cover image Every Day Doughnuts

Every Day Doughnuts

Patrice Adcroft. St. Martin's Press, $17.95 (209pp) ISBN 978-0-312-08139-3

The former editor-in-chief of Omni draws on her knowledge of her father's own business to create this kitschy, loosely plotted first novel set in a Pennsylvania doughnut shop. Each of the 13 interrelated vignettes highlights one of Every Day Doughnuts's workers--and there's even a story about ``The Regulars.'' Truckers and police swill no-frills coffee; dough is expertly fried, iced and filled with ``creme''; sugar, flour and grease collect on every exposed surface. Away from work, one waitress earns extra money as a belly-dancing balloon-deliverer, fulfilling her goal to move out of the projects. Another veteran waitress inherits a fortune and spends it on custom-tailored uniforms. One memorable tale focuses on Every Day's owner, who's under pressure from a rival cruller-seller. Authenticity and regional color are the notable features here: the relentlessly optimistic characters browse through supermarket tabloids, shop at the Salvation Army and live in low-rent apartments as they strive for better lives. The uncomplicated story lines take distant second place to the glamourless and yet hopeful atmosphere. (Nov.)