We have all heard about the Y2K bug and what problems will occur when the clock strikes midnight on Jan. 1, 2000. Many books offer guides to surviving Y2K. People are getting their hands on as much information as they can about this potential disaster, but have they read anything from a hippy’s point of view?Mike Oehler, author of “The Hippy Survival Guide to Y2K,” is a hippy from the 60s who lives a self-sufficient, back to the land lifestyle in the Idaho countryside. He built his underground home for $50.This book is different than other Y2K books because Oehler is not just out to make a quick buck and sell some useless supplies. He wants us to realize what could happen and he wants us to live happily ever after.Oehler believes that many people do not fear Y2K and will not be prepared for the new year. He believes people will search for answers when they have no food, water or heat. He also shows insight to the hippy lifestyle that could give many people answers to surviving Y2K.Oehler believes if Americans follow a hippy lifestyle in 2000, they will live better.The first half of the book offers a countdown to 2000 and details how Oehler spreads the word about Y2K to fellow citizens and town officials. Oehler also tells how he is preparing himself for the new year and how his readers can too.Many hours were spent researching the Y2K bug and the effects it could have. He went to conferences, meetings with town officials and extensively researched the Internet.The result is a funny yet informative book that will keep you flipping from one page to the next. In between the days that he posts us on how the government is not doing anything about Y2K or not preparing its computer systems, Oehler throws in little pieces of news that remind us of the timeframe in which the book was written.Oehler also discusses how he informed others in his community how to deal with the problem and what they can do to prepare themselves for the flood of refugees. No one in town pays attention to his philosophies. Many of his thoughts and philosophies are explained in the book but he never tries to shove his ideas on the readers. He feels they are just suggestions to living a better life.The second half of the book is very informational and gives great advice on how to build shelter, how to get fresh water and how to get heat. Oehler also lists good items to stockpile, a listing of websites for more Y2K information and a list of mail-order catalogs. Overall the book is well written and gives us an in depth view of the hippy lifestyle that many college students probably wish they could lead. It is very informative, yet very entertaining. The book is a must read for any one who has questions about Y2K or just wants a different approach on the whole situation. Others might want to keep it on hand for a real survival guide.