H2O

By Virginia Bergin

The general premise of this story is that now rain is killer. Any drop on your skin is enough to cause death. The point of view is from a young girl in high school, Ruby. There are many ways to tell this story, but the choice of perception from a high school girl adds interest in unanticipated ways. The story reeks of death, as is unavoidable, but instead of being cold and harsh about the reality of the world, Ruby shares thoughts about her first kiss and missing her smart phone and dying her hair. While it is unfair to judge how anyone reacts to an apocalyptic situation (as none of us have gone through such an event), I initially was quite peeved at how young the book seemed with Ruby's point of view. It frustrated me how she was more concerned with petty things, not perfecting her strategies. She went 'shopping' for new, hot clothes, instead of signing into the military base. It drove me up the wall that Ruby did not have the vision or perception to understand that when the military was questioning her for special skills or talent, they were assessing her usefulness. (Her shipment to the middle of no-where did not surprise me with the likes of her peers in that moment.) 

Upon reading the frequent sections involving animals, as an avid animal lover, I experienced great love and hate for Ruby. I loved her desire to save all of the doggies and the hamster and to release the cows and any other life from their prisons of locked doors. I hated that she left Fluffysnuggles the hamster and utterly forgot him. I hated having to release the doggies from her car (even though I really really understand the need). Overall, I abhorred all of the animal scenes because it was a mixed bag of outcomes and I am quick to fall in love with little souls.

Since reading, I have reflected upon my feelings. There is merit to be noted. Ruby's voice was so beautifully created and wholly concentrated throughout the novel. I also have to acknowledge that this book came highly recommended to me. It is one of my best friends favorite books, and that is saying a lot because she reads any book she can get her eyes on. Also, my best friend and I have incredibly similar tastes for everything and generally identical views on the world, so when she said this book was her favorite, it is basically a must-read. Maybe our tastes are beginning to diverge. We shall see.

There is a sequel, The Storm. I have low expectations but will let you know my thoughts soon!

Happy Reading, Bookworms