(October 14, 2015) To Do the Deal, A Novel in Stories by Cathy Baker got a good going over by the Sibley Hospital’s book club. Joanne Philleo (a model of sorts for the mother-in-law character in the novel) arranged for distribution of copies and discussion. Thank you, Joanne! All eight of the women in attendance had read all ten stories and engaged in thorough discussion about the novel’s themes on the everyday ethical choices we all must make, the loving binds of family, and the sharp edges of American capitalism.

One participant said she particularly could relate to “A Short Career at Cathedral Arms,” which features an apartment building squatter, because for years a man had managed to live inside her church, which had many doors and hiding places. (Just recently another church was featured in the news after the arrest of a homeless man who had been secretly living inside its building for more than three years.) Life imitating art imitating life.

If your bookclub would like to read To Do the Deal, A Novel in Stories, contact us at publisher@demitassepress.com, to arrange for an attractively discounted group order and a visit from the author.