The Second Baptism of Albert Simmel. Rodney Clapp

Albert Simmel lives in the Age of the Descent. Roads and other infrastructure have fallen into utter disrepair. The petroleum supply has basically petered out. The constituents hold all political and economic power. Beneath them struggle the subs, of which Al is one. Al has lost the love of his life, Valerie, in a terrible accident. He passes his days with his work as a tutor to constituents, and in the dull pain of his loss. Then comes shocking news that changes his life and leads him on a journey across what is now called Old America. Along the way he will encounter a buffalo stampede, attacks of bandits and pirates, the violent practices of a scapegoating religion, the so-called meta-Indians, the last movie in a gentle small town, and a host of colorful characters. Throughout his arduous travels he intriguingly ruminates on the riches–and challenges–of a life of faith. At once science fiction, a western, a comedy, a love story, and a novel of ideas, The Second Baptism of Albert Simmel is filled with suspense and vivid scenes, and takes the reader on an unforgettable journey.