In a Handful of Dust by Mindy McGinnis Review

Reading Level: Young Adult
Publisher Katherine Tegen 
Source: Conference
Companion to Not a Drop to Drink
The only thing bigger than the world is fear.
Lucy’s life by the pond has always been full. She has water and friends, laughter and the love of her adoptive mother, Lynn, who has made sure that Lucy’s childhood was very different from her own. Yet it seems Lucy’s future is settled already—a house, a man, children, and a water source—and anything beyond their life by the pond is beyond reach.
When disease burns through their community, the once life-saving water of the pond might be the source of what’s killing them now. Rumors of desalinization plants in California have lingered in Lynn’s mind, and the prospect of a “normal” life for Lucy sets the two of them on an epic journey west to face new dangers: hunger, mountains, deserts, betrayal, and the perils of a world so vast that Lucy fears she could be lost forever, only to disappear in a handful of dust.
In this companion to Not a Drop to Drink, Mindy McGinnis thrillingly combines the heart-swelling hope of a journey, the challenges of establishing your own place in the world, and the gripping physical danger of nature in a futuristic frontier.

Review
Even though this is a companion, I was still very excited to read it. Not a Drop to Drink was an amazing read as was this. It had all the elements I loved with some new ones too. It definitely did the series justice!

Lucy has a great life by the pond. When disease strikes through her community, no one knows what to do. Lynn has always heard of better places. But getting there wont be easy. Is it worth the risk?

Lucy has grown into an amazing character. I was so happy to see her again. I loved how true to herself she was. She was very determined. She got stronger and stronger throughout the story. I loved how open she was with her emotions. She was easy to relate too. I am so glad Lynn was such a big part of this story. She is still tough as nails. She too has grown. Her and Lucy made for a great family aspect. They would do anything for each other. 

This had quite the storyline. It was very gritty. It definitely didn't lack any realism. I loved it's darkness. You could really see how difficult things were. You saw the people suffering. I loved that this kept me on my toes. I had no idea what to expect. I loved all the cross country traveling and all the different settings. Overall this was a nice addition to the story. I really enjoyed it. This author has impressed me. I cannot wait to see what she does next!