Drought by Pam Bachorz

Dystopian fiction is a big seller right now, and Drought by Pam Bachorz is a worthy addition to the shelves of dystopian fans looking for another read to sate their need. The premise is unlike any other novels I can remember recently, coming closest to Haddix’s Running Out Of Time. Drought, however, adds a level of suspense that kept me turning the pages and wondering how the story would end.


Summary: Ruby has lived all her life as part of the Congregation, gathering Water for Darwin West under the cruel and watchful eyes of his Overseers. Despite the passing of over a century, she and the others still live as if the year was 1812, the year they all came to the wilderness hoping for freedom, only to become slaves.

Ruby’s mother is the Reverend for the Congregation. She has always taught Ruby to be patient and accept her suffering. But Ruby isn’t content to accept the way her life is. She dreams of freedom and happiness. But her dream isn’t possible, because Ruby has a secret; it is her blood which makes Water so special. Without it, her community will die. So Ruby continues to sacrifice and keep her secret.

When a new Overseer, Ford, comes to the community, Ruby is drawn to him. He is different from the others; Ruby can see his kindness. When Ford asks her to run away with him, to leave and live a normal life, Ruby is faced with a terrible choice: reject love and freedom to keep her people alive or condemn them to death for her own chance at happiness.

Themes:
Survival
Courage
Responsibility
Family
Freedom



Age Appropriateness:
12 and up



Areas of concern (content):
Foul Language: none
Nudity/Adult Content: mild
Violence: moderate