Actress, singer, and activist Doris Day meant so much to many different people. To Mary Anne Barothy, not only was she an idol but also a close friend. Sharing her memories of working for Day, Day at a Time: An Indiana Girl’s Sentimental Journey to Doris Day’s Hollywood and Beyond offers a fascinating glimpse into the life and interests of Day.

Barothy worked as a secretary to Day, getting to know day on a professional and personal level. Hailing from Indiana, Barothy enjoyed Day’s recordings as a child, following the star’s works, successes, and efforts over the years. Ultimately leaving her reporting job at The Indianapolis News, Barothy embarked upon a journey to Hollywood, in an effort to further her career there and work near Day. As fate would have it, Barothy would actually find herself working for Day soon enough.

Barothy’s book exudes a variety of memories and anecdotes not only teaching the reader about Barothy but, of course, about Day’s life and passions. Though Day portrayed a sunny image on screen, her real life had its share of struggles, documented in the book. Overall, the book is written with a clear respect for Day in addition to shedding a positive light on the ups and downs of Day’s life and career.

Day at a Time is available for purchase via Hawthorne Publishing.