Deborah’s gifts for laughter, creativity and positivity shine through beautifully in this inspiring and heartwarming novel. She entertainingly addresses ageism leaving readers wiser for having read the book. I recommend this book highly! 

     — Karen Love – CEO, Dementia Action Alliance

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Deborah’s writing is fun to read—whimsical, metaphorical, enchanting. Her book calls to the heart like a drum beat. The questions are big, the characters are strong, the challenges are poignant.

     — Jan Phillips, author of Still on Fire

 

"Deborah Shouse's An Old Woman Walks Into a Bar is a breath of fresh air. Like Cynthia in Jan Karon's Mitford series, Grace is a woman facing one of life's crossroads. As she finds her way, the novel is by turns humorous, nostalgic, up-tempo, wistful, and always relatable. And the cake! I enjoyed Grace's adventures—and all the quirky characters—so much, I hated to put this book down.”

     — Judith Fertig, author of The Cake Therapist

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You’re going to love this funny, plaintive, and heart-warming journey as Grace navigates the vagaries of advancing age, small town church politics, her relationship with her son, her posse of quirky friends, and even the possibilities of new romance. And it all begins the moment an old woman walks into a bar.

     — Andrea Warren, author of Enemy Child: the Story of Norman Mineta, a Boy Imprisoned in a Japanese American Internment Camp During World War II

 

Filled with witticisms, clever foreshadowing and solid advice, An Old Woman Walks Into a Bar gives readers a glimpse into the life of the aptly named Grace as she navigates aging, church politics and grief.  Shouse's well-written small town is filled with realistic characters that are lovable despite their imperfections and that will challenge readers to question preconceived notions.  This well-paced read is sure to leave you with a song in your heart, laughter in your spirit and the hope that happens when you "keep moving on.”

     — April Roy, Librarian

 

In the whimsical style of Anne Tyler, Deborah Shouse shows us a cast of characters who reveal deep understanding of the human condition. Grace, the endearing title character, is someone the reader quickly loves. A perfect book to pick up on a rainy afternoon—or a sunny summer day. 

     — Barbara Bartocci, author of Nobody’s Child Anymore

 

An Old Woman Walks into a Bar is an enjoyable read. Interesting, well-developed principal characters come to life and grow over the course of the story. The novel is filled with significant details that make readers keep turning pages and savoring every word.

     — Mary-Lane Kamberg, co-leader of the Kansas City Writers Group, author of The I Love to Write Book. 

 

There’s a bit of Grace in each of us, no matter our age. You’ll identify with her daily struggles to be true to herself, and you’ll cheer her on when she confronts the challenges of her changing small town. In short, you’ll fall in love with this gentle, yet feisty woman!

     — Maril Crabtree, author of Fireflies in the Gathering Dark

 

Deborah Shouse’s An Old Woman Walks into a Bar is a compelling exploration of aging and the undying desire to be a fully participating member of the community. Shouse’s work, with its ensemble of unforgettable characters, paints a vivid portrait of ordinary people grappling with existential questions. Why am I here? How should I best spend the time allotted to me? Written in clear, sharp prose, this splendid book is a compelling journey from first page to last.

     — Jacqueline Guidry, author of The Year the Colored Sisters Came to Town

 

With heartfelt insights, Deborah Shouse brings the reader into the lives of Grace and her friends. This is a story echoed by thousands of talented interesting women like Grace who fall from grace in society’s eyes simply because they grow older. Deborah’s humor and sage wisdom offers an uplifting and perceptive read.

     — Nora Ellen Richard, Educator and Advocate

 

Grace is pure delight. Despite her son and others wanting her to retreat into a retirement community, Grace is determined to live a meaningful life. She wants to enjoy a beer in a bar and ride a motorcycle if she so pleases. Deborah Shouse’s An Old Woman Walks into a Bar is inspiring for anyone facing the challenges of remaining vital while aging.

     — Robin Silverman, Writer

 

Overlooked and underestimated, that’s life for an old woman. But at 78, Grace is determined to make her life count. She’s feisty and fearless. She’s endearing as she worries about being pushy as she helps her younger friend, Sheila, find her way. So what if she still talks to her dead husband, Sam.  He can be counted on for comfort and wisdom. You’re gonna love Grace.

     — Anne Baber, age 83, co-author of Strategic Connections: The New Face of Networking in a Collaborative World