Thirst

Water is such a basic human need, and one which its ready availability we usually take for granted. But what if one day mysteriously that all changed. In Thirst by Benjamin Warner, the main protagonists are faced with such a dilemma. Taking place in the midst of a scorching hot summer and immediately following an unexplained disaster which has left the streambeds bone dry, trees burnt, homes without power and no running water, Eddie and Laura Chapman have to suffer the effects of heat and thirst, but also the fear that no one is coming to help them. As violence and panic spreads in the streets, they’re forced to decide just what they’re willing to do to survive.

Thirst is a very small book which made for a quick, but very tense read. The author did a great job of quickly ratcheting up the tension as the protagonists very lives were on the brink of extinction, making you feel their building sense of desperation. While it was gripping and impactful (believe me, by the last page I was planning a Costco run to stockpile on water, no joke), the speed at which all social norms and sense of morality deteriorated in the story - literally from one day to the next - seemed a bit of a stretch. Granted panic does spread like wildfire, but in the span of hours would you so quickly be able to go from law-abiding citizen to guilt-ridden thieves and murderers?

Despite my small gripe, Thirst was a worthwhile read, if for no other reason than to be frighteningly reminded of the importance of this natural resource.