Over A Barrel: A Simple Guide to the Oil Shortage

Tom Mast
Hayden Publishers (2005)
ISBN 0976444003 
Reviewed by Joanne Benham for Reader Views (6/06)

Tom Mast has taken on an insurmountable task in writing this book.  After he gives the reader a clear, concise report explaining the meaning of energy and exploring the various types of energy available, he brings his focus in on oil, a natural energy source that we are consuming in such vast quantities that experts estimate the supply could be used up in our lifetime. 

There are only two viable options to get us out of this crisis.  We can find a new source of energy to replace oil or, and here’s where the insurmountable task comes in, we can start to conserve.  Mr. Mast actually thinks that people should conserve heating and air conditioning fuels.  That could mean having to live in a smaller house and we all know a family of four needs at least a four-bedroom home, with both living room and a family room.  And then he goes on to suggest we buy more fuel-efficient vehicles.  What about our SUV’s?  How will anyone realize how important we are if we’re tooling around in a mini car?  Although I say this tongue-in-cheek, these are very real concerns for a lot of people.

The United States has had too much wealth for too long to make relinquishing any part of it easy.  It’s time we started.  I think this book should be required reading in every high school in the United States.  The biggest change is going to have to come through our children and they must be prepared to make and live with those changes.

The crisis is on us now America and we need to start taking steps to ensure a viable future for our children.

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