We Are Gathered HereThe story of two women caught in the rural America of the 1880s, this novel is in part inspired by Perks' own family history. In it, she invites reappraisal of our own society's attitudes toward individuality, religion, illness, sexual orientation, and, especially, friendship, as we approach the turn of a new century. Author: Micah Perks Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin Published: 03 15 1997 Pages: 304 Binding Type: Paperback Weight: 0. 70lbs Size: 8.