Dry, Neal and Jarrod Shusterman

     In Dry, Neal and Jarrod Shusterman explore themes of survival, resilience, and human behavior within the context of a global water crisis. While the novel's premise focuses on a severe water shortage in California, leading to societal collapse, it offers much more beneath the surface. The authors weave both overt and subtle messages into the story, encouraging readers to reflect on the fragility of modern society, the environmental challenges we face, and how individuals and communities cope when everything starts to unravel.

     At the most immediate level, one of the most obvious messages in Dry is the environmental catastrophe that unfolds as water sources run dry. This crisis forces the characters to confront the harsh realities of survival, reflecting a real-world fear that climate change and resource depletion could lead to societal collapse. The water shortage isn't just a plot device — it's a stark metaphor for how unsustainable practices and the overconsumption of natural resources could lead to a collapse of the systems we rely on. It serves as a wake-up call, urging readers to consider the future of our environment and how vulnerable our way of life is if these issues remain unaddressed. The book is so well written and that message is so strong that I caught myself feeling very thirsty while reading the novel. Every drop of water to enter my body felt like a gift, and I enjoyed it much more than I usually do.

     But the novel also presents more hidden messages, particularly related to power dynamics and social inequality. As the water runs out, it's not just physical survival at stake, but also the question of who gets to control access to the remaining resources. Those with wealth or power begin to control the flow of water, leaving the vulnerable to fight for what little remains. This aspect of the novel speaks to the ways in which crises exacerbate existing social inequalities. The authors subtly critique modern capitalist systems, highlighting how the most disadvantaged in society often bear the heaviest burden when disasters strike. This focus on the inequities faced by the less privileged is an important, though often understated, theme in the book.

     Beyond these external struggles, Dry delves deeply into the emotional and psychological impacts of living in such an uncertain world. The characters experience immense stress and anxiety as they try to navigate a rapidly changing, dangerous environment. The novel brings to light how crises like these affect not just our physical needs but also our mental health. Fear, trauma, and emotional breakdowns are all part of the characters' journey, especially for Alyssa, who must grapple with both the immediate dangers of survival and the larger emotional toll of the collapse around her. In doing so, the Shustermans highlight that the psychological impact of a crisis is just as significant as the physical struggle — a message that resonates with the real-world consequences of environmental disasters on people's well-being.

     Another crucial theme in Dry is the importance of community. As Alyssa and her friends navigate this world without water, they are forced to rely on each other for survival. What starts as a group of strangers united by necessity transforms into a support system that helps them endure in the face of overwhelming odds. This aspect of the story emphasizes the importance of solidarity in the face of hardship. It suggests that the key to surviving a crisis is not just individual survival, but the ability to cooperate and support one another. In this sense, the novel critiques the idea of hyper-individualism, suggesting that in times of crisis, we need to lean on our communities and find strength in our collective efforts.

     In addition to the importance of community, Dry also explores the theme of hope. Even when the world seems to be collapsing around them, the characters manage to find moments of optimism. Their search for water becomes symbolic of a deeper search for hope — a belief that even in the most difficult situations, perseverance and ingenuity can lead to a solution. The characters in Dry reflect the human capacity to keep going, even when the odds are against us, and they demonstrate how hope can be a powerful motivator when survival seems impossible. The novel ultimately suggests that hope is not just an abstract concept but something that fuels our drive to overcome obstacles.

     Finally, Dry challenges readers to think critically about human nature, particularly in times of crisis. Throughout the story, the characters are confronted with morally ambiguous situations where they must choose between self-preservation and the welfare of others. These moments force them to examine their own ethics and question what they're willing to sacrifice for survival. The novel subtly asks how far we would go to survive in extreme circumstances — would we prioritize our own needs, or would we consider the greater good? This exploration of moral choices under pressure adds depth to the story, inviting readers to reflect on their own values and what they might do in similar situations.

     In conclusion, Dry is a multifaceted exploration of the environmental, social, and psychological challenges humanity faces in the face of crisis. Through its powerful narrative and complex characters, the novel conveys both obvious and more hidden messages about the fragility of our world, the importance of community, and the ethical decisions we must make in times of extreme stress. The authors use a water shortage as a backdrop for broader commentary on the need for environmental awareness, social equity, and emotional resilience, ultimately asking us to consider how we might act when faced with a crisis of this magnitude. Through the characters' struggles and triumphs, Dry offers a poignant reminder that, in the end, survival isn't just about securing resources — it's also about the choices we make and the connections we form along the way.

"It sets me off giggling, which gets everyone else laughing. And it occurs to me that even in these do-or-die moments, there's still space for us to laugh. I guess that means we still have some fight left in us."