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Drought
Ruby dreams of escaping the Congregation. Escape from slaver Darwin West and his cruel Overseers. Escape from the backbreaking work of gathering Water. Escape from living as if it is still 1812, the year they were all enslaved. When Ruby meets Ford--an irresistible, kind, forbidden new Overseer--she longs to run away with him to the modern world, where she could live a normal teenage live. Escape with Ford would be so simple.But if Ruby leaves, her community is condemned to certain death. She, alone, possess the secret ingredient that makes the Water so special--her blood--and it's the one thing that the Congregation cannot live without.Drought is the haunting story of one community's thirst for life, and the dangerous struggle of the only girl who can grant it.
400 pages, Hardcover
First published January 25, 2011
164 people are currently reading
3740 people want to read
About the author
Pam Bachorz
5 books247 followersPam Bachorz grew up in a small town in the Adirondack foothills, where she participated in every possible performance group and assiduously avoided any threat of athletic activity, unless it involved wearing sequined headpieces and treading water. With a little persuasion she will belt out tunes from "The Music Man" and "The Fantasticks", but she knows better than to play cello in public anymore. Pam attended college in Boston and finally decided she was finished after earning four degrees: a BS in Journalism, a BA in Environmental Science, a Masters in Library Science and an MBA. Her mother is not happy that Pam's degrees are stored under her bed.
Pam, who lived in Florida when she wrote CANDOR, currently lives just outside Washington, DC with her husband and their son. When she's not writing, working or parenting, Pam likes to read books not aimed at her age group, go to museums and theater performances, and watch far too much television. She even goes jogging. Reluctantly.
As far as she knows, Pam has never been brainwashed. Or maybe that's just what she's supposed to say.
Pam, who lived in Florida when she wrote CANDOR, currently lives just outside Washington, DC with her husband and their son. When she's not writing, working or parenting, Pam likes to read books not aimed at her age group, go to museums and theater performances, and watch far too much television. She even goes jogging. Reluctantly.
As far as she knows, Pam has never been brainwashed. Or maybe that's just what she's supposed to say.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 407 reviews
November 7, 2011
I'm just going to explain the entire thing, because the book's not worth reading.
Ruby longs to escape from the only life she knows, as part of the Congregation ruled by a terrible Overseer who demands the special Water they collect that provides immortality. But only a select few know that it's Ruby's blood that makes the Water special. Also she's 200 years old, falls in love, and her father may be Jesus.
This is your typical teenage girl-in-repressive-society-starts-thinking-for-herself thing. Ruby is unique only because it's taken her 200 years to reach the maturity level of a 17-year-old.
So you can see it's not a great story anyway. But THEN there are so many things left unanswered or not thought out that it's even worse.
With so much stuff unresolved it's almost like it's setting itself up for a sequel, except it's written in a way that makes me suspect that there will not be one. So it ends with
Ruby longs to escape from the only life she knows, as part of the Congregation ruled by a terrible Overseer who demands the special Water they collect that provides immortality. But only a select few know that it's Ruby's blood that makes the Water special. Also she's 200 years old, falls in love, and her father may be Jesus.
This is your typical teenage girl-in-repressive-society-starts-thinking-for-herself thing. Ruby is unique only because it's taken her 200 years to reach the maturity level of a 17-year-old.
So you can see it's not a great story anyway. But THEN there are so many things left unanswered or not thought out that it's even worse.
With so much stuff unresolved it's almost like it's setting itself up for a sequel, except it's written in a way that makes me suspect that there will not be one. So it ends with
January 5, 2012
Ruby is a teenager, but one who has been growing up for a long time. A very long time. She, her mother, and their fellow "Congregants" are prisoners on a mountain, forced every day to use cups and spoons to collect water and dew drops from the undersides of plants in the forest. They are rarely fed, and if they don't meet their daily quota, the beatings are usually brutal and severe, and almost exclusively focused on Ruby's mother. But that is OK, because every night, Ruby treats her with some of the sacred "Water" and her mother heals, enough to carry on to the next day. This is the routine of their miserable lives, and it has been ever since they ran away from town and sought refuge on the mountain, 200 years ago.
Wait. What? Yes, I read that right- they have been living like this for 200 years, stuck in time, while the world outside has continued unknowingly and become the normal modern one in which we all live comfortably. It is something about the Water, see, that helps them live so long and heal so fast, and Ruby has something to add to the water that makes her the most special Congregant of all. But she is tired of this life, and yearns for something more, without knowing how she could possibly change any of this misery. That is until Ford shows up as one of the new guards. He is different and they are immediately drawn to each other into a forbidden relationship full of tenderness and danger.
Compulsively readable but ultimately a tad disappointing. As I was reading this book, I couldn't help but have a sense I was reading another "The Giver" thanks to the atmosphere and "vibe" of the story. I do think it flowed well and I was burning to find out what exactly was going on. However, the answers I stayed up way too late into the night to find were not there at the end. Will there be a sequel, or do we have to satisfied with never knowing exactly what is going on with the water, Otto, or The Visitor?
Wait. What? Yes, I read that right- they have been living like this for 200 years, stuck in time, while the world outside has continued unknowingly and become the normal modern one in which we all live comfortably. It is something about the Water, see, that helps them live so long and heal so fast, and Ruby has something to add to the water that makes her the most special Congregant of all. But she is tired of this life, and yearns for something more, without knowing how she could possibly change any of this misery. That is until Ford shows up as one of the new guards. He is different and they are immediately drawn to each other into a forbidden relationship full of tenderness and danger.
Compulsively readable but ultimately a tad disappointing. As I was reading this book, I couldn't help but have a sense I was reading another "The Giver" thanks to the atmosphere and "vibe" of the story. I do think it flowed well and I was burning to find out what exactly was going on. However, the answers I stayed up way too late into the night to find were not there at the end. Will there be a sequel, or do we have to satisfied with never knowing exactly what is going on with the water, Otto, or The Visitor?
June 14, 2011
A lot of the negative reviews on here seem to stem from the readers having been mislead that this is a dystopian novel. It is not, and was not intended to be. Instead it's an interesting play on the vampire/paranormal romance genre mixed with a realistic cult story. The book raises a lot of questions: What is faith? Are our motivations for what we do noble or selfish, and how can we be sure? What is love, and what happens when it is withheld, taken for granted, or abused?
Unlike a lot of teen fiction the author does not neatly answer these questions for her readers, but allows them to search out their own truths.
Spoilers follow:
To answer some of the many questions I've seen asked about the book:
1. This is set in modern America.
2. Yes, Ruby has supernatural blood.
3. Otto is not coming back - he came out of the woods and Ruby's mother fell in love with him. The had sex and Ruby was conceived. He moved on for his own reasons, leaving some of his magic blood behind as a gift for Ruby's mother. Ruby's mother invented their whole Otto worshiping religion because she is in denial that Otto would knock her up and leave her.
4. Darwin thinks that the only water that is magical is that which is scraped off of those particular plants in that particular way from those particular woods. He thinks this because Ruby's mother told him that so that he wouldn't suspect that it was the blood that contained the power. Presumably if he knew that he would just hang Ruby up by her ankles and bleed her continually forever.
Unlike a lot of teen fiction the author does not neatly answer these questions for her readers, but allows them to search out their own truths.
Spoilers follow:
To answer some of the many questions I've seen asked about the book:
1. This is set in modern America.
2. Yes, Ruby has supernatural blood.
3. Otto is not coming back - he came out of the woods and Ruby's mother fell in love with him. The had sex and Ruby was conceived. He moved on for his own reasons, leaving some of his magic blood behind as a gift for Ruby's mother. Ruby's mother invented their whole Otto worshiping religion because she is in denial that Otto would knock her up and leave her.
4. Darwin thinks that the only water that is magical is that which is scraped off of those particular plants in that particular way from those particular woods. He thinks this because Ruby's mother told him that so that he wouldn't suspect that it was the blood that contained the power. Presumably if he knew that he would just hang Ruby up by her ankles and bleed her continually forever.
June 5, 2011
Argh. Just. Argh to this entire book. It has a somewhat (sorta, anyway) interesting concept, but the execution falls flat on its face, and I pretty much want to punt every single character in this book somewhere far away from me.
Basically the story is this: The main character, Ruby, is part of this cult-like group (her Congregation) that is being held prisoner (basically slaves) for Darwin and his group of Overseers. The Congregation goes out every day to collect water from leaves/plants/etc; basically they scrape drops of water from the plants. They're beaten, starved, and trapped. They pray to Ruby's father, Otto, who has left them years before. Now why is Darwin doing this? Because the water that the Congregation collects is able to heal wounds and extend one's lifespan. Unknown to Darwin and most of the Congregation, the secret is not the water that is collected, but drops of Ruby's blood that is put into the water that gives it such miracle properties.
This has gone on for over 200 years. Ruby herself is about 200 years old, even if she looks like a teenager. That and the Congregation is truly stuck in the past, even if the book is set in modern (or near modern, as far as I can tell) times.
First of all, the beginning is horribly confusing. You have no idea what time period it is, what's really happening, why things are happening, and while I dislike info dumps, a little explanation here and there wouldn't be remiss. Really. Also, the basic premise just makes very little sense. Darwin basically has the Congregation around as his cash cows. Seeing as they are his cash cows he should have some business sense and realize that beating them, forcing them into backbreaking labor, and starving them is not the way to have good productivity.
Heck, even ignoring that, you wonder that this being set in modern times, how the man can keep all of these people locked up and forced to work for him. You know, slavery being illegal and all. Then there's the fact that Darwin tries to feed the Congregation when the Visitor rolls around, but, sorry, you don't just hide abuse by feeding people food over the course of a few days. That it has apparently worked in the past just completely boggles the mind.
Then you get to Ruby. Oh Ruby. You are freaking 200 years old. I do not care how slowly you mature, even if you were a teenager for a hundred years, you shouldn't let your mother and the other member treat you like one. She sounds a lot younger than she actually is. I'm glad she wants to do something about the situation she and her group is in, but arghhh.
Which sort of ties into my next point. Or rather, WTF Ford + Ruby. Ford is the newest Overseer hire. Apparently he's a nice boy, aside from the fact that he's part of a group that regularly beats the Congregation. And of course he and Ruby fall in love, even if I have no earthly reason why. And they have no chemistry. At all. Why do they fall in love so fast? Eh, who knows. Even love at first sight (which this romance is, essentially, done so awfully) should be more exciting than this weird attraction Ford and Ruby have for each other.
The plot irritates me. Nothing happens during the first half, I want to chuck characters into a well, and it's all so absurd. Ruby's congregation is also horrible for her--the Overseers and Darwin offer no hope and no chance to escape, but the Congregation ties her down through things like emotional blackmail. Lovely. Granted, this is what the author was going for, so I suppose kudos for that.
Everyone is so passive it just grates. The ending made me sigh: Ruby was just reactive and not proactive. She is pushed to do the things she does, but she doesn't try to do anything different when left alone. Part of it, I understand, considering that she and the Congregation have been doing what they're told for centuries, but it's still horribly annoying to read. Really, 1-2 stars, but the actual writing wasn't so bad, and Ruby has potential to get better, so 2 stars.
Basically the story is this: The main character, Ruby, is part of this cult-like group (her Congregation) that is being held prisoner (basically slaves) for Darwin and his group of Overseers. The Congregation goes out every day to collect water from leaves/plants/etc; basically they scrape drops of water from the plants. They're beaten, starved, and trapped. They pray to Ruby's father, Otto, who has left them years before. Now why is Darwin doing this? Because the water that the Congregation collects is able to heal wounds and extend one's lifespan. Unknown to Darwin and most of the Congregation, the secret is not the water that is collected, but drops of Ruby's blood that is put into the water that gives it such miracle properties.
This has gone on for over 200 years. Ruby herself is about 200 years old, even if she looks like a teenager. That and the Congregation is truly stuck in the past, even if the book is set in modern (or near modern, as far as I can tell) times.
First of all, the beginning is horribly confusing. You have no idea what time period it is, what's really happening, why things are happening, and while I dislike info dumps, a little explanation here and there wouldn't be remiss. Really. Also, the basic premise just makes very little sense. Darwin basically has the Congregation around as his cash cows. Seeing as they are his cash cows he should have some business sense and realize that beating them, forcing them into backbreaking labor, and starving them is not the way to have good productivity.
Heck, even ignoring that, you wonder that this being set in modern times, how the man can keep all of these people locked up and forced to work for him. You know, slavery being illegal and all. Then there's the fact that Darwin tries to feed the Congregation when the Visitor rolls around, but, sorry, you don't just hide abuse by feeding people food over the course of a few days. That it has apparently worked in the past just completely boggles the mind.
Then you get to Ruby. Oh Ruby. You are freaking 200 years old. I do not care how slowly you mature, even if you were a teenager for a hundred years, you shouldn't let your mother and the other member treat you like one. She sounds a lot younger than she actually is. I'm glad she wants to do something about the situation she and her group is in, but arghhh.
Which sort of ties into my next point. Or rather, WTF Ford + Ruby. Ford is the newest Overseer hire. Apparently he's a nice boy, aside from the fact that he's part of a group that regularly beats the Congregation. And of course he and Ruby fall in love, even if I have no earthly reason why. And they have no chemistry. At all. Why do they fall in love so fast? Eh, who knows. Even love at first sight (which this romance is, essentially, done so awfully) should be more exciting than this weird attraction Ford and Ruby have for each other.
The plot irritates me. Nothing happens during the first half, I want to chuck characters into a well, and it's all so absurd. Ruby's congregation is also horrible for her--the Overseers and Darwin offer no hope and no chance to escape, but the Congregation ties her down through things like emotional blackmail. Lovely. Granted, this is what the author was going for, so I suppose kudos for that.
Everyone is so passive it just grates. The ending made me sigh: Ruby was just reactive and not proactive. She is pushed to do the things she does, but she doesn't try to do anything different when left alone. Part of it, I understand, considering that she and the Congregation have been doing what they're told for centuries, but it's still horribly annoying to read. Really, 1-2 stars, but the actual writing wasn't so bad, and Ruby has potential to get better, so 2 stars.
April 6, 2011
Drought is not one of the best books that I have read lately. There were some serious crises in world-building, character development and plotting. I was so disappointed. :(
Ruby is an engaging and likable protagonist. She does seem to know the difference between right and wrong, and she rebels against this society that she is a part of. When I first picked this book up, I thought it was going to be a dystopian - not the case - and was kind of confused as to why the entire situation was happening in the first place. The Congregants hold the power - the blood that makes regular water into Water, life-giving and wound-healing. I couldn't understand why they would allow Darwin to be in control. It's the basis for a shaky plot.
I had no clear picture of this world. All I knew was that it took place in the woods, with a cult, trapped in some kind of strange slavery situation. Pam Bachorz kind of dropped the ball on this. We learn very little about the history of the Congregation and precious little about Otto. It makes it hard to believe in, or relate to any of the things that are going on. Why do they believe in Otto? Why do they think he will come back? I was confused!
Ruby was wonderful in her own way, she did have to deal with some horrible people though. Her mother has no redeeming qualities. She wants to keep Ruby in this little, shut-in life. I don't understand why, or how, Ruby tolerates it all. She just lays down and takes it. I did not like that.
My rating: 2 out of 5 - not as amazing as I had hoped.
Ruby is an engaging and likable protagonist. She does seem to know the difference between right and wrong, and she rebels against this society that she is a part of. When I first picked this book up, I thought it was going to be a dystopian - not the case - and was kind of confused as to why the entire situation was happening in the first place. The Congregants hold the power - the blood that makes regular water into Water, life-giving and wound-healing. I couldn't understand why they would allow Darwin to be in control. It's the basis for a shaky plot.
I had no clear picture of this world. All I knew was that it took place in the woods, with a cult, trapped in some kind of strange slavery situation. Pam Bachorz kind of dropped the ball on this. We learn very little about the history of the Congregation and precious little about Otto. It makes it hard to believe in, or relate to any of the things that are going on. Why do they believe in Otto? Why do they think he will come back? I was confused!
Ruby was wonderful in her own way, she did have to deal with some horrible people though. Her mother has no redeeming qualities. She wants to keep Ruby in this little, shut-in life. I don't understand why, or how, Ruby tolerates it all. She just lays down and takes it. I did not like that.
My rating: 2 out of 5 - not as amazing as I had hoped.
July 26, 2012
Ok firstly, I am VERY surprised at the bad reviews this book's gotten, I personally thought it would be a huge hit.
So I'm just going to go ahead and voice my opinion.
I honestly believe, this is one of the best young adult novels I have read. I am not one who cries during books, or laughs even. I manage to maintain a straightforward poker face whether I am reading a book authored by Khaled Hosseini or Louise Rennison. Drought however, seemed to bring out the complete emotion package in me. I went from small uncertain smiles, to full laughter, and eventually to tears.
The best part of this book is the strong romance between Ford and Ruby. Absolutely brilliantly written. And as cliche as the situation is, Bachorz still seems to keep the romance fresh and intriguing. Whenever she described the scenes of Ruby and Ford's outings, I had goose bumps. And part where those 6 morons decide it was smart to attempt to murder the one good thing going in the congregation, I don't think I have ever cried as much during a book.
I was hoping, HOPING this story have a happy ending. As if it was something like Romeo and Juliet, I would've most likely flung the book to the ground and thrown a tantrum. I was holding my breathe all through the last few paragraphs.
I do believe though, that the last few scenarios were rushed. Bachorz could have possibly given a more tied up ending to the story although I wouldn't change much of it after all.
And for those who say the blood in the water thing is gross, it was the one thing keeping them all alive, and her blood was pure so i dont think it actually tasted like blood.. or something.. i don't actually know either..
So I'm just going to go ahead and voice my opinion.
I honestly believe, this is one of the best young adult novels I have read. I am not one who cries during books, or laughs even. I manage to maintain a straightforward poker face whether I am reading a book authored by Khaled Hosseini or Louise Rennison. Drought however, seemed to bring out the complete emotion package in me. I went from small uncertain smiles, to full laughter, and eventually to tears.
The best part of this book is the strong romance between Ford and Ruby. Absolutely brilliantly written. And as cliche as the situation is, Bachorz still seems to keep the romance fresh and intriguing. Whenever she described the scenes of Ruby and Ford's outings, I had goose bumps. And part where those 6 morons decide it was smart to attempt to murder the one good thing going in the congregation, I don't think I have ever cried as much during a book.
I was hoping, HOPING this story have a happy ending. As if it was something like Romeo and Juliet, I would've most likely flung the book to the ground and thrown a tantrum. I was holding my breathe all through the last few paragraphs.
I do believe though, that the last few scenarios were rushed. Bachorz could have possibly given a more tied up ending to the story although I wouldn't change much of it after all.
And for those who say the blood in the water thing is gross, it was the one thing keeping them all alive, and her blood was pure so i dont think it actually tasted like blood.. or something.. i don't actually know either..
July 20, 2011
I really liked this book but it could have been SO MUCH better!!! Okay, there are some major questions that are left unanswered. HUGE ones.
First one: What the heck is she?
Second one: What the hell happened to Otto?
Third: Who is the Vistor?
Fourth: What happens to the water that is collected?
Another problem I had was that Ford did not find out the truth about her age for one thing! Nor did he believe her about her blood. And don't get me started on her Mother. What a bitch! Pissed me off! as did the other congregants. I mean god, how selfish could they be? They just used and abused her gifts. It was their right or some crap. Also... Otto? how could he abandon them all? its so pathetic that they all still worshipped him after two hundred years. Anyway there has to be a sequel that explains everything!
First one: What the heck is she?
Second one: What the hell happened to Otto?
Third: Who is the Vistor?
Fourth: What happens to the water that is collected?
Another problem I had was that Ford did not find out the truth about her age for one thing! Nor did he believe her about her blood. And don't get me started on her Mother. What a bitch! Pissed me off! as did the other congregants. I mean god, how selfish could they be? They just used and abused her gifts. It was their right or some crap. Also... Otto? how could he abandon them all? its so pathetic that they all still worshipped him after two hundred years. Anyway there has to be a sequel that explains everything!
July 5, 2011
From Book Brats!
The Village meets slavery meets a cult? Trust me, it sounds a LOT more interesting than it ends up being.
As you might have guessed, I was rather interested in this book based on the plot alone. Yes, it has bad reviews on Amazon and Goodreads, but it does not live up to the promise the plot gives. In fact, it falls flat thanks to 1.) stupid characters, 2.) implausible plot developments, and 3.) an ending that wrapped up 400 pages worth of action in 10 minutes.
Ruby has lived her entire life living practically as a slave, gathering Water (dew collected daily from plants mixed with her blood which gives extended life and healing powers). She's 200 years old but looks and acts like she's 16. One of the Overseers, Ford, is the designated love interest of this tale. He's handsome, 18, and working as a slave driver to provide for his mother's cancer treatment. Ruby's mother claims to be looking out for the interests of the community while serving as a reverend for a Congregation that worships Otto, the original man whose blood gave life before he up and left the community to hide in the woods to continue on, but only after impregnating Ruby's mother. The main villain is a man named Darwin West, who is in love with Ruby's mother and, scorned, follows the Congregation into the woods and enslaves them in order to procure and sell the Water to the Visitor. The Congregation has lived there for 200 years and still lives as if it is 1810, waiting for Otto while Darwin manages to live on as a member of the outside community, recruiting Overseers to serve as guards from convicts and the desperate unemployed.
Some tropes employed in this book include Instalove (Ford falls in love with Ruby at first sight, and she pretty much does as well). More importantly than that, everyone in the Congregation is apparently dumb. They make Ruby their leader and then when they realize she is in love with an Overseer they cast her out - by the end, Ruby's mother has become a secondary villain, even trying to kill Ford and tells Ruby she is an embarrassment and not worth love because she "betrayed the community" by trying to save them and not wait for Otto (who is now a Jesus-like figure).
The ending seems like the author realized she needed to wrap it up and after 300 pages of harvesting Water, talking about Ruby's power, love, and how Darwin is evil, the Visitor shows up. I still don't get the Visitor - he just showed up and then left but managed to do so much in the process that concluded the novel. On top of this, Ford is also guilty of religious insensitivity, saying he can't love Ruby because worshiping Otto is heresy and a sin. Ruby, meanwhile, is guilty of "I love him, but I can't love him" in every chapter. We get it, we don't need to be reminded every five pages.
In the end, this book had promise, but just fell flat. Ruby was dumb, her mother was just as bad as the actual villain (all she had to do was marry Darwin - it was obviously she cared about him, but she was saving herself for Jesus - I mean Otto), and Ruby and Ford fell in love despite them having nothing in common besides googly eyes. Oh, and there were several obvious editing problems (they're versus their came up at least twice, and punctuation usage was off). A good premise does not make a good book.
♥♥ / 5 (two hearts)
VERDICT: Go watch The Village instead and eat some ice cream. You'll leave feeling less dumbfounded.
The Village meets slavery meets a cult? Trust me, it sounds a LOT more interesting than it ends up being.
As you might have guessed, I was rather interested in this book based on the plot alone. Yes, it has bad reviews on Amazon and Goodreads, but it does not live up to the promise the plot gives. In fact, it falls flat thanks to 1.) stupid characters, 2.) implausible plot developments, and 3.) an ending that wrapped up 400 pages worth of action in 10 minutes.
Ruby has lived her entire life living practically as a slave, gathering Water (dew collected daily from plants mixed with her blood which gives extended life and healing powers). She's 200 years old but looks and acts like she's 16. One of the Overseers, Ford, is the designated love interest of this tale. He's handsome, 18, and working as a slave driver to provide for his mother's cancer treatment. Ruby's mother claims to be looking out for the interests of the community while serving as a reverend for a Congregation that worships Otto, the original man whose blood gave life before he up and left the community to hide in the woods to continue on, but only after impregnating Ruby's mother. The main villain is a man named Darwin West, who is in love with Ruby's mother and, scorned, follows the Congregation into the woods and enslaves them in order to procure and sell the Water to the Visitor. The Congregation has lived there for 200 years and still lives as if it is 1810, waiting for Otto while Darwin manages to live on as a member of the outside community, recruiting Overseers to serve as guards from convicts and the desperate unemployed.
Some tropes employed in this book include Instalove (Ford falls in love with Ruby at first sight, and she pretty much does as well). More importantly than that, everyone in the Congregation is apparently dumb. They make Ruby their leader and then when they realize she is in love with an Overseer they cast her out - by the end, Ruby's mother has become a secondary villain, even trying to kill Ford and tells Ruby she is an embarrassment and not worth love because she "betrayed the community" by trying to save them and not wait for Otto (who is now a Jesus-like figure).
The ending seems like the author realized she needed to wrap it up and after 300 pages of harvesting Water, talking about Ruby's power, love, and how Darwin is evil, the Visitor shows up. I still don't get the Visitor - he just showed up and then left but managed to do so much in the process that concluded the novel. On top of this, Ford is also guilty of religious insensitivity, saying he can't love Ruby because worshiping Otto is heresy and a sin. Ruby, meanwhile, is guilty of "I love him, but I can't love him" in every chapter. We get it, we don't need to be reminded every five pages.
In the end, this book had promise, but just fell flat. Ruby was dumb, her mother was just as bad as the actual villain (all she had to do was marry Darwin - it was obviously she cared about him, but she was saving herself for Jesus - I mean Otto), and Ruby and Ford fell in love despite them having nothing in common besides googly eyes. Oh, and there were several obvious editing problems (they're versus their came up at least twice, and punctuation usage was off). A good premise does not make a good book.
♥♥ / 5 (two hearts)
VERDICT: Go watch The Village instead and eat some ice cream. You'll leave feeling less dumbfounded.
August 7, 2013
I couldn't put it down but many things were left unexplained....her blood, Otto, What Old Testament they read from, how the village was never questioned ...
November 13, 2010
4.5 stars see full review at http://fireandicephoto.blogspot.com/2...
Drought describes a group of congregants led by Sula Prosser, a woman raised by a trapper father and no mother. Soon after Sula falls in love with Darwin West and becomes engaged to him near the year 1820, her father returns home from the woods with a man named Otto following him. Sula's love for Darwin dies when she meets the new stranger whose blood has the power to heal and prolong life. But Otto disappears, leaving nothing more than a box behind and the child in Sula's belly.
By now she has a following of people receiving weekly communion. Darwin West turns against Sula and her congregants, forcing six dozen men, women and children leave town and flee for the mountains. Their hope is to begin a new way of life in cabins by the lake. But their peace is short lived as the land they inhabit is owned by West. His revenge over love lost is fierce and soon the followers are enslaved by an evil landowner and his hired men called overseers.
Sula's community are harvesters of water, spending their days scraping drops with a spoon from living leaves into pewter cups. They remain trapped in time, aging and growth, away from civilization and forced to work each day under drought conditions. If they fail to meet quota for the day they are refused food and beaten.
The story is told from the point of view of Sula's daughter Ruby. She carries with her the ability to heal with her blood as did her father Otto. But, Ruby is different. She is determined and independent. After all the brutality she has witnessed, Ruby is done waiting for someone to come save the congregants from Darwin's hand. She's ready to fight.
A newly hired overseer named Ford shows interest in Ruby, he gives her hope in change. She is forced to make a choice between the life she has always known or the mystery that lies beyond the fence. Ford shows Ruby that she has an alternative. A new beginning is waiting for her. Will she continue to follow her upbringing or something that goes against all she has been taught?
Bachorz's writing is riveting and deep. The society she portrays is reminiscent of modern day groups we read about but never live amongst. Her characters truly believe in their hearts, that one day they will be saved, all the while living in daily abuse. Drought brought up issues of faith, but it's not the kind of faith I would consider main stream. It is faith in a human with supernatural abilities, with a cult like feeling. This fictional story had me questioning how many hidden communities exist today held under the hand of brutal leaders amongst religious offshoots and factions. Drought is a dystopian story that will leave an impression.
Readers should check into Pam's site where she shows photos of the childhood camping spot that inspired Sula's community and the reasons she chose for naming the main character Ruby.
Drought is fast paced and I finished it quickly. It is suspenseful and the author's writing is brilliant. Bachorz paints such a living picture of the surroundings, the beliefs, the actions and the personalities of each character you feel you are watching events unravel firsthand. The ending is a shocker. Be prepared for a slew of gut wrenching, nightmarish moments ever present in the story. This is not a book I would recommend for children or tweens as there is vividly described and severe human violence. There are a few minor swear words and inferences to sex. Overall, I think the themes are better suited for those 16 and older.
If you enjoyed Forest of Hands and Teeth by Carrie Ryan you may also enjoy Drought. It's a book that left me thinking and pondering the conditions some humans have and will endure.... wanting to know more.
Drought describes a group of congregants led by Sula Prosser, a woman raised by a trapper father and no mother. Soon after Sula falls in love with Darwin West and becomes engaged to him near the year 1820, her father returns home from the woods with a man named Otto following him. Sula's love for Darwin dies when she meets the new stranger whose blood has the power to heal and prolong life. But Otto disappears, leaving nothing more than a box behind and the child in Sula's belly.
By now she has a following of people receiving weekly communion. Darwin West turns against Sula and her congregants, forcing six dozen men, women and children leave town and flee for the mountains. Their hope is to begin a new way of life in cabins by the lake. But their peace is short lived as the land they inhabit is owned by West. His revenge over love lost is fierce and soon the followers are enslaved by an evil landowner and his hired men called overseers.
Sula's community are harvesters of water, spending their days scraping drops with a spoon from living leaves into pewter cups. They remain trapped in time, aging and growth, away from civilization and forced to work each day under drought conditions. If they fail to meet quota for the day they are refused food and beaten.
The story is told from the point of view of Sula's daughter Ruby. She carries with her the ability to heal with her blood as did her father Otto. But, Ruby is different. She is determined and independent. After all the brutality she has witnessed, Ruby is done waiting for someone to come save the congregants from Darwin's hand. She's ready to fight.
A newly hired overseer named Ford shows interest in Ruby, he gives her hope in change. She is forced to make a choice between the life she has always known or the mystery that lies beyond the fence. Ford shows Ruby that she has an alternative. A new beginning is waiting for her. Will she continue to follow her upbringing or something that goes against all she has been taught?
Bachorz's writing is riveting and deep. The society she portrays is reminiscent of modern day groups we read about but never live amongst. Her characters truly believe in their hearts, that one day they will be saved, all the while living in daily abuse. Drought brought up issues of faith, but it's not the kind of faith I would consider main stream. It is faith in a human with supernatural abilities, with a cult like feeling. This fictional story had me questioning how many hidden communities exist today held under the hand of brutal leaders amongst religious offshoots and factions. Drought is a dystopian story that will leave an impression.
Readers should check into Pam's site where she shows photos of the childhood camping spot that inspired Sula's community and the reasons she chose for naming the main character Ruby.
Drought is fast paced and I finished it quickly. It is suspenseful and the author's writing is brilliant. Bachorz paints such a living picture of the surroundings, the beliefs, the actions and the personalities of each character you feel you are watching events unravel firsthand. The ending is a shocker. Be prepared for a slew of gut wrenching, nightmarish moments ever present in the story. This is not a book I would recommend for children or tweens as there is vividly described and severe human violence. There are a few minor swear words and inferences to sex. Overall, I think the themes are better suited for those 16 and older.
If you enjoyed Forest of Hands and Teeth by Carrie Ryan you may also enjoy Drought. It's a book that left me thinking and pondering the conditions some humans have and will endure.... wanting to know more.
January 5, 2011
You would think that Ruby lives during the 1800s by the way she is treated, but DROUGHT is set in modern day America. Ruby and the rest of the Congregation are enslaved to man named Darwin West, and only live to do one thing, gather water. They scrape the water drops off every blade of grass and dewy leaf using only a spoon. Whether they have to fill a whole cup or two, this is the only life they know, day in and day out. Darwin makes their existence nearly intolerable. He is a tyrant, a brute, and abuses Ruby's mother, once the love of his life, to no end. Ruby and the rest of the Congregation believe whole-heartedly that one day their savior, Otto, will come and rescue them from their dismal existence. Like Otto, Ruby has a gift and a curse, her blood. Adding blood to the water, that they are tortured for, help her people heal and have a much longer lifespan. Her gift is kept secret, only the Elders know, and it is what binds her to the Congregation. Ruby wants to leave, walk into the forest and never look back, but her loyalty keeps her grounded. When Ruby meets an Overseer, Ford, she begins to think she can risk it all - her people - and leave her harsh world behind. Yet, this would go against everything she has ever known and she isn't sure she could leave her mother and the Congregation to Darwin and his brutality.
By no means is Drought an easy, breezy, walk in the park kind of book. It's dark, it's sad, but it's one hell of a story. I really can't compare it to anything else. I often have a hard time describing it. Although Ruby's blood is special and makes her look like a teenager even though she is 200 years old, there is no talk of magic. It's not science fiction, it's not really a Dystopia, but then again... I think around halfway I began to realize the religious undertones of the book. Ruby is under the influence of a cult. There is no God, there is only Otto. There is always, and only, Otto. There are ceremonies where the Congregation receives blood, and the Congregation constantly chant a prayer when someone is being beat. These events help fool my mind into thinking we are in the 1800s.
The relationship between Ruby and her mother was hard for me to wrap my brain around. Her mother relies on Ruby's gift to heal her from her daily beatings, and her mother relies on Ruby to be a good example for the Congregation. Ruby's mother has convinced her that they must not fight back against Darwin's authority. They are to accept what is happening and continue to pray for Otto to come. At times, this was very frustrating to read. You would think that after 200 years Ruby would have a mind of her own, but we quickly learn of the years of brainwashing. Although her mother loves Ruby very much, she has an agenda. Her mother is very manipulative, and at times I wanted Ruby to go against her, as well as Darwin. I finally get my wish, but the price Ruby pays is painstakingly high.
Ruby has no clue what goes on just past the woods. She doesn't know what kind of life is out there even if she did want to be a part of it. When Ford begins to friend Ruby, he describes his life and she doesn't understand a lot of things. Even though she is 200 years old, she has known no other life outside of gathering water. Bachorz does a fantastic job of convincing the reader that Ruby and the rest of the world are separate. I immediately was sympathetic and felt connected to Ruby, her mother, and Ford. They are all living the same dreadful life for one reason or another. Bachorz didn't go easy on any of them, and we often want Ruby and the Congregation to be rescued. I can tell you now, that doesn't happen.
Drought is captivating and I highly recommend!
4 stars!
By no means is Drought an easy, breezy, walk in the park kind of book. It's dark, it's sad, but it's one hell of a story. I really can't compare it to anything else. I often have a hard time describing it. Although Ruby's blood is special and makes her look like a teenager even though she is 200 years old, there is no talk of magic. It's not science fiction, it's not really a Dystopia, but then again... I think around halfway I began to realize the religious undertones of the book. Ruby is under the influence of a cult. There is no God, there is only Otto. There is always, and only, Otto. There are ceremonies where the Congregation receives blood, and the Congregation constantly chant a prayer when someone is being beat. These events help fool my mind into thinking we are in the 1800s.
The relationship between Ruby and her mother was hard for me to wrap my brain around. Her mother relies on Ruby's gift to heal her from her daily beatings, and her mother relies on Ruby to be a good example for the Congregation. Ruby's mother has convinced her that they must not fight back against Darwin's authority. They are to accept what is happening and continue to pray for Otto to come. At times, this was very frustrating to read. You would think that after 200 years Ruby would have a mind of her own, but we quickly learn of the years of brainwashing. Although her mother loves Ruby very much, she has an agenda. Her mother is very manipulative, and at times I wanted Ruby to go against her, as well as Darwin. I finally get my wish, but the price Ruby pays is painstakingly high.
Ruby has no clue what goes on just past the woods. She doesn't know what kind of life is out there even if she did want to be a part of it. When Ford begins to friend Ruby, he describes his life and she doesn't understand a lot of things. Even though she is 200 years old, she has known no other life outside of gathering water. Bachorz does a fantastic job of convincing the reader that Ruby and the rest of the world are separate. I immediately was sympathetic and felt connected to Ruby, her mother, and Ford. They are all living the same dreadful life for one reason or another. Bachorz didn't go easy on any of them, and we often want Ruby and the Congregation to be rescued. I can tell you now, that doesn't happen.
Drought is captivating and I highly recommend!
4 stars!
February 11, 2011
2.5 stars
I'll admit that I was really drawn to Drought because of it's captivating cover, the setting and by the author. Pam's writing is one that makes you think, and believe me, I thought a lot while reading Drought. This book really threw me for a surprise, but not in the way I was expecting. From the moment the story starts I felt like I was thrown into the middle of the woods where the story is set, in complete isolation. Like Ruby, I have no idea what year it is or what's going on with the outside world.
Pam paints a very vivid picture of what it must be like to be in a cult, and I liked the history that is explained in the story as to why there is a group of people isolated from civilization for over 200 years. The society Ruby lives in are enslaved in the woods and they harvest water every day, but like the books title, there's a drought and not much left to find. Ruby's people have spent years being brainwashed to believe that Otto, their missing beloved leader & Ruby's father will come back and save them. I felt like yelling at them to wake up and unite together, to stop letting someone think for them, let alone someone who's not even around, and come together to over take their abusive leader, Darwin and break free of the prison they've allowed themselves to be in for hundreds of years. I had a hard time with the beatings that take place in the story, thought I get that there needed to be a character like the evil, violent Darwin West, who feels that his slaves need to be submissive and not ask questions. Part of me was confused that for a people that have been around so long I would have expected them to learn how to stand up for themselves and unite, even though part of me sympathized with the fact that they've been living in fear so long that they didn't know how to or couldn't find the inner strength to do so.
There were times I found myself frustrated with the book as I felt there wasn't a lot of world or character building for me to really relate to the story. I started out irked that Ruby would stand aside and allow her mother to get beat the way she did and never speak up, though many times she wanted to. As the story continued, I became more frustrated she wouldn't stand up to her mother. For someone being 200 years old, I would have expected her to have more of a back bone. I think the reason I'm most frustrated is because I have a hard time relating to characters who don't stand up and voice their opinions or stand up for themselves or those they love. Then towards the end of the book, I realized it took Ford entering Ruby's life for her to understand she had a choice, and he was the only one who could help her find her voice.
I think Pam made her point with Drought and that was to make the reader think. Believe me, I thought a lot about it while reading it. Pam had a way of getting me emotionally invested with her story, as at times I was frustrated, disappointed, confused and then in the end I wanted to know what Ruby would do. I wanted to be able to be there and cheer Ruby on when she finally found her voice, stood up for herself and finds her way to freedom, and I'll admit it Ruby really surprised me. Drought's ending isn't a happily ever after, but one that gives the reader a small glimmer of hope for Ruby and her future. Though I wanted to like the book more than I did, I would recommend this to those who like Dystopian books with a twist. I would also recommend this to older teens, as there is violence in the way of beatings through out the story.
I'll admit that I was really drawn to Drought because of it's captivating cover, the setting and by the author. Pam's writing is one that makes you think, and believe me, I thought a lot while reading Drought. This book really threw me for a surprise, but not in the way I was expecting. From the moment the story starts I felt like I was thrown into the middle of the woods where the story is set, in complete isolation. Like Ruby, I have no idea what year it is or what's going on with the outside world.
Pam paints a very vivid picture of what it must be like to be in a cult, and I liked the history that is explained in the story as to why there is a group of people isolated from civilization for over 200 years. The society Ruby lives in are enslaved in the woods and they harvest water every day, but like the books title, there's a drought and not much left to find. Ruby's people have spent years being brainwashed to believe that Otto, their missing beloved leader & Ruby's father will come back and save them. I felt like yelling at them to wake up and unite together, to stop letting someone think for them, let alone someone who's not even around, and come together to over take their abusive leader, Darwin and break free of the prison they've allowed themselves to be in for hundreds of years. I had a hard time with the beatings that take place in the story, thought I get that there needed to be a character like the evil, violent Darwin West, who feels that his slaves need to be submissive and not ask questions. Part of me was confused that for a people that have been around so long I would have expected them to learn how to stand up for themselves and unite, even though part of me sympathized with the fact that they've been living in fear so long that they didn't know how to or couldn't find the inner strength to do so.
There were times I found myself frustrated with the book as I felt there wasn't a lot of world or character building for me to really relate to the story. I started out irked that Ruby would stand aside and allow her mother to get beat the way she did and never speak up, though many times she wanted to. As the story continued, I became more frustrated she wouldn't stand up to her mother. For someone being 200 years old, I would have expected her to have more of a back bone. I think the reason I'm most frustrated is because I have a hard time relating to characters who don't stand up and voice their opinions or stand up for themselves or those they love. Then towards the end of the book, I realized it took Ford entering Ruby's life for her to understand she had a choice, and he was the only one who could help her find her voice.
I think Pam made her point with Drought and that was to make the reader think. Believe me, I thought a lot about it while reading it. Pam had a way of getting me emotionally invested with her story, as at times I was frustrated, disappointed, confused and then in the end I wanted to know what Ruby would do. I wanted to be able to be there and cheer Ruby on when she finally found her voice, stood up for herself and finds her way to freedom, and I'll admit it Ruby really surprised me. Drought's ending isn't a happily ever after, but one that gives the reader a small glimmer of hope for Ruby and her future. Though I wanted to like the book more than I did, I would recommend this to those who like Dystopian books with a twist. I would also recommend this to older teens, as there is violence in the way of beatings through out the story.
January 19, 2011
Drought was almost a DNF for me. It was as dry as its title implies.
It always makes me feel bad when I have to report that a book bored me to death, but I will *try* to be level headed with Drought instead of becoming a ranting bull.
First thing I have to ask is, Where the heck was the world building? I feel that Bachorz completely dropped the ball on this. Readers are thrust into isolation, along with the characters, wondering how did this situation come to be and why and where is this taking place and what is going on and why am I reading a book about nothing?
Okay, some explanation was given, but it was all muddled, unconvincing and made no sense. It's present day, but Ruby and the Congregation are living as slaves, and she doesn't know anything about the modern world. I can believe that. But then, it takes a turn to unexplained weirdness. She is human(???) but she is like 200 years old and doesn't need to eat everyday to survive. Her blood is special, so she is forced to collect water from plants to mix her blood with it?! I don't get what is happening here. What is Ruby? What are these Congregation people? Why do they exist? Why do they believe? And more importantly, why the heck would they agree to continue to drink Ruby's blood water to live longer just to continue to live as slaves?
We are supposed to believe they do this because of their faith. They are waiting for their god, Otto, to return to them. But like I said, they all have exceptionally long lifespans and have lived hundreds of years as slaves in utterly cruel conditions. I think that Bachorz asked too much of readers to believe that their faith alone kept them from fighting for freedom. She created the only society in the universe that doesn't believe in advancing themselves. Why?
It was heart breaking, to say the least.
There is an obvious villain, Darwin West, who is completely mad and enjoys beating the slaves and denying them food, but the real villain of the story is evident from the start, Ruby's mother. She angered me to the point where I thought I might explode. Not only was this lady living on a prayer, and a very weak one at that, her deceit forces the rest of the Congregation to live that way as well. She was disgusting, despicable, and ever other 'D' expletive I can think of. She reminded me of the grandmother from The Dollanganger Series (Flowers in the Attic). *shudders*
I tried to like Ruby and those few character that she cared about, I really did, but they were all so dead inside that I couldn't connect at all. Ruby's romance with Ford was superficial, and the one thing I kept expecting to happen, didn't.
I'm glad I finished the book, even if it wasn't for me. I really hope others find reasons to enjoy it. If you do, please share.
http://www.theunreadreader.com/2011/0...
It always makes me feel bad when I have to report that a book bored me to death, but I will *try* to be level headed with Drought instead of becoming a ranting bull.
First thing I have to ask is, Where the heck was the world building? I feel that Bachorz completely dropped the ball on this. Readers are thrust into isolation, along with the characters, wondering how did this situation come to be and why and where is this taking place and what is going on and why am I reading a book about nothing?
Okay, some explanation was given, but it was all muddled, unconvincing and made no sense. It's present day, but Ruby and the Congregation are living as slaves, and she doesn't know anything about the modern world. I can believe that. But then, it takes a turn to unexplained weirdness. She is human(???) but she is like 200 years old and doesn't need to eat everyday to survive. Her blood is special, so she is forced to collect water from plants to mix her blood with it?! I don't get what is happening here. What is Ruby? What are these Congregation people? Why do they exist? Why do they believe? And more importantly, why the heck would they agree to continue to drink Ruby's blood water to live longer just to continue to live as slaves?
We are supposed to believe they do this because of their faith. They are waiting for their god, Otto, to return to them. But like I said, they all have exceptionally long lifespans and have lived hundreds of years as slaves in utterly cruel conditions. I think that Bachorz asked too much of readers to believe that their faith alone kept them from fighting for freedom. She created the only society in the universe that doesn't believe in advancing themselves. Why?
It was heart breaking, to say the least.
There is an obvious villain, Darwin West, who is completely mad and enjoys beating the slaves and denying them food, but the real villain of the story is evident from the start, Ruby's mother. She angered me to the point where I thought I might explode. Not only was this lady living on a prayer, and a very weak one at that, her deceit forces the rest of the Congregation to live that way as well. She was disgusting, despicable, and ever other 'D' expletive I can think of. She reminded me of the grandmother from The Dollanganger Series (Flowers in the Attic). *shudders*
I tried to like Ruby and those few character that she cared about, I really did, but they were all so dead inside that I couldn't connect at all. Ruby's romance with Ford was superficial, and the one thing I kept expecting to happen, didn't.
I'm glad I finished the book, even if it wasn't for me. I really hope others find reasons to enjoy it. If you do, please share.
http://www.theunreadreader.com/2011/0...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 29, 2011
Drought is a vaguely dystopian novel about a group of people held hostage away from civilization for 200 years. Tortured and worked to death (if not for the Water they collect), The Congregation patiently waits for their savior Otto. Ruby, Otto's daughter, is placed in the impossible position of having to chose between love and freedom or loyalty to those that depend on her.
Ruby's romance story line is the one very real feeling aspect of Drought. She and Ford come together in a way that is natural and their relationship moves at a seemingly normal pace given the situation. Ford appears to be the only person in the novel with a conscious.
The cult-ish mentality of the others gets old quickly and the characters are all very static. No one in the book changes from beginning to end, except for Ruby admitting maybe love is possible. Characters are beaten and characters die, but the book doesn't provoke any emotional reaction to these events.
Drought leaves important questions unanswered. While the plot is complete, the details go unresolved. We hear a lot about how the blood is special, but are never once told why. And where is Otto? Why did he abandon them in the first place? I finished the book solely because I wanted these specific answers.
Drought's premise starts out interesting enough, but it can't carry the less than empathic characters. It was hard not to just start screaming at them. I was left with the feeling that they were all kind of getting what they deserve. The book doesn't seem to hint towards a sequel so the lack of complete explanation is disappointing.
Ruby's romance story line is the one very real feeling aspect of Drought. She and Ford come together in a way that is natural and their relationship moves at a seemingly normal pace given the situation. Ford appears to be the only person in the novel with a conscious.
The cult-ish mentality of the others gets old quickly and the characters are all very static. No one in the book changes from beginning to end, except for Ruby admitting maybe love is possible. Characters are beaten and characters die, but the book doesn't provoke any emotional reaction to these events.
Drought leaves important questions unanswered. While the plot is complete, the details go unresolved. We hear a lot about how the blood is special, but are never once told why. And where is Otto? Why did he abandon them in the first place? I finished the book solely because I wanted these specific answers.
Drought's premise starts out interesting enough, but it can't carry the less than empathic characters. It was hard not to just start screaming at them. I was left with the feeling that they were all kind of getting what they deserve. The book doesn't seem to hint towards a sequel so the lack of complete explanation is disappointing.
January 29, 2011
My thoughts...Drought, the second book by author Pam Bachorz is not a happy go lucky story. It is dark and twisted. It left me cringing and covering my eyes with despair, yet I could not stop reading.
The story takes place in modern times, though it is hard to tell. The main characters, or Congregation, live under the control of a tyrant named Darwin West. This is probably one of the scariest villains I have read in YA literature. The man is evil. Ruby, the heroine, and other members of the congregation have to harvest water for West. The water, which is believed to have healing properties, can only be extracted by scraping water off leaves in the woods. If the Congregants don't perform as expected, they are punished by starvation, physical exertion, and violence.
While Darwin West is a horrifying villain. Ruby is an incredibly strong heroine. She and her people believe they will be saved by a man named Otto, who fled from them around 200 years ago. Ruby longs to be free of the life that has enslaved her for hundreds of years, but not everyone wants change.
As I mentioned above, this book was hard to put down. It was horrifying, agonizing, and painful at times to read. Ruby's mother infuriated me, as did the Elders in the story. The character of Otto baffled me, but the devotion to him was mysterious. I am left pondering why these people have stayed for so long. Was it out of fear? Desperation? Or Faith.
Overall, Drought was not what I expected, but I enjoyed it. This would be a great book for a club or discussion group: it will definitely evoke some strong opinions and discussions.
The story takes place in modern times, though it is hard to tell. The main characters, or Congregation, live under the control of a tyrant named Darwin West. This is probably one of the scariest villains I have read in YA literature. The man is evil. Ruby, the heroine, and other members of the congregation have to harvest water for West. The water, which is believed to have healing properties, can only be extracted by scraping water off leaves in the woods. If the Congregants don't perform as expected, they are punished by starvation, physical exertion, and violence.
While Darwin West is a horrifying villain. Ruby is an incredibly strong heroine. She and her people believe they will be saved by a man named Otto, who fled from them around 200 years ago. Ruby longs to be free of the life that has enslaved her for hundreds of years, but not everyone wants change.
As I mentioned above, this book was hard to put down. It was horrifying, agonizing, and painful at times to read. Ruby's mother infuriated me, as did the Elders in the story. The character of Otto baffled me, but the devotion to him was mysterious. I am left pondering why these people have stayed for so long. Was it out of fear? Desperation? Or Faith.
Overall, Drought was not what I expected, but I enjoyed it. This would be a great book for a club or discussion group: it will definitely evoke some strong opinions and discussions.
December 2, 2012
I kept waiting and waiting for Ruby to take a stand...and it never came. I feel as though I wasted a whole afternoon on something that could've been great but just never got there. The whole pseudo-religion/cult thing just didn't work for me with the way the plot was laid out. I get that Otto is never coming back, but so much else is left unanswered.
There were no descriptions as to why/how the townspeople knew they had special "Water" when they were first enslaved and that really bothered me. And we are never told how Darwin knew of their secret. Rudy's father was most likely Christ, but the time frame didn't fit, and I got sick of hearing Otto every five minutes and watching these people scrape leaves through the majority of the text in hopes of a savior that will never come.
I did enjoy the romance between Ford and Ruby, even though it was far-fetched. It was hard to judge his character when he went from nice to cold in the same scene.
I hope there is no sequel, and it ended with a finality that lends me to believe there won't be one. I doubt a sequel would answer any of the questions we need answered, anyways.I probably won't recommend this book or choose other options from this author.
There were no descriptions as to why/how the townspeople knew they had special "Water" when they were first enslaved and that really bothered me. And we are never told how Darwin knew of their secret. Rudy's father was most likely Christ, but the time frame didn't fit, and I got sick of hearing Otto every five minutes and watching these people scrape leaves through the majority of the text in hopes of a savior that will never come.
I did enjoy the romance between Ford and Ruby, even though it was far-fetched. It was hard to judge his character when he went from nice to cold in the same scene.
I hope there is no sequel, and it ended with a finality that lends me to believe there won't be one. I doubt a sequel would answer any of the questions we need answered, anyways.I probably won't recommend this book or choose other options from this author.
October 28, 2013
Great book, totally original premise and something I've never encountered before. Unfortunately, the litany of unanswered questions ruined it for me. I just don't find that to be a satisfying read. I could list it out, but I don't want to spoil anything. It's well written, a good pace, a completely new premise and worth reading. I did note a few places where the wrong name was used (Darwin instead of Otto!!) which was very confusing. I got this copy from my local library.
September 20, 2015
Probably one of the worst books I have ever read. The plot, characters, background, and everything was just terribly written. I do not recommend this book.
Read
January 11, 2019A small village of people were enslaved and now have to gather up water from the forest just to eat and survive. When the tanks are not filled with enough water the main character Ruby will spill her special blood into them so that the people will not get a beating. The man in charge Darwin West is madly in love with Ruby's mother but she refuses to marry him. When a new overseer arrives Ruby slowly starts falling for him as he does for her. They want to be together in a normal life but they know that is close to impossible unless they ran away together.
This book brings something new about forbidden love. It makes you wonder how she survived so long, where did her father go, and will she ever truly be happy.
This book brings something new about forbidden love. It makes you wonder how she survived so long, where did her father go, and will she ever truly be happy.
December 17, 2018
This 17 year old girl named Ruby is the daughter of Otto, a god. Ruby and her mother are part of the Congregation, they are slaves for a man named Darwin West. They collect water that heals people,but ruby’s blood is the one that does that, the water they collect is just water nothing special. One day Ruby meets a 18 year old boy and they fall in love with each other, but they can't be with each other because one is a slave and one is the guard. Ruby has to choose between her family or her new lover. I recommend this book to you is you like suspense and love. Thank you!
January 11, 2013
Drought is a Science-Fiction type book in which the main character Ruby has to help her colony. What's so weird about this? Ruby is 200 years old and has the body and attitude of a 17 year old girl, her father Otto left the community many years before, they are a special community because the only reason the people is living for so long is because Ruby and Otto have special Blood that they put into the peoples Water to help heal any injury no matter how big or small and keeps them from getting sick and can survive with drops of Water and very little food.The people of the community have to gather water from dusk till dawn out in the woods going around with a cup and a spoon collecting water from the trees and plants around them. Very few members have died since the community was established. Otto left to help everyone out, when he left Ruby was just a baby, he left behind four vials of blood to put in the canisters of Water. The people of the community praise Otto as if he were God. Only Ruby, her mother and the Elders know that it is Ruby's Blood keeping them alive. So when Otto's blood runs out Ruby's mother decides that since she is Otto's daughter she can use her Blood as well. That's how she lives everyday when she knows everyone is in their cabins and she knows the Overseers aren't watching. Overseers are guards under Darwin West's command. Darwin West is a jerk, he is put in control of the people and has them in terrible conditions, he sets a quota of water that each member must meet every day beating them with a chain if they don't. Life is harsh for the congregants and Darwin West makes it even worse for Ruby and her mother, he had been around since the colony had first been established and has "loved" Ruby's mother since the moment he first saw her although he treats her the worst making her take the harshest beatings in place of the others most of the time. One day a new Overseer shows up, the first in years, he is young and good-looking and Ruby develops a curiosity for him, they soon have a friendship going knowing full well that they shouldn't. Ford is the overseers name and he knows very little of the congregants and their life style, he was born and raised in the modern world and hardly believes the condition the congregants are being put through. They live as they where slaves and know no other way of living. As their friendship turns into romance the Elders consider making Ruby an Elder considering it is her blood going into the cisterns and Otto, the man they praise, is her father. Ford and Ruby can not have a relationship in the congregation if anyone found out Ford would be fired and he needs the money to help his sick mother, Ruby would be shunned by the congregants and kicked out of the cabin by her mother. Through everything that goes on, Ruby trying to escape with another congregant, the death of an Elder, Ruby's relationship with Ford grows even with it's up and lows. Ruby's mother finds out about their relationship and one of the worst things possible happens.This book was really enjoyable to read with random twists throughout I really hope there is a sequel so I can see what path the author starts taking. and would recommend the book for anyone that is interested in reading about cults or different lifestyles.
February 16, 2011
Why I read this: I really enjoyed Candor when I read it and had to check out Pam's latest novel, especially with the dystopian element.
Plot: I thought this was quite a unique book. It's about an almost cult-like community that worships this man named Otto, who happens to be the father of Ruby. He abandoned them to the cruelty of Darwin West, who uses them to harvest Water, which helps to cure wounds and make people live longer. That being said, it was hard to wrap my head around what was going on at first. There's little history and what is there is spread well throughout the length of the novel. I left the book with a lot of questions and no answers but my imagination. I'd like to see a prequel or sequel to this novel and see where it goes. I'm not sure I would call it dystopian exactly either. The government isn't oppressing these people, it's one man and I have no clue how he's gotten away with it for so long besides the hiring of muscle and not revealing their secret.
The novel is well written I just want my questions answered - especially why Otto is praised as this God to these people, he is a man, just one with special powers, special blood. I want to know how he found them, how they came to worship him - is he worthy of the worship or was he manipulating these people? See, tons of questions. I guess I enjoyed it quite a bit to want so much more from it.
Characters: Ruby definitely comes from a different world and when she starts to fall for a boy who is from the modern world, you really see the stark differences between them. She's quite willful and definitely a good example of a defiant teenager.
I'm not sure how I feel about Ford. There's some alluding to him being a bit of a player towards the end of the novel and I'm not sure he's really the support that Ruby can depend on if she were to leave her family and community. He's just a teen himself really (maybe early 20s) and doesn't really seem to understand what is going on at first and I'm not sure he really ever gets it completely. But I know Ruby feels a lot towards him so I can't see him in a totally negative light.
Relatability: I think of this book a little bit like The Village. Also Drought reminded me a bit of Running Out of Time by Margaret Peterson Haddix, one of my favorite novels in middle school. It's not quite dystopian, at least not hardcore dystopian. I think those looking for something a little different will enjoy this book.
Cover Commentary: Kind of a spooky looking cover. Definitely a book I'd pick up to look at.
Plot: I thought this was quite a unique book. It's about an almost cult-like community that worships this man named Otto, who happens to be the father of Ruby. He abandoned them to the cruelty of Darwin West, who uses them to harvest Water, which helps to cure wounds and make people live longer. That being said, it was hard to wrap my head around what was going on at first. There's little history and what is there is spread well throughout the length of the novel. I left the book with a lot of questions and no answers but my imagination. I'd like to see a prequel or sequel to this novel and see where it goes. I'm not sure I would call it dystopian exactly either. The government isn't oppressing these people, it's one man and I have no clue how he's gotten away with it for so long besides the hiring of muscle and not revealing their secret.
The novel is well written I just want my questions answered - especially why Otto is praised as this God to these people, he is a man, just one with special powers, special blood. I want to know how he found them, how they came to worship him - is he worthy of the worship or was he manipulating these people? See, tons of questions. I guess I enjoyed it quite a bit to want so much more from it.
Characters: Ruby definitely comes from a different world and when she starts to fall for a boy who is from the modern world, you really see the stark differences between them. She's quite willful and definitely a good example of a defiant teenager.
I'm not sure how I feel about Ford. There's some alluding to him being a bit of a player towards the end of the novel and I'm not sure he's really the support that Ruby can depend on if she were to leave her family and community. He's just a teen himself really (maybe early 20s) and doesn't really seem to understand what is going on at first and I'm not sure he really ever gets it completely. But I know Ruby feels a lot towards him so I can't see him in a totally negative light.
Relatability: I think of this book a little bit like The Village. Also Drought reminded me a bit of Running Out of Time by Margaret Peterson Haddix, one of my favorite novels in middle school. It's not quite dystopian, at least not hardcore dystopian. I think those looking for something a little different will enjoy this book.
Cover Commentary: Kind of a spooky looking cover. Definitely a book I'd pick up to look at.
February 25, 2011
Drought has been on the edges of my reading radar for a while. For probably three or four months before its release, I had it on my to read list because I was interested in what appeared to be a fascinating dystopian world with a clear water conservation/environmentalism message. When January rolled around and I couldn't find the book (and I saw its lukewarm reviews) I decided to let it drop off my to read list and focus on other things. When "Dystopian February" rolled around, and drought was finally coming to my local library, I thought it was time to check it out.
Drought takes places in a somewhat flimsily-constructed dystopian world where Ruby and her people, known as the Congregation, are enslaved to a man named Darwin and must spend their days hunting and harvesting water for fear of Darwin's brutal beatings. Darwin's underlings, the Overseers, keep a close eye on Ruby and her people, to be sure nothing seems to go amiss. Ruby longs to be free, but when a forbidden romance between Ruby and an Overseer blossoms, the need for freedom becomes even more intense.
Drought was a surprisingly dull read with a flimsy setting, one-dimensional characters and an awkward romance. When I first started reading Drought, I was surprised at the lack of detail and setting, as well as explanation for why things are the way they are in this world. I spent most of the book wanting to know why the heck these people are harvesting water and how or why they were enslaved in the first place. This is never explained.
Bachorz's writing is fairly average, but with some good ideas. The only problem is that the ideas seem to frequently lack direction and get jumbled on top of each other, almost as if Bachorz was trying to get some many out at once, but didn't fully develop any of them.
I was also surprised at the fact that Drought doesn't have that much of an overt dystopian feel or environmentalism themes, which I found disappointing. And though Ruby wants freedom and struggles against her situation, I never fully got a sense of "fight the power!" which is a typical theme behind dystopian novels.
With the seemingly endless cascade of new teen dystopian novels being released, it's easy to find something better than Drought. I honestly thought this book was incredibly disappointing and just weak. There are some good ideas here, but they need more time to mature.
Drought takes places in a somewhat flimsily-constructed dystopian world where Ruby and her people, known as the Congregation, are enslaved to a man named Darwin and must spend their days hunting and harvesting water for fear of Darwin's brutal beatings. Darwin's underlings, the Overseers, keep a close eye on Ruby and her people, to be sure nothing seems to go amiss. Ruby longs to be free, but when a forbidden romance between Ruby and an Overseer blossoms, the need for freedom becomes even more intense.
Drought was a surprisingly dull read with a flimsy setting, one-dimensional characters and an awkward romance. When I first started reading Drought, I was surprised at the lack of detail and setting, as well as explanation for why things are the way they are in this world. I spent most of the book wanting to know why the heck these people are harvesting water and how or why they were enslaved in the first place. This is never explained.
Bachorz's writing is fairly average, but with some good ideas. The only problem is that the ideas seem to frequently lack direction and get jumbled on top of each other, almost as if Bachorz was trying to get some many out at once, but didn't fully develop any of them.
I was also surprised at the fact that Drought doesn't have that much of an overt dystopian feel or environmentalism themes, which I found disappointing. And though Ruby wants freedom and struggles against her situation, I never fully got a sense of "fight the power!" which is a typical theme behind dystopian novels.
With the seemingly endless cascade of new teen dystopian novels being released, it's easy to find something better than Drought. I honestly thought this book was incredibly disappointing and just weak. There are some good ideas here, but they need more time to mature.
March 24, 2011
Ruby dreams of escaping the Congregation, the slaver, Darwin West and his cruel overseers, and the killing work of gathering Water. Water is what keeps the congregants alive for hundreds of years. It has incredible healing properties. Unfortunately, it is not the water, scraped from leaves and plants with spoons and collected cup by cup by the slaves, that keeps everyone alive, but the secret ingredient that is added to the water – drops of Ruby’s blood. Nobody but the congregants’ elders know that Ruby is the secret that keeps them alive. She gives willingly to help them, but when she asks for their help, they turn against her, even her own mother.
Ruby falls for the newest overseer, Ford, a young man who wants her to run away with him. She could leave the life of slavery and duty and become a regular teenager in the modern outside world. She knows where her duty lies, though and refuses to go with him. Unfortunately, her mother overhears her declaration of love and, with the other elders, beats Ford nearly to death. Ruby discovers his body and heals him and decides that this is not the place she thought it was.
This is a deep story full of pain, cruelty, fanaticism, healing, and a tiny bit of romance. Ruby is a believable character as is the farm where the congregants are held captive. What I had a little trouble believing was that they’d been there since 1812 with no contacts at all with the outside world. Just a short drive away are towns, cars, roads, and all the modern trappings of 2012. Perhaps better world building would have been a post-apocalyptic world. Also, the mysterious visitor who is mentioned throughout the story but doesn’t show up until the last chapter is a bit too “Boss Hogg” for comfort. Though thin, the all white suit on a cruel “master” in what is obviously New England in September just doesn’t ring true or believable.
Other than the “visitor” and odd timeline, this was a well-written book. The story is compelling, though dark, and has a satisfying end. Parts of it remind me briefly of “Tuck Everlasting” in that both contain a fountain of youth type of elixir, but there the comparison stops as this is a much heavier story that touches on brutality, slavery, murder, and greed. Even with all the darkness, there is a spark of light at the end as Ruby finds the strength to follow her heart and do what is right for her.
Ruby falls for the newest overseer, Ford, a young man who wants her to run away with him. She could leave the life of slavery and duty and become a regular teenager in the modern outside world. She knows where her duty lies, though and refuses to go with him. Unfortunately, her mother overhears her declaration of love and, with the other elders, beats Ford nearly to death. Ruby discovers his body and heals him and decides that this is not the place she thought it was.
This is a deep story full of pain, cruelty, fanaticism, healing, and a tiny bit of romance. Ruby is a believable character as is the farm where the congregants are held captive. What I had a little trouble believing was that they’d been there since 1812 with no contacts at all with the outside world. Just a short drive away are towns, cars, roads, and all the modern trappings of 2012. Perhaps better world building would have been a post-apocalyptic world. Also, the mysterious visitor who is mentioned throughout the story but doesn’t show up until the last chapter is a bit too “Boss Hogg” for comfort. Though thin, the all white suit on a cruel “master” in what is obviously New England in September just doesn’t ring true or believable.
Other than the “visitor” and odd timeline, this was a well-written book. The story is compelling, though dark, and has a satisfying end. Parts of it remind me briefly of “Tuck Everlasting” in that both contain a fountain of youth type of elixir, but there the comparison stops as this is a much heavier story that touches on brutality, slavery, murder, and greed. Even with all the darkness, there is a spark of light at the end as Ruby finds the strength to follow her heart and do what is right for her.
January 25, 2011
Review on blog
Drought is one of the first stand-alone novels I've read in a long time. At least, it seems to be a stand-alone novel for now. I know I say this with quite a lot of books, but I loved it. From start to finish, it was a beautiful, heartfelt ride. I felt I could connect with Ruby, the protagonist, through out most of the events. Even the bad guy - Darwin West - had cruelty that could be imagined. It's not the type that's impossible in this world, if you get my meaning.
I really liked the plot of the story. It was difficult to comprehend at first. But after about 75 pages, I fully understood what was going on.
Ruby's blood is sacred, just like her father's blood. Mixed with water, drops of her blood can heal any wound and save lives. Her father, Otto, is the Congregant's - the people who work for the horrible Darwin West, the people who gather water with pewter spoons from the leaves and plants and fill their cups to meet his impossible quotas - savior. They all wait for him to come and take them away from Darwin West.
But they've been waiting for 200 years (the Water, water mixed with Ruby's blood, lengthens their lives dramatically), and Ruby is tired of waiting. Tired of listening to her mother and the Congregants who tell her they must wait and endure until Otto returns.
Thoughts of rebellion and freedom fill Ruby's head. The new Overseer only makes it worse. But she can't leave them - she is the Congregants' Leader. They need her. But would they help her in return? Do they even love her for who she is, not her blood? Ruby learns the truth in the most horrifying way.
Pam Bachorz came up with an amazing storyline for Drought. You will definitely enjoy Ruby's unique voice and have no sympathy for Darwin West. All in all, Drought is one book you just can't miss, and ironically, it will leave you thirsting for more.
The cover fits really well with the story. The woods and Ruby's face on the cover blend in to suggest Ruby is part of the woods, it's where she has lived all her life. The color of her eye adds a bright contrast against the dark cover and, to me, signifies water, the thing they need most.
Drought is one of the first stand-alone novels I've read in a long time. At least, it seems to be a stand-alone novel for now. I know I say this with quite a lot of books, but I loved it. From start to finish, it was a beautiful, heartfelt ride. I felt I could connect with Ruby, the protagonist, through out most of the events. Even the bad guy - Darwin West - had cruelty that could be imagined. It's not the type that's impossible in this world, if you get my meaning.
I really liked the plot of the story. It was difficult to comprehend at first. But after about 75 pages, I fully understood what was going on.
Ruby's blood is sacred, just like her father's blood. Mixed with water, drops of her blood can heal any wound and save lives. Her father, Otto, is the Congregant's - the people who work for the horrible Darwin West, the people who gather water with pewter spoons from the leaves and plants and fill their cups to meet his impossible quotas - savior. They all wait for him to come and take them away from Darwin West.
But they've been waiting for 200 years (the Water, water mixed with Ruby's blood, lengthens their lives dramatically), and Ruby is tired of waiting. Tired of listening to her mother and the Congregants who tell her they must wait and endure until Otto returns.
Thoughts of rebellion and freedom fill Ruby's head. The new Overseer only makes it worse. But she can't leave them - she is the Congregants' Leader. They need her. But would they help her in return? Do they even love her for who she is, not her blood? Ruby learns the truth in the most horrifying way.
Pam Bachorz came up with an amazing storyline for Drought. You will definitely enjoy Ruby's unique voice and have no sympathy for Darwin West. All in all, Drought is one book you just can't miss, and ironically, it will leave you thirsting for more.
The cover fits really well with the story. The woods and Ruby's face on the cover blend in to suggest Ruby is part of the woods, it's where she has lived all her life. The color of her eye adds a bright contrast against the dark cover and, to me, signifies water, the thing they need most.
January 24, 2011
SUMMARY:
Ruby and her mother, along with some people from their village, are in the Congregation. A group of Otto (their version of a Messiah) worshipers who live out in the woods under the control of Darwin West, who forces them to harvest "special" water that has age defying and healing properties so that he can make a handsome profit. Little does he know that the water is only special because Ruby's (and Otto's) blood is special. When Darwin West hires a new enforcer that needs the money to help his sick mother, Ruby finds herself distracted from the days work and breaking the long practiced rules of her Congregation.
REVIEW:
I honestly have mixed thoughts on Drought. While I enjoyed reading the story, it also kind of made me mad. Not only are the Darwin West and his enforcers disgusting, horrible men, but the people in the "Congregation" are blind to what's going on around them. They are suffering and dying when they should be living long healthy prosperous lives. Instead they obey the sick, twisted West. Ruby's mother is a rotten person, and the way she treats her daughter is shameful. Ruby has never even met Otto (who is also her father, where she gets her special blood line) and yet she continues to be faithful for over 200 years to the Congregation, her controlling mother, and the vile West. The people out in the city think they are a cult, and as a reader I see them as nothing more than that as well.
The one redeeming aspect of the story is Ford. We see him struggle through his job, and know that he is only there because his mother is deathly ill. He keeps talking to Ruby and tries to make her see how she is living is wrong, but she just can't leave her "family" behind. Ruby dreams of seeing the modern world and the way to see it and live it is right in front of her in Ford.
A problem with the story is that we don't get enough background on Otto, we don't even know if he really exists or is even alive. I'm assuming there will be a sequel to Drought, and in that sequel (by what happens at the end of book 1) I think we'll find out more about Otto.
I'll most likely want to read the sequel, because even though I had some issues with the story I enjoyed the writing and Ruby's voice.
Ruby and her mother, along with some people from their village, are in the Congregation. A group of Otto (their version of a Messiah) worshipers who live out in the woods under the control of Darwin West, who forces them to harvest "special" water that has age defying and healing properties so that he can make a handsome profit. Little does he know that the water is only special because Ruby's (and Otto's) blood is special. When Darwin West hires a new enforcer that needs the money to help his sick mother, Ruby finds herself distracted from the days work and breaking the long practiced rules of her Congregation.
REVIEW:
I honestly have mixed thoughts on Drought. While I enjoyed reading the story, it also kind of made me mad. Not only are the Darwin West and his enforcers disgusting, horrible men, but the people in the "Congregation" are blind to what's going on around them. They are suffering and dying when they should be living long healthy prosperous lives. Instead they obey the sick, twisted West. Ruby's mother is a rotten person, and the way she treats her daughter is shameful. Ruby has never even met Otto (who is also her father, where she gets her special blood line) and yet she continues to be faithful for over 200 years to the Congregation, her controlling mother, and the vile West. The people out in the city think they are a cult, and as a reader I see them as nothing more than that as well.
The one redeeming aspect of the story is Ford. We see him struggle through his job, and know that he is only there because his mother is deathly ill. He keeps talking to Ruby and tries to make her see how she is living is wrong, but she just can't leave her "family" behind. Ruby dreams of seeing the modern world and the way to see it and live it is right in front of her in Ford.
A problem with the story is that we don't get enough background on Otto, we don't even know if he really exists or is even alive. I'm assuming there will be a sequel to Drought, and in that sequel (by what happens at the end of book 1) I think we'll find out more about Otto.
I'll most likely want to read the sequel, because even though I had some issues with the story I enjoyed the writing and Ruby's voice.
November 16, 2013
Ruby, a teenage girl, has the power to keep a whole enslaved Congregation alive. She has sacred blood that gives water healing qualities, and the community relies on her. Meeting Ford, a kind Overseer, Ruby’s feelings grow for him, and they realize that escape from Darwin West’s cruel world is possible. As Ruby struggles to keep the Congregation and herself alive, she has to decide if she is more loyal to them, with their faithful ways, or herself.
This book made me connect to “The Hunger Games” because the main character Ruby is similar to Katniss, as they are both poor. This is shown through their small and rugged cottages. The two main characters are also similar as they both fell in love with men that have more money than them. Peeta was part of one of the more fortunate families in District 12 in “The Hunger Games,” and Ford, from “Drought,” was also from a place with more money and independence than where Ruby was from.
I would recommend this book to a classmate because it made me clearly visualize the story in my head. “Drought” was also hard to put down as it had a love story which made me want to know more about it. I would recommend "Drought" to fans of “The Last Song," and "The Hunger Games," as they all have love stories in them.
This book made me connect to “The Hunger Games” because the main character Ruby is similar to Katniss, as they are both poor. This is shown through their small and rugged cottages. The two main characters are also similar as they both fell in love with men that have more money than them. Peeta was part of one of the more fortunate families in District 12 in “The Hunger Games,” and Ford, from “Drought,” was also from a place with more money and independence than where Ruby was from.
I would recommend this book to a classmate because it made me clearly visualize the story in my head. “Drought” was also hard to put down as it had a love story which made me want to know more about it. I would recommend "Drought" to fans of “The Last Song," and "The Hunger Games," as they all have love stories in them.
July 24, 2015
Ruby and her mother with a congregation of people live in the woods and are slaves to Darwin West. They harvest water every day from the dew off plants with a pewter cup and spoon. They are watched by Overseerers and beat regularly if they don't produce the days quota. Every year a visitor comes and takes the water. The only reason the water is of any value is because every night Ruby cuts herself and lets her blood drop into the barrel. Her blood heals and allows the congregation to live forever as they are given one drop each week as communion. They are supposedly waiting for Otto to save them (Ruby's father). THe rest of the world goes on normally around them. Things only change when Ruby falls in love with Ford, one of the overseerers. Really a bizarre book but interesting enough that I wanted to finish it to see what happens. It's never told, but my speculation is that the Visitor who comes every year to take the water that's been harvested is really Otto, looking to live forever but not in the conditions this poor congregation is living in. Ruby ends up leaving with Ford for a better life after her mom and the elders all beat Ford almost to the death as punishment for liking Ruby. She saves him with her blood and one of the barrels of water.
December 19, 2014
Ok so I really liked this book but I have to admit it was not only confusing but a little weird which I'll explain so get ready for spoilers(duh) because here they come.
So I didn't really understand what the congregation was I assumed it was some kind of cult but I never actually understood if her blood was actually magic like it was because it saved her super dreamy boyfriend dude but then it was like confusing and stuff. Then her mother was basically a bitter old lady who was obsessed over some dude Otto who her heart was broken by because he knocked her up who knows how long ago and didn't return(welcome to the 21st century lady) and then she tricks the congregation into thinking he's going to return but he really never will(or at least that's what I got out of it). Then this same lady goes all psycho and tries to kill Ruby's super dreamy boyfriend dude because she thinks Ruby is going to leave the congregation which (Surprise!) he does with her super dreamy boyfriend dude after she saves him with her magical blood.
In the end I really enjoyed the book but I wish it wrapped itself up a little better because obviously there were a lot of unanswered question at the end of it.
So I didn't really understand what the congregation was I assumed it was some kind of cult but I never actually understood if her blood was actually magic like it was because it saved her super dreamy boyfriend dude but then it was like confusing and stuff. Then her mother was basically a bitter old lady who was obsessed over some dude Otto who her heart was broken by because he knocked her up who knows how long ago and didn't return(welcome to the 21st century lady) and then she tricks the congregation into thinking he's going to return but he really never will(or at least that's what I got out of it). Then this same lady goes all psycho and tries to kill Ruby's super dreamy boyfriend dude because she thinks Ruby is going to leave the congregation which (Surprise!) he does with her super dreamy boyfriend dude after she saves him with her magical blood.
In the end I really enjoyed the book but I wish it wrapped itself up a little better because obviously there were a lot of unanswered question at the end of it.
September 29, 2015
I absolutely loved "Drought". It was a great novel that I highly recommend. I was actually pretty upset to finish the book, I felt I was missing many answers, I definitely didn't find the ending satisfying, I just wanted more!
The book took place maybe a few year in the future in a small village outside a big city. The book focuses on Ruby's choice between her people and her heart. It was interesting to see how the characters stayed loyal to Otto (their God) through the roughest times believing he will one day return to save them. The secret of the "healing blood" is truly the only reason Ruby has to stay but the choices she makes will either set her free or make her people suffer.
Over all I thought "Drought" was a good quality read. It was definitely an intense book but very well written. Sadly, the character development didn't begin until later in the book leading you to question the characters background information. The author also didn't answer all you questions leading parts of the book up to you imagination. Although this book doesn't have a completed plot; in my opinion, it's a great book that keeps you tied in and you will want to keep reading. If your looking for a dystopian feel will adventure and love "Drought" is the book for you.
The book took place maybe a few year in the future in a small village outside a big city. The book focuses on Ruby's choice between her people and her heart. It was interesting to see how the characters stayed loyal to Otto (their God) through the roughest times believing he will one day return to save them. The secret of the "healing blood" is truly the only reason Ruby has to stay but the choices she makes will either set her free or make her people suffer.
Over all I thought "Drought" was a good quality read. It was definitely an intense book but very well written. Sadly, the character development didn't begin until later in the book leading you to question the characters background information. The author also didn't answer all you questions leading parts of the book up to you imagination. Although this book doesn't have a completed plot; in my opinion, it's a great book that keeps you tied in and you will want to keep reading. If your looking for a dystopian feel will adventure and love "Drought" is the book for you.
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