Post apocalytic Utopian society, work for credits, Northern Calif or Pac NW. Old black woman the wise elder. [s]

[Molly]

This book was set in a semi-utopian society, I think in northern California or the Pacific northwest of the United States. The society operated without money, working for equal credits. I remember a doctor as a character. The wise woman of the society was an old black woman, who I believe sent an expedition out to explore for some reason. It reminded me a little of the concept of The Stand, in that there was a group of good people working together (but long after whatever Big Event changed everything), and apparently evil groups existed as well. I was only a third of the way finished when I lost the book. I was reading this in paperback form in the late 80s or early 90s.

[Sheila]

I don't specifically remember an old black woman, but one set in Oregon from that time frame is

A Gift Upon the Shore

or maybe
Pilgrimage to Hell which has a black woman.

[Molly]

Thanks, but neither of those is the book. The society was large (ish), and complete. It used a lot of technology (I believe a computer system to keep track of work credits) but the main theme was that these people had established a near-utopia, but perhaps something was amiss or danger was coming from the outside world.

[Debbie is on Storygraph]

Molly wrote: "This book was set in a semi-utopian society, I think in northern California or the Pacific northwest of the United States. The society operated without money, working for equal credits. I remember ..."

Kim Stanley Robinson has three books that take place in a future California: The Three California Triptych. All three take place at a different point in time. I haven't read these so don't know if they fit the description.

[Kate]

Parable of the Talents could fit this. It's set in northern California, I think. It's the second of two books. The first one is Parable of the Sower.

[D.M.]

Pacific Northwest reminds me of Ecotopia for some reason.

[Lobstergirl, au gratin]

Possibly The Fifth Sacred Thing?

Worldcat has the book jacket summary.
http://www.worldcat.org/title/fifth-s...

[Molly]

Oh my, I think The Fifth Sacred Thing just may be it! I am literally going to just order it (it sounds good anyway). I have been searching for this book off and on for years now! Thank you, everyone for your help, and especially Lobstergirl :) I will let you know if it turns out to be the book I put down (then lost) 20 years ago!

[Lobstergirl, au gratin]

Hope it turns out to be the right book!

[Ann aka Iftcan]

Got my toes crossed for you Molly. I'd offer to cross the fingers, but then I couldn't "talk" to everyone. :o)

[Molly]

Still waiting for it to arrive. I'm more and more certain it's the right book - the name Maya feels right. I'll let you know once it arrives!

[Molly]

It showed up today, and is definitely the book I was looking for. Decided to start at the beginning, since it's been a while since I put it down. Thanks everyone for your help! Mystery SOLVED!