In the gripping young adult novel Dry, authors Neal and Jarrod Shusterman delve into a dystopian scenario where climate change and human negligence lead to a catastrophic drought in California. Set against this barren backdrop, the story examines how society unravels and tests the limits of human morality when faced with survival. This eco-disaster fiction raises pertinent questions about resource conservation and showcases the resilience and cooperation that can arise amidst adversity.

The Premise and Background of Dry

Dry centers around Alyssa Morrow, a teenager navigating through a suddenly hostile world alongside a group of unlikely allies. The novel was not only crafted with a young adult audience in mind but also aimed at addressing urgent social issues, much like Neal Shusterman’s other works. While previous novels such as Unwind tackled abortion, and Challenger Deep explored mental illness, Dry focuses on the impending reality of climate change and the dire consequences of resource mismanagement.

The narrative, designed with a cinematic adaptation in mind, was snatched up by Paramount Pictures even before its publication in October 2018. Neal Shusterman, with his background in film and television, and Jarrod Shusterman, with his directorial experience, bring a visual and dramatic flair to the storytelling, setting the stage for potential screen adaptations of Dry and other works.

Narrative Structure and Character Dynamics

Despite its cinematic ambitions, Dry is rich in character exploration, employing a mix of first-person and third-person perspectives to give depth to its narrative. Readers experience the drought through the eyes of various characters, primarily from Alyssa's first-person perspective and other key figures like Kelton, Jacqui, Henry, and Garrett in third-person limited viewpoints. This shifting narrative allows readers to delve into the characters’ internal struggles and see the crisis through diverse lenses.

The novel’s structure highlights contrasts in perception and reality. For example, characters like Jacob and Basil initially perceive Jacqui as dangerous, yet her actions reveal a compassionate side, challenging these preconceptions. Such nuanced character portrayals underscore a broader message—everyone interprets crisis differently, influenced by their personal experiences and biases. Additionally, "snapshot" chapters, narrated in third-person omniscient, widen the scope by depicting the struggles of peripheral characters, emphasizing the universal impact of climate change.

Exploring Societal Breakdown

Dry mirrors real-world issues, presenting a stark depiction of societal breakdown when essential resources become scarce. As the taps run dry, civility erodes, and neighbors turn on one another, driven by desperation. The novel scrutinizes how quickly societal norms can crumble when survival is at stake, echoing theories in political science about social upheaval following food or resource shortages. The authors present a harsh yet insightful reflection on human nature and the instincts that surface when the very essence of life—water—disappears.

Shusterman’s narrative raises questions about morality and self-preservation, challenging characters and readers alike to consider what they might sacrifice in the name of survival. While this survival-of-the-fittest theme is common in apocalyptic literature, the authors of Dry present it with fresh stakes, grounding the story in plausible circumstances that resonate with ongoing real-world environmental crises.

Real-World Reflections and Concerns

While the novel’s premise may seem extreme, its roots are firmly planted in reality. California’s persistent drought issues serve as a foreboding backdrop, reflecting similar challenges faced globally. In South America, for example, water privatization affects indigenous communities, with multinational corporations controlling local water sources. These real-world parallels add weight to the novel’s fictional crisis, urging readers to reflect on how current environmental policies could shape the future.

Optimism Amidst Despair

Despite the grim circumstances, Dry offers a glimmer of hope, showcasing the potential for altruism and unity. Alyssa’s band of allies represents...