‘Dry’ by Neal Shusterman and Jarrod Shusterman: Comprehensive Summary and Analysis

Introduction

Neal Shusterman, a prolific and award-winning author of young adult literature, teams up with his son Jarrod Shusterman to deliver a chilling dystopian novel that hits close to home. “Dry” is a gripping survival story that explores the devastating impact of a water crisis in Southern California. Published in 2018, this collaborative work stands out in the Shustermans’ oeuvre for its stark realism and urgent environmental message.

The novel delves deep into themes of resource scarcity, human nature in crisis, and the fragility of societal structures. Through its visceral portrayal of a world without water, “Dry” serves as a powerful cautionary tale, urging readers to confront the potential consequences of climate change and environmental neglect.

Brief Summary

Set in a near-future Southern California, “Dry” follows the story of teenager Alyssa Morrow and her younger brother Garrett when their suburban life is suddenly upended by a catastrophic drought. The “Tap-Out,” as it’s called, occurs when Arizona and Nevada cut off water supply to California, leaving millions without access to this vital resource.

As desperation sets in and society begins to crumble, Alyssa and Garrett team up with their prepper neighbor Kelton and two other teens, Jacqui and Henry. Together, they embark on a perilous journey to find water and safety, facing not only the harsh elements but also the darkest aspects of human nature as civilized behavior gives way to primal survival instincts.

The Ticking Time Bomb of Climate Change

One of the most striking aspects of “Dry” is its portrayal of how quickly society can unravel in the face of environmental disaster. The Shustermans craft a scenario that feels alarmingly plausible, drawing on real-world concerns about water scarcity and climate change. The novel’s opening chapters depict a world that looks much like our own, with characters going about their daily lives, only vaguely aware of the looming crisis. This familiar setting makes the rapid descent into chaos all the more shocking and effective.

The authors write:

“It hasn’t rained in Southern California in months. The drought has been going on for so long, people have gotten used to it. Just like they’ve gotten used to the idea of climate change, and the bizarre weather that’s been plaguing the world.”

This passage underscores how easily we can become complacent about environmental threats, setting the stage for the sudden and devastating impact of the Tap-Out. The novel serves as a wake-up call, urging readers to consider the fragility of our current way of life and the potentially catastrophic consequences of ignoring environmental warnings.

The Moral Complexities of Survival

As the water crisis deepens, “Dry” delves into the moral quandaries faced by its characters. The Shustermans don’t shy away from depicting the darker aspects of human nature that emerge in times of crisis. Through the experiences of Alyssa, Kelton, and the others, readers are forced to grapple with difficult questions: How far would you go to ensure your own survival? At what point does self-preservation become morally reprehensible?

One particularly poignant moment occurs when Alyssa reflects on her actions:

“I’ve become someone I don’t recognize. Someone I don’t particularly like. But I’m alive. We’re alive. And right now, that’s all that matters.”

This internal struggle highlights the novel’s nuanced approach to morality in extreme circumstances. The authors skillfully navigate the gray areas of ethical decision-making, showing how crisis can push ordinary people to commit acts they never thought themselves capable of.

Coming of Age in Catastrophe

At its core, “Dry” is also a coming-of-age story, albeit one set against a backdrop of environmental disaster. The young protagonists are forced to grow up quickly, shouldering responsibilities and making life-or-death decisions. This accelerated maturation process is particularly evident in Alyssa’s character arc. Initially portrayed as a typical teenager, she evolves into a determined and resourceful leader as the crisis unfolds.

The authors write:

“In the span of just a few days, I’ve gone from being a kid who’s never had to worry about anything, to someone fighting for survival.”

This transformation is not just physical but also emotional and psychological. The novel explores how crisis can strip away the trappings of adolescence, forcing young people to confront harsh realities and discover inner strengths they never knew they possessed.

The Power of Community and Cooperation

While “Dry” doesn’t shy away from depicting the darker aspects of human nature, it also highlights the power of community and cooperation in times of crisis. The unlikely alliance formed between Alyssa, Kelton, Jacqui, and Henry demonstrates how diverse skills and perspectives can come together for survival. Each character brings something unique to the group, and their ability to work together ultimately proves crucial to their survival.

This theme is exemplified in a moment of reflection from Kelton:

“We’re stronger together than we are apart. That’s the one thing this whole disaster has taught me.”

Through these relationships, the Shustermans underscore the importance of empathy, trust, and collective action in the face of overwhelming challenges. This message adds a layer of hope to the otherwise bleak narrative, suggesting that human connection and cooperation might be our best tools for survival in an uncertain future.

Literary Techniques in “Dry”

The Shustermans employ several effective literary techniques to enhance the impact of their story:

1. Multiple Perspectives: The novel is narrated from the viewpoints of different characters, providing a panoramic view of the crisis and its effects on various individuals. This technique allows readers to experience the disaster from multiple angles, enriching the narrative and highlighting the far-reaching consequences of the Tap-Out.
2. Visceral Imagery: The authors use vivid, sensory descriptions to bring home the reality of extreme dehydration. Phrases like “My tongue feels like old leather in my mouth” create a palpable sense of discomfort that immerses readers in the characters’ struggles.
3. Pacing: The narrative alternates between moments of intense action and quieter, reflective scenes. This rhythm mirrors the unpredictable nature of the crisis, keeping readers on edge and reflecting the characters’ constant state of alertness.
4. Foreshadowing: Subtle hints and seemingly innocuous details early in the novel take on greater significance as the story progresses, rewarding attentive readers and adding depth to subsequent re-readings.

These techniques work together to create a compelling and immersive reading experience that brings the water crisis to life in stark, unforgettable detail.

Critical Reception and Impact

“Dry” has been widely praised for its timeliness and its ability to bring environmental concerns to life for young readers. Critics have lauded the Shustermans’ skill in blending realistic scenarios with page-turning suspense, creating a novel that is both thought-provoking and highly engaging.

The novel has been particularly noted for its potential to raise awareness about water conservation and climate change among young adults. Many educators have incorporated “Dry” into their curricula as a way to spark discussions about environmental responsibility and disaster preparedness.

Since its publication, “Dry” has gained relevance in light of ongoing droughts and water shortages in various parts of the world. Its portrayal of a society on the brink of collapse due to resource scarcity continues to resonate with readers, making it a significant contribution to the growing body of climate fiction or “cli-fi” literature.

Conclusion

“Dry” stands as a powerful example of how young adult literature can tackle complex, real-world issues without sacrificing narrative drive or emotional impact. Neal and Jarrod Shusterman have crafted a novel that is at once a gripping survival tale and a sobering look at the potential consequences of environmental neglect.

Through its vivid portrayal of a world without water, “Dry” forces readers to confront uncomfortable truths about our relationship with natural resources and our preparedness for environmental disasters. It challenges us to consider our own roles in shaping the future of our planet and asks what kind of people we might become when pushed to the brink of survival.

As water scarcity continues to be a pressing global issue, “Dry” remains a relevant and important work, serving as both a warning and a call to action. It reminds us that the dystopian futures we read about in fiction may be closer to reality than we’d like to believe, and that the time to act is now, before the taps run dry.