Star of Wonder: American Stories & Memoirs

Daniel Mark Epstein. Overlook Press, $15.95 (136pp) ISBN 978-0-87951-435-8

Nine story-essays by 1977 Prix de Rome winner Epstein recall his ecumenical childhood with a Christian mother and Jewish father; the title recalls his family's holiday attention to both the Star of David and the Star of Bethlehem. According to PW , ``There is lively variety in the collection, a treat for all who respond to thoughts of special occasions, beautifully expressed . '' (Nov.)

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