This is the first time my book has been selected as a Common Reader, and it was a dream come true.

It happened because:

• Joe Trimmer at Ball State told David Harden at Hanover College about my book.
• David Harden brought up my book at a meeting, and a sociology professor at the meeting, Robyn Ryle, said, “Hey, I’ve read that book! I met Cathy at the Midwest Writers Workshop.”

Which goes to show that it takes a handful of champions/literary citizens to help a book find its audience.