IN A HANDFUL OF DUST by Mindy McGinnis

IN A HANDFUL OF DUST is the sequel to NOT A DROP TO DRINK by Mindy McGinnis.  This second novel returns to Ohio and reunites with Lynn, Lucy, Vera, and Stebbs.  They are dealing with a new threat to their fragile existence - an outbreak of polio.


Vera and Stebbs are the lucky ones having been immunized against polio when they were young.  The generations since the Shortage were not as lucky.  With more people living in the area of Lynn's pond, the disease has claimed many, including Lucy's best friend.  Vera is working hard to determine the source of the outbreak, hoping to save the lives of those still remaining.


Lucy has learned much from Lynn since the loss of her mother and Eli.  She now considers Lynn her mother, but they often don't see eye-to-eye on what's best.  Lucy has also met Carson.  A love interest is quickly blossoming and both are planning a future together.  Unfortunately, Vera's discovery is about to ruin everything.  She believes that Carson is the carrier of the polio virus.  It might even be possible that Lucy is a carrier.


When Lucy learns the bad news, she is devastated and decides to accept Lynn's invitation to leave the safety of their pond and head to California and a settlement rumored to be the only place where things resemble the world before the Shortage.  Together they head off on a perilous journey hoping to find safe water along the way and avoid the other dangers sure to cross their paths.


Author Mindy McGinnis presents a completely new set of challenges for her characters that are sure to fascinate fans of NOT A DROP TO DRINK.  What could Lynn and Lucy possibly encounter as they attempt to cross the country from Ohio to California?  Get your hands on a copy of IN A HANDFUL OF DUST and find out.