The Importance of a Round Folding Table…: and Grandpa’s Wine

by Joe DeRozier

This book contains numerous short stories as seen through the eyes of a dusty old baker. The stories are made up of observations, history, and imagination, as the author watches the world go by as he sits at the large table in the middle of his bakery.

168 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 1, 2025

Reviews

[mamma.needsabook · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. It reminded me of those times when I would go over to my grandpa's house with my dad for them to have their morning coffee. I would hear all their random stories. Even though their coffee meets were daily, they seemed to never run out of things to talk about.
I definitely will be getting all of his other books.

My favorite-
The chapter about his old dog was sweet. He writes about the way Max's life slowly winds down, and it’s tender without being heavy.. That’s what I love about his storytelling. He can make you smile and tear up in the same breath.

His humor. He has these little sayings that just stick with you and make you giggle out loud.. like calling the top of a shopping cart the “baby‑butt tray,” or describing wasps as “tiny sewing machines.”
It feels exactly like listening to someone’s grandpa tell stories at the kitchen table. It's funny, honest, and full of heart.

[Regina Coleman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is like stepping into a warm bakery on a quiet morning the aroma of nostalgia, memory, and imagination rises from every page. Each short story is seen through the eyes of a wise old baker, whose seat at the large table becomes a window to the world. The writing is beautifully reflective, blending history with everyday life in a way that feels timeless. It made me slow down, observe more, and appreciate the stories that happen all around us. A quiet yet powerful read.

[Linda Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved the charm of this collection. The author captures the magic of ordinary days with extraordinary grace. Every story holds a little lesson, a memory, or a spark of imagination all filtered through the baker’s dusty hands and observant heart. The bakery becomes more than a setting it becomes a storyteller itself. This book feels like sharing coffee and wisdom with an old friend. Heartwarming and unforgettable.

[Book Lover · Rating 5 out of 5]

What makes these stories special is their unique mix of historical reflection and creative flair. The baker doesn’t just knead dough he kneads thoughts, memories, and human experiences. Each tale is short but deeply meaningful, offering a glimpse into lives past and present. It reminded me of books like The Little Paris Bookshop and A Man Called Ove gentle, insightful, and emotionally rich. A beautiful tribute to storytelling in its purest form.

[Leilani Morton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading this book felt like tasting a variety of pastries each one unique, carefully crafted, and full of flavor. The baker’s voice is humble yet wise, and his observations offer a rare kind of storytelling simple but soulful. It’s the perfect book for anyone who enjoys reflective short fiction, character driven tales, and stories rooted in place and memory. Highly recommended for quiet evenings and thoughtful hearts.

[Lucinda Bennett · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is like stepping into a warm bakery on a quiet morning the aroma of nostalgia, memory, and imagination rises from every page. Each short story is seen through the eyes of a wise old baker, whose seat at the large table becomes a window to the world. The writing is beautifully reflective, blending history with everyday life in a way that feels timeless. It made me slow down, observe more, and appreciate the stories that happen all around us. A quiet yet powerful read.

[George Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bakery Door is a gentle, reflective collection that understands the power of stillness.

Told through the perspective of an aging baker observing life from his place at the center of the shop, these short pieces feel less like stories meant to impress and more like moments meant to be noticed. What works especially well is the restraint the author trusts small details, passing thoughts, and quiet humor to carry emotional weight rather than forcing resolution or plot.

The bakery itself becomes a kind of lens: a fixed point through which time, memory, and imagination drift in and out. There’s a warmth here that isn’t sentimental, and a wisdom that comes from watching rather than intervening. Readers who enjoy reflective prose, vignette-style storytelling, and character-driven observation will find this collection especially rewarding.

This is the kind of book that invites rereading not for answers, but for recognition.