What if we were all stranded on a desert island? An oasis is like an island, and this is where Herb Dimock stages his portrayal of our economic life.

Life may not be as simple as Once Upon A Desert portrays it, but this short story lets us notice things about our society that might help us move things in a more constructive direction.

Herb Dimock weaves a story of five personalities living at the oasis. They improve the place and their economy physically, but suffer at each other's hands. How they respond to a major threat against their whole livelihood will show whether their attitudes can also be improved.

Among his books heralding a new humanity, this parable is definitely fun. Every page has a cute line-drawing illustration opposite it.

EXERPT:

Daffy spoke earnestly. "We have a terrible problem. I set up ten stakes between the dune and the compound. The wind moved the dune past seven of the ten. The Great Wind is coming. In one night it can bury us alive. I have watched the dune's movement for many days. We cannot delay. We must change our way or be destroyed."

"Nonsense," said Miller. "The Great Wind has come and gone. It probably won't come again in this century."

"Last night was only the forewarning," she said. "I've been watching the signs. I can tell. The dune comes closer each day. Your way of running things, Miller, won't work anymore."

"It has worked all right to the present. Plus, it'sthe only one we've got. Now, everybody get back to work or --

"Wait!" she said. "I have a new plan. This is one that will insure our survival for all time to come."

$8 U.S.    34 pg booklet with illustrations