The Phobos Society — Jack Karasch

Vinnie Dows, physically abused as a child and taunted much of his life, acts on a bold idea after he unexpectedly inherits a rundown farm. What if he offered free room and board to others who couldn't seem to make it in their present-day world because of their own spirit-crushing fears? Would they be willing to work at turning his inheritance into a profitable farm? Would they look favorably upon a life free from the prejudices of the outside world? On-line and newspaper ads bring an assortment of characters eager to give that experiment a shot.