To the Last Drop: A Novel of Water, Oppression, and Rebellion (Paperback)

by Andrew Wice (Author)
Key Phrases: cholla ants, tortilla terrorists, jesus bro, New Mexico, Bobby Earl, New Texas (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon declared in a recent United Nations address: "Too often, where we need water we find guns instead. Population growth will make the problem worse. So will climate change. As the global economy grows, so will its thirst. Many more conflicts lie just over the horizon." Anticipating what might happen when this declaration comes true, To The Last Drop foreshadows what might happen when water reserves and resources decline in the immediate future. As written in this thrilling novel, when this critical resource dries up, governments may need to exploit every option at their disposal to secure water - even resorting to warfare. In such turmoil, individuals will have to defend their water rights by any means necessary in order to secure their livelihood, including armed insurgency. Such an imminent crisis exists between Texas and New Mexico, which have fought bitterly over water rights since the early nineteenth century. The pattern of a Texan invasion followed by New Mexican resistance is brought to the present day in To The Last Drop. Taken from this morning's headlines, the novel is narrated by a tragic-comic cast from all sides of the conflict. Exploring the development of the Southwest, the relationship between oppression and terrorism, and our unquenchable thirst for water, Andrew Wice's novel provides much more then just a fictional tale.

Product Details

• Paperback: 324 pages
• Publisher: Bauu Institute (April 21, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0972134964
• ISBN-13: 978-0972134965
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 5.8 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,046,082 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Great read, May 12, 2008

By	Kirk E. Righter "Kirk Righter, FCGmA" (Sunol, Ca) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Wise paints a picture that's easy to believe: Texas invades New Mexico under the direction of a GW Bush-like bully, complete with a staff that's similar to the administration currently occupying the White House. The new war is all about water rights, and there's no help from D.C., as U.S. armed forces are bogged down in the middle east. Believable characters, good dialog, plenty of humor, and an accurate description of the people and places that make up modern day New Mexico make this a great read.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Give it a go. You'll enjoy this read. , May 12, 2008

By	K. L. Cox (St. Paul, MN United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

As the story is about war and oppression, I didn't expect to laugh my way through this book. Ponder, reflect, giggle. Ponder, reflect, giggle, snort. My favorite scene takes place in a small town filled with dogs that are lovingly cared for by ordinary folks who understand resistance. Before I got to this scene, I had a dozen other favorite moments.

I did recommend this book to a friend who is teaching her daughter about the politics of water. She feels it is a bit much for a 12-year-old to read on her own. I say kids need to buck up! Only joking. Unless it is a family project, young readers should skip this one.

5.0 out of 5 stars Water wars and vivid characters, January 11, 2009

By	M. Adler "Enviro Literate" (Mountain View, CA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

To the Last Drop: A Novel of Water, Oppression, and Rebellion

This novel was very entertaining, timely and educational--all at the same time. I didn't realize the full impact of the fragile geology and impending demise of the aquifers in the Southwest, and I was unfamiliar with the historical references (sometimes comically revealed) and the parallels in the novel. I was most impressed, however, with the boldly drawn and fully realized characters, such as U.S. Armstrong and the Governor, not to mention the motorcyle dudes, slackers, and scientists who people the story. The tale is very cinematic, and descriptions and dialogue are excellent. Hats off to a new writer with an ear for dialogue, an eye for description, and a great storyteller.