Join University of South Alabama Department of English  for a reading and reception with author Jocelyn Cullity, Director of the Stokes Center for Creative Writing and member of the Board of Directors for the Alabama Writers Forum for the launch of The Nurse at Baker Hospital, based on the true story of Norman Baker and his infamous cancer hospital in the 1930s.

Thursday, October 15th, 2026, 4pm, Student Center Terrace Room.

About the Book: After her father’s death, nurse Della King is on the brink of homelessness—until she lands a

job at the prestigious Baker Hospital in Eureka Springs, Arkansas. What promises safety and

purpose—for both Della and the terminally ill patients who come from across the country—

hides a far darker reality. When her beloved patients begin to die, Della must confront her

deepest fears and navigate a web of secrets that tests her loyalty, courage, and sense of self.

Torn between survival and doing what is right, she risks everything to uncover the truth. The

Nurse at Baker Hospital is a gripping tale of mystery, hidden histories, and self-discovery,

exploring what it takes to find one’s place in a dangerous, unpredictable world.

Jocelyn Cullity’s historical novel, Amah & the Silk-Winged Pigeons (Winner,

Best Book Awards, 2018), was published in English by Inanna Publications

(Canada) and Rupa (India), and translated into French and Tamil. The Envy

of Paradise (Finalist for Multicultural Fiction, International Book Awards,

2020), was also published by Inanna Publications. Cullity is the Director of

the Stokes Center for Creative Writing at the University of South Alabama.