Book Review: Dry / Neal Shusterman, Jarrod Shusterman

 

Imagine running out of water. Imagine how it would impact your life.  No showers. No toilet. No drinks of water. Stores are being emptied out of anything liquid (not unlike the great toilet paper rush of 2020). And you are thirsty. 

What would you do? There is a drought and the rivers have dried up. Some of the little bits of water left are not safe to drink. How would people behave in this scenario? What WOULD you do?

Follow the lives of several teens and a child that find themselves in this world in Dry. 

Want more of a preview? Watch the trailer: www.youtube.com/watch?v=ogTSCB5V0ME

Book Review: With the Fire on High / Elizabeth Acevedo

Emoni gave birth during her freshman year of high school. Now in her senior year she has become a tough character, a good friend, a loving granddaughter, and a great mom. Now is the time for making decisions about her future, and while Emoni knows she wants to become a chef, she isn't sure how to get there especially while supporting her daughter. This book is so good that you can almost taste the food.

I love Emoni's character - she is no nonsense but under her tough exterior lies a compassionate soul. She struggles with how the world sees her and judges her, but doesn't let that stop her from moving forward.

Check out this video of Elizabeth Acevedo talking about With the Fire on High.

No Sad Songs / Frank Morelli

Gabe desires a senior year full of his best friend, girls, and baseball, but finds himself caring for his grandfather and uncle after his parents both die in a car accident. His uncle is pretty useless (booze and a lot of couch surfing) and his grandfather's dementia often leaves him reliving his World War II days  - launching (sock) grenades and fighting imaginary foes making him combative and violent. Gabe promised his father to protect his grandfather's dignity by allowing him to live his final days at home, a task that is becoming increasingly difficult. BUT life has a habit of changing one's plans.

I really enjoyed this story. I love, love, love Morelli's language choices - he paints wonderful visual images. In a story that is filled with a heart-breaking topic - there is a TON of humor. You will find this book in the Nashua South Library collection.