continues to grow. She slips back into “old Lynn” a bit here and there but mostly, she’s on a totally different path now. She cares for Lucy and Stebbs and she likes (likes him, likes him) Eli. She even helps Neva. We learn about her mom’s background. We know she has an aunt who could possibly be alive. She has an aunt, who could possibly be ALIVE! How is she not freaking the heck out???

Several times she’s mentioned that she feels like someone is watching her. Coupled with learning that she is as attractive as Neva. Something is coming.  I know! I’m a bit surprised we haven’t gotten more of that, since we are already ⅔ through the book and it’s a standalone - not a series.

I love how she knows her mom was too hard. She wants to make sure Lucy doesn’t wake up alone and that she feels her affection. She decides not to be too hard on Eli. But she’s concerned that the combination of her dad’s illness and her mom’s cruelness has affected her more than she knows.

She’s starting to feel like a teenager. “Seems like it would be kind of nice not spending every living minute working against dying.” 171

”The old Lynn would’ve kicked me anyway.” The old Lynn’s still in here somewhere, so don’t tempt her.” 180

Overall

This part moved slower than the first part and felt repetitive to me. (I think this section of the book would have been stronger if I hadn’t been trying to find enough material for a full post. Sometimes I feel like the middle chunk of a  book doesn’t hold up to being examined separately.)Despite that, I was curious to know that both Eli and Lauren had been well-off. This does solve the mystery of the clothes from part one. Lauren’s parents were probably saving clothes for their future grandchildren. I want to know more about the city and how things work there and why Neva’s mom hasn’t come to find them yet. I’m having a hard time understanding how much, or how little, time is passing in the book but I’m eager to tackle the last part. Also, did her mother give birth alone???

GUESS WHAT???

NOT A DROP TO DRINK HAS BEEN OPTIONED FOR A MOVIE!! I'VE POSTED THE COMPLETE MOVIE PRESS RELEASE HERE!

The Fickle Fish company has adapted 3 other books I've enjoyed: Austenland, The Host, and (upcoming) Anna Dressed in Blood. The company is owned by Stephenie Meyer (yes, that Stephenie Meyer) and Meghan Hibbett. You can find more news about the option at Entertainment Weekly, Variety, and Deadline.  Can you say EXCITEMENT IS BREWING!

Batty About Not a Drop to Drink by Mindy McGinnis - Week One

Batty About Books presents

Not a Drop to Drink
by Mindy McGinnis

Cover Appeal
Part One - pgs 1-95
Part Two - pgs 96-195
Part Three - pgs 196 - end

Part one was a super fast read that left me with many questions. We met 16-year-old Lynn and her mother, Lauren. They live alone and will do anything, even kill, to guard their only source of water, the diminishing pond in their backyard. They have a not-so-distant neighbor, Stebbs, who guards his own mysterious water source and they never talk to him. Lynn and Lauren are threatened by coyotes and a gang of men. Should they stay or travel to the unknown south?

Here are my thoughts on the first third of Not a Drop. Some of Maria's responses are here but you can read her complete thoughts over at Maria's Melange.  She really went deep into this first part! She even tells us how to purify water!

Don't forget to stop by the Batty About Books facebook page where I promise to post quotes this week!

Part One - pgs 1 - 95

“Lynn was nine the first time she killed to defend the pond...” 1

Mother and Lynn

Lynn has never known any life beyond her and her mother and defending their castle and she never wants to leave. (9)  Mother, on the other hand, makes several entreaties for them to abandon the house and set out to possibly make a better life. “Things have changed...so we change with them.” (14) “Stupid to store up the wood to die warm and starving.” (14) I can see why Lynn doesn't want to go - this is her world. But why doesn't Lauren force the issue? We know they only talk when necessary. How did it come to this?

Maria: I assumed that her mother is unsure that it’s the right choice. Maybe she keeps putting it off because she’s been waiting until Lynn is older and better able to defend herself…. just in case? I think she’s getting ready now because she feels like that moment has arrived.

The Rifles

Their rifles are like a part of them. They pretty much always have them, even though they collect weapons from intruders, they stick to their favorites.

“Lynn pulled her own rifle into her lap, the cold metal bringing more comfort to her than her mother’s touch ever could...hugging it tight in the life-taking embrace she’d learned so long ago...the crack of the rifle a relief.” (4)

Such a dichotomy here. When I think of guns I don’t think of comfort or relief. I also love the contrast - life-taking embrace - the conflict in this phrase rebounds over and over in my head and I keep coming back to it. What does this relationship with their weapons say about Lynn and Lauren? Does it say anything about them or does it talk more to their relationship, or lack thereof, with the outside world? 

Maria: Excellent quote selection! I found the dichotomy to be one of the things that made me understand just how desperate the world has become. Mom seems so literate - so much like someone who would have been generous and helpful to those around her in the world before.

Stebbs

Lynn has never gone to school, never had friend outside of her Mother. She’s only once heard another person speak; their neighbor, Stebbs, because she remembers her mother treating him for gangrene around when she was six. He was the “one other person she could name in the world” (55) “Stebbs was proof that not everyone would attack them...” (63) His handkerchief was “...the only element...that had ever spoken of hope...” (63) He has a quiet sense of humor and proves to be very helpful later. “I think we are in danger of becoming friends.” (82) 

Maria: I can’t even begin to imagine how hard Lynn’s mother must have had it when Lynn was little. I identified so strongly with her mother in the first chunk of this section! I’m thankful for Stebbs, because his quiet strength and the little bits of humor he has revealed so far help ease some of my anxiety as I read the book.

The Rest of the Story

There’s a lot I want to say here but I’m trying to avoid spoilers, at least for now. I wonder how they had clothes for Lynn as she got older? She mentions the attic having different sizes where she would go “shopping” and also put her outgrown clothes. Why did mother think it necessary to keep the old clothes? Fuel?  What happened that mother didn't like men? Where was Lynn’s father? Why didn't they join forces with Stebbs?  

Maria: I agree! I wondered about the clothes as well. Maybe the house (which seems large) was a family home… and the clothes belonged to another relative? Maybe they were even mom’s clothes as a girl? Or maybe they were from scavenging raids on the other places in the area? All of these questions, and more, intrigued me!

There are portions of the story that remind me of Alabama Moon by Watt Key (survival) and Pathfinder by Eoin Colfer (passing down wisdom) and I wonder what Mindy McGinnis’s influences were as she was writing this story. I look forward to reading part 2, pgs 96 - 195. 

Maria: I haven’t read either of those, I’ll have to check them out!

Batty About Not A Drop to Drink by Mindy McGinnis - Cover Appeal

Batty About Books presents

Not a Drop to Drink
by Mindy McGinnis

Welcome to the beginning of our discussion of Not A Drop to Drink! This week we look at the Cover. You still have time to grab the book before we dive into the reading!

Week 1 pgs 1 - 95

Week 2 pgs 96 - 195

Week 3 pgs 196 - end

We hope you join us!

Here’s what I (@thebrainlair) thought of the cover. Don’t forget to stop by Maria’s Melange to get her side of the story! (@mselke01)

Cover Appeal

The dried out hills and dusty-looking sky remind me of the covers of Blood Red Road by Moira Young. The original hardcover had a girl struggling against the wind/dust and the new one has the dried out brush and mountains. I don’t know why, but that’s what came to mind.  

I was actually attracted more to the title than the cover. I don’t really like the cover, except from a design aspect (just finished my first year as yearbook adviser, now I’m scouting for ideas!) The cover look computer designed. The water does not look appealing and the scale seems off. Maybe this is done intentionally?

Maria: Hmm… I got a different feeling from the cover. I liked the creepy color scheme, because it made me feel like what little water there is in this world is not safe. The small pond also looks like it’s drying out to me. I also can’t really see tiny details, since I don’t have a physical copy of the book to examine.

The lone girl, with the rifle slung on her back, on top of the roof looks like she’s facing away from us - so the water is in the backyard. The house looks dilapidated. Does this mean the water is their only treasure? Is she alone?

Maria: I love the solitary - isolated feeling this cover shows. It fits well with the blurb on the back about how the story is like “Laura Ingalls Wilder meets Cormac McCarthy”... creepy!

The house is also very isolated. Doesn't appear to be another house as far as the eye can see. This also reminds me of Blood Red Road.

I love the quote on the inside flap:

“She makes sure anyone who comes near the pond leaves thirsty or doesn't leave at all.”

Apart from the cover, with its cool font design, and the title, this is what really makes me want to dive in!

My biggest worry about reading this book is that I’ll start stockpiling my house with water and supplies. Time to prepare for our own zombie apocalypse!

I’m ready to read! Look for quotes from the first part to be posted throughout the week with our discussion being posted Saturday, April 5, 2014. Fair warning - that’s the first Saturday of Spring Break! Anything can happen!

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