At forty-four, Kay Sorensen has quit drinking, smoking, and overeating, and she has almost quit reading self-help books about quitting drinking, smoking and overeating. She has divorced her deadbeat husband, finished college, and landed a job she loves directing a small branch of the county library.

But Kay still has one unconquered addiction: she just can't say no to someone who needs her.

Praise for other books by Molly Giles

"What an irreverent, original voice!"

-- Amy Tan, author of The Joy Luck Club

"Roll over, Evelyn Waugh, here's Molly Giles. She's the authentic satiric voice - a rare bird in American Letters - wicked, affectionate, and amused."

-- Frances Mayes, author of Under the Tuscan Sun

"Molly Giles is the funniest writer of tragedy this country possesses."

-- Lucy Ferriss, author of The Misconceiver

"Molly Giles is like a dancer who can't put a foot down wrong."
-- Cyra McFadden, author of The Serial