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mariahistryingtoread's review
4.0
The most sobering aspect of Thirst, is that the worsening effects of climate change - and infuriating lack of government response - means a majority of us may inevitably find ourselves in Minni's situation some day.
The successful takeover by conservative bigotry and religious extremism over much of our political sphere - or rather the reassertion of its dominance - means that Minni's level of poverty and educational restrictions are already a reality for many in the United States regardless of our 'First World' status.
This book is a great look at adverse circumstances in a foreign country and one girls' continued pushback against adversity. For kids who have led (comparatively) privileged lives or been insulated from the world at large it's hopefully a wake-up call to appreciate what you have. On the other side of the coin, it serves as a grim reminder at where we might be headed.
The existential dread of what's to come may follow you, but make no mistake this an optimistic book at its core. Minni is more than aware of how dire her circumstances are. Yet despite the insurmountable odds before her, the book makes it a point to emphasize how the only true way for her to fail is to give into that despair.
Those in power desperately want you to feel any action is futile. Shaking up the status quo is detrimental to their self-interests, after all. It's important now more than ever that we refuse to yield. If we succumb now then there's no chance of anything getting better. As long as we try, the opportunity for change will always be there.
Easier said than done, I know, but that's the point Thirst is making. It is hard. It is unbelievably, unfairly, unprecedentedly hard. Acknowledging the potential (probable) failure of a social movement, recognizing the callous disregard for human life many have, feeling burnt out, wringed out, and beat like a dead horse while refusing to stop advocating for better is probably the hardest thing you'll ever do.
The unfortunate truth of the matter is: you have to do it anyway.
The successful takeover by conservative bigotry and religious extremism over much of our political sphere - or rather the reassertion of its dominance - means that Minni's level of poverty and educational restrictions are already a reality for many in the United States regardless of our 'First World' status.
This book is a great look at adverse circumstances in a foreign country and one girls' continued pushback against adversity. For kids who have led (comparatively) privileged lives or been insulated from the world at large it's hopefully a wake-up call to appreciate what you have. On the other side of the coin, it serves as a grim reminder at where we might be headed.
The existential dread of what's to come may follow you, but make no mistake this an optimistic book at its core. Minni is more than aware of how dire her circumstances are. Yet despite the insurmountable odds before her, the book makes it a point to emphasize how the only true way for her to fail is to give into that despair.
Those in power desperately want you to feel any action is futile. Shaking up the status quo is detrimental to their self-interests, after all. It's important now more than ever that we refuse to yield. If we succumb now then there's no chance of anything getting better. As long as we try, the opportunity for change will always be there.
Easier said than done, I know, but that's the point Thirst is making. It is hard. It is unbelievably, unfairly, unprecedentedly hard. Acknowledging the potential (probable) failure of a social movement, recognizing the callous disregard for human life many have, feeling burnt out, wringed out, and beat like a dead horse while refusing to stop advocating for better is probably the hardest thing you'll ever do.
The unfortunate truth of the matter is: you have to do it anyway.
bibliobrandie's review
4.0
An important story about water, the scarcity of water, and who has access to water. Minni is a girl in Mumbai who realizes that her family's daily struggle to get water is very different than how the people living in fancy apartments get their water. Minni and her friends find themselves fighting with the water mafia, thieves who steal and sell fresh water illegally. Great authors note and call for justice.
thealien_em's review
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
thepetitepunk's review
4.0
4.5 stars
Fantastic. This hard-hitting middle grade novel is great for an older audience too. I loved the writing and the plot held my interest. I also recommend the audiobook!
✧ ✧ ✧
≪reading 31 books for 31 days of july≫
╰┈➤ 1. intimacies by katie kitamura
╰┈➤ 2. convenience store woman by sayaka murata
╰┈➤ 3. shout by laurie halse anderson
╰┈➤ 4. lemon by kwon yeo-sun
╰┈➤ 5. here the whole time by vitor martins
╰┈➤ 6. i’m still here: black dignity in a world made for whiteness by austin channing brown
╰┈➤ 7. the worst kind of want by liska jacobs
╰┈➤ 8. come as you are by emily nagoski
╰┈➤ 9. the swimmers by julie otsuka
╰┈➤ 10. fables: book one by bill willingham
╰┈➤ 11. the wild robot by peter brown
╰┈➤ 12. red to the bone by jacqueline woodson
╰┈➤ 13. afterlife by julia alvarez
╰┈➤ 14. no one is too small to make a difference by greta thunberg
╰┈➤ 15. ring shout by p. djèlí clark
╰┈➤ 16. a psalm for the wild-built by becky chambers
╰┈➤ 17. reasons to stay alive by matt haig
╰┈➤ 18. reminders of him by colleen hoover
╰┈➤ 19. binti by nnedi okorafor
╰┈➤ 20. the everything i have lost by sylvia zéleny
╰┈➤ 21. blackwater by jeannette arroyo and ren graham
╰┈➤ 22. thirst by varsha bajaj
Fantastic. This hard-hitting middle grade novel is great for an older audience too. I loved the writing and the plot held my interest. I also recommend the audiobook!
✧ ✧ ✧
≪reading 31 books for 31 days of july≫
╰┈➤ 1. intimacies by katie kitamura
╰┈➤ 2. convenience store woman by sayaka murata
╰┈➤ 3. shout by laurie halse anderson
╰┈➤ 4. lemon by kwon yeo-sun
╰┈➤ 5. here the whole time by vitor martins
╰┈➤ 6. i’m still here: black dignity in a world made for whiteness by austin channing brown
╰┈➤ 7. the worst kind of want by liska jacobs
╰┈➤ 8. come as you are by emily nagoski
╰┈➤ 9. the swimmers by julie otsuka
╰┈➤ 10. fables: book one by bill willingham
╰┈➤ 11. the wild robot by peter brown
╰┈➤ 12. red to the bone by jacqueline woodson
╰┈➤ 13. afterlife by julia alvarez
╰┈➤ 14. no one is too small to make a difference by greta thunberg
╰┈➤ 15. ring shout by p. djèlí clark
╰┈➤ 16. a psalm for the wild-built by becky chambers
╰┈➤ 17. reasons to stay alive by matt haig
╰┈➤ 18. reminders of him by colleen hoover
╰┈➤ 19. binti by nnedi okorafor
╰┈➤ 20. the everything i have lost by sylvia zéleny
╰┈➤ 21. blackwater by jeannette arroyo and ren graham
╰┈➤ 22. thirst by varsha bajaj
librarydosebykristy's review
4.0
Realistic story of hardship in a young, poor Indian girl’s life working and trying to go to school while living in Mumbai. I liked the way the author told the story with positivity and hopefulness. It was never depressing, but always looking ahead, land there is a gratifying happy ending following a bit of a mystery involving a group of thieves stealing water for the black market.
Great for grades 3 -6.
Great for grades 3 -6.
ticha_bugalho's review
3.75
'Thrist' offers a poignant glimpse into the harsh realities of life in Mumbai, where wealth disparity and water scarcity intersect. Through a compelling narrative, the novel sheds light on the struggles faced by impoverished families seeking better opportunities. Despite its sobering themes, the story captivates with its portrayal of community solidarity and resilience. While its understated urgency may initially raise concerns, the book ultimately proves to be a powerful and thought-provoking read.
Appealing to readers of all ages, this exceptional novel stands out with its captivating plot and skillfull writing.
Appealing to readers of all ages, this exceptional novel stands out with its captivating plot and skillfull writing.
jem8953's review
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
vishnu_'s review
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
day_fisher's review against another edition
4.0
Found this by chance minutes before heading on a road trip, but it was a good story sharing the challenges of living without access to education and water while still being fictional.