The Law of the Desert

About the Book

The Law of The Desert is the story of Will Carter, beginning in his twelth year and continuing into young adulthood. The setting is South West Arizona during the latter half of the 1800's. Will is a true hero, strong and good, his character is molded by a deep faith in his Creator and a compassion for others. These qualities, when combined with his curiosity and adventuresome spirit, create a story rich in humour and excitement. The story begins on a Sunday morning when Will and Ben, his best friend smuggle a bad tempered lizard into church and bring the service to an abrupt and chotic halt. Soon after, Will and his friends inadvertently destroy the annual community music night with the help of Ben's dog and a love sick Tom Cat. Will is big and strong for his age, a natural leader with a strong desire to do what is right. He also has some foibles which add colour to his life and sometimes complicate normal situations, such as his assuming the task of directing the courtship of his widowed mother and Nathan Penny and later their wedding. He turns his first meeting with Becky Sutter, who later becomes his wife, into a comedy of errors as he fights a losing battle to control himself. Will loves the desert. As he explores it with Nathan and later by himself, he begins to see the lessons it teaches, the mysteries it holds, and the temptations and dangers one must face and defeat if one is to survive. Will is concerned for the plight of the Indians. As he grows older this concern grows into a determination to help. The Indians respect for Will prompts them to reveal the exsistence of a hidden valley paradise. Will and his friends prosper in the valley, and all seems to be going well until his old arch enemy ambushes him and leaves him a cripple. Will is forced to review his past and reconsider the basis of his faith. He finally challenges God in an all night battle and demands answers. God reveals himself and His own greatness, and Will is humbled and able to go on with life based on real faith.

About the Author

Bill Keith at the age of six, loved the hot, sunny climates of Southern California. He was able to help himself to the abundant supply of fruits, berries, and melons that filled the countryside. As his borders broadened, so his fascinsation grew to inlcude the desert and its inhabitants. When he was sixteen he was abruptly uprooted and sent to a different kind of desert, namely the Saskatchewan prairie, where he enrolled in a Christian boarding school. He soon became preoccupied with wooing the girl of his dreams. They married at the age of nineteen, had three kids, received a bachelor degree as well as a masters degree at Briercrest Schools in Caronport, Sasktachewan. Bill seemed to have been set in life until at the age of forty-six he was diagnosed with Parkinsons disease. Lessons learnt through the struggle with his disease have helped him to cope with his disease and enjoy a meaningfull life. Bill resides with his wife Jean in Asquith, Saskatchewan.