What is Dry by Neal Shusterman about?

Dry by Neal Shusterman and Jarrod Shusterman is a young adult dystopian novel about a catastrophic water crisis in Southern California called the Tap-Out. When all water access is shut off, sixteen-year-old Alyssa Morrow and her younger brother Garrett must navigate a society that rapidly descends into chaos as neighbors and families turn against each other in desperate search for water. The novel follows multiple characters as they make life-or-death decisions to survive.

Who should read Dry by Neal Shusterman?

Dry by Neal Shusterman is ideal for young adult readers who enjoy dystopian fiction with realistic, climate-focused scenarios. Fans of Neal Shusterman's Scythe series will appreciate the similar immersive writing style and world-building. The book suits readers who don't mind morally gray characters and intense survival narratives where protagonists are forced into difficult choices. Anyone interested in climate change fiction and post-apocalyptic stories will find Dry compelling.

Is Dry by Neal Shusterman worth reading?

Dry by Neal Shusterman is highly worth reading for its terrifyingly realistic portrayal of climate disaster. The novel is described as "well-researched and carefully written" with world-building so convincing that readers feel compelled to stockpile water while reading. While the pacing starts slow to establish the world, it becomes an "un-put-down-able, engaging novel" that keeps readers at the edge of their seats. The book offers both entertainment and thought-provoking commentary on water scarcity.

Who wrote Dry and when was it published?

Dry was written by father-son duo Neal Shusterman and Jarrod Shusterman, marking their first collaboration. Published on October 1, 2018, the novel represents Neal Shusterman's venture into climate-focused dystopian fiction. Neal Shusterman is a New York Times bestselling author and National Book Award winner for Young People's Literature, best known for his Scythe series and Challenger Deep. Jarrod Shusterman contributed his writing talents to create this harrowing survival story.

What is the Tap-Out in Dry by Neal Shusterman?

The Tap-Out in Dry by Neal Shusterman refers to the catastrophic event when California's water supply completely runs dry. After an extended drought with increasing restrictions—no lawn watering, pool filling, or long showers—the taps suddenly stop flowing entirely. This triggers immediate societal collapse as Alyssa's "quiet suburban street spirals into a warzone of desperation". The Tap-Out transforms ordinary neighbors into violent competitors fighting over every remaining drop of water.

Who are the main characters in Dry by Neal Shusterman?

The main characters in Dry by Neal Shusterman include Alyssa Morrow, a sixteen-year-old protagonist forced to protect her younger brother Garrett when their parents disappear. They're joined by Kelton, their survivalist neighbor who has prepared for disasters. The group expands to include Jacqui, described as a drifter, and Henry, a boy who later betrays the others. The novel alternates between multiple perspectives, allowing readers to experience the Tap-Out through different viewpoints and survival strategies.

Is Dry by Neal Shusterman based on a true story?

Dry by Neal Shusterman is fiction but based on frighteningly realistic climate projections for California. The novel portrays a "futuristic climate change-inspired dystopia" that extends Southern California's actual drought conditions to catastrophic proportions. Reviewers emphasize that "though it is portrayed as dystopian fiction, it is horrifyingly close to becoming our reality". The Shustermans' extensive research makes the scenario so convincing that the book serves as a cautionary tale about water scarcity and climate change.

What makes Dry by Neal Shusterman different from other dystopian novels?

Dry by Neal Shusterman stands apart from typical dystopian novels through its immediate realism and scientific grounding in current climate trends. Unlike far-future scenarios, the Tap-Out depicts a crisis that "could happen in our world" with no fantastical elements. The book focuses on ordinary suburban families rather than chosen heroes, showing how quickly civilization breaks down when basic resources disappear. The well-researched approach creates genuine fear rather than escapist entertainment, making readers question their own preparedness.

Dry

Neal Shusterman

4.01(56758 Reviews)

Book Summary

Dry Summary

When California's taps run dry, teenagers fight for survival in this eerily prophetic father-son thriller that publishers rushed to release as real water crises unfolded worldwide. What happens when your shower becomes more valuable than gold?

Teens battle for water in bone-dry California's desperate new reality. Imagine waking up one morning to find your faucets completely dry. The Tap-Out strikes Southern California without warning, transforming everyday life into a desperate scramble for survival within hours.

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The concise route

The essential ideas, without the detour

A focused overview of the book’s central argument and most useful takeaways.

The Shustermans brilliantly illustrate society's rapid disintegration through a series of snapshots from different perspectives, each revealing how quickly civilization crumbles when water - humanity's most basic need - disappears.

Key Themes in Dry

water scarcity
societal collapse
disaster preparedness
resource inequality
survival ethics

Quotes from Dry

"Dry" feels less like fiction and more like prophecy with each passing year.
News stations prioritize dramatic imagery over substantive threats.
The water crisis rapidly reshapes community power dynamics.
Disaster amplifies existing social inequalities.
We're experiencing "Three Days to Animal".

Characters in Dry

Alyssa MorrowResourceful teenager navigating the water crisis
Kelton McCrackenTeenage neighbor from a survivalist family
Mr. McCrackenKelton's father and a highly prepared prepper
Camille CohenActivist who predicted the water shortage
David ChenWater District employee delivering reclaimed water

About the Author

Neal Shusterman is the New York Times bestselling author of Dry and a leading voice in dystopian fiction for young adults. Co-written with his son Jarrod, Dry is a harrowing survival thriller set during a catastrophic water crisis in Southern California, blending speculative urgency with deeply human stakes. Shusterman's background in psychology and drama from UC Irvine shapes his ability to craft psychologically complex characters navigating extreme moral dilemmas.

His acclaimed works include Scythe, a Michael L. Printz Honor book, Challenger Deep, which won the 2015 National Book Award for Young People's Literature, and Unwind, which has earned more than thirty domestic and international awards and is taught in school districts nationwide. In 2024, he received the Margaret A. Edwards Award for his significant contribution to young adult literature.

Dry is currently in development as a feature film at Paramount Pictures, reflecting its cultural impact and timeliness in addressing environmental collapse.

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From Columbia University alumni built in San Francisco

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"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

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