But author Taylor Field believes otherwise.

In his first novel, Squat (B&H Publishing Group, September 2006), award-winning author Taylor Field addresses an issue close to his heart and home: the streets of inner city New York where he is pastor of East Seventh Baptist Church/Graffiti Community Ministries. A moving, honest portrayal of the homeless in the shadow of Wall Street’s wealth, Squat draws readers in with scenes like this:

The threesome walked along the sidewalk. Unc wore his sheet, looking like Socrates with skyscraper hair. Bonehead was filthy with a rope for a belt. He was using a mop handle as a walking stick. Squid looked like the most normal with his plastic bag under his arm. Still he walked a bit stiffly on one leg, like a pirate. A philosopher, a dirty Franciscan, and a buccaneer. In some neighborhoods, they would have attracted attention. But not in this one.

The main character, Squid, and his friendship with soup kitchen missionary Rachel, set the stage for a story of redemption. The more Rachel tells Squid about faith and unfaith, hypocrisy and justice, and the character of God, the closer Squid moves toward a new identity and the realization that his life is worth something.

www.SquatBook.com

All author proceeds from Squat will go to Graffiti Community Ministries, Inc. Graffiti provides emergency help for the homeless, offers education opportunities for children and youth, administers job development programs and engages in Christian discipleship.