Lauren Olamina is a fifteen-year-old in a dystopian America of 2024. Climate change and inequality play a big role in this world. There is very clear class segregation, making life miserable for the increasing number of people which can´t afford basic life neccesities. That, and the constant natural disasters and contamination, make life very hard in America. Lauren is quite lucky though, as she was born inside a gated community which separated her from that world. However, as she suffered from hyperempathy (a disease which allows her to feel the same as others), it is quite harmful for her when she needs to leave the community.
After her community burns down, she and the other survivors leave with the intention of finding a better life North. While it is quite hard to survive in a world where caos and violence rule, they decide that as long as they trust and help each other, they will be able to survive. The group works their way up North while recruiting others who can join them.
I didn´t think I was going to like this book as it started in quite a boring way. However, in the end, it turned out to be quite engaging.