TL;DR
Dry plunges readers into a terrifying near-future California where the unthinkable has happened: the water has run out. What starts as a series of inconveniences quickly escalates into a fight for survival as society unravels and chaos takes hold. The story follows a group of teenagers forced to confront the darkest aspects of human nature as they struggle to find water and stay alive in a world gone mad.
Table of contents
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Author & Writing Background
Neal Shusterman is a prolific and award-winning author of young adult fiction, known for his thought-provoking and often dystopian novels. Jarrod Shusterman is a screenwriter and novelist, and together, they have co-authored several books, including the acclaimed Arc of a Scythe series. Their writing is characterized by its fast-paced action, complex characters, and exploration of ethical and societal issues.
Key Takeaways
The Water Crisis
The book explores the devastating consequences of a severe drought that leads to the complete depletion of water resources in California. It depicts the breakdown of infrastructure, social order, and basic human decency as people become desperate for survival.
Survival and Morality
Dry delves into the moral dilemmas faced by the characters as they make difficult choices in their fight for survival. It raises questions about loyalty, self-preservation, and the lengths people will go to when pushed to their limits.
Human Nature Under Pressure
The novel explores the dark side of human nature that emerges in times of crisis, highlighting themes of selfishness, violence, and the loss of empathy. It also showcases the resilience and compassion that can still exist even in the most desperate circumstances.
Teenagers as Protagonists
The story centers on a group of teenagers from diverse backgrounds who must learn to rely on each other and overcome their differences in order to survive. Their experiences and perspectives offer a unique lens on the crisis.
Environmental Issues
Dry serves as a cautionary tale about the potential consequences of climate change and water scarcity. It underscores the importance of environmental responsibility and the need for sustainable solutions.
Social Commentary
The book offers a critique of societal inequalities and the failure of government and institutions to adequately prepare for and respond to a major crisis. It also explores themes of class, privilege, and access to resources.
Hope and Resilience
Despite the bleakness of the situation, Dry ultimately offers a message of hope and resilience. The characters’ determination to survive and their capacity for compassion demonstrate the strength of the human spirit.
Action and Suspense
The fast-paced plot and constant threat of danger keep readers on the edge of their seats. The book is filled with suspenseful moments and thrilling action sequences.
FAQ about Dry
Dry Quotes
- Water, they say, is the source of life. But what happens when the source dries up?
- The human body can go weeks without food, but only days without water. How long before thirst turns us all into animals?
- Civilization wasn’t built on water. It was built on the control of water.