There's No Place Like Home for the Holidays

Martz (When I Am an Old Woman I Shall Wear Purple) has collected here a charming selection of stories, poems and anecdotes relating to the traditional holidays of Christmas, Passover and Thanksgiving. Contributors range from published writers to those who are just beginning, like 15-year-old poet Eileen Murphy. The majority of the pieces celebrate family traditions in a warm and humorous manner, including Pamela Ditchoff's history of the reason her mother bakes her famous orange cake only at Christmas and Elaine Rothman's description of her grandmother's seders. A few selections, such as Christine Swanberg's poem ""The Day After"" and Barbara Bolz's memories of December 26th, emphasize the peace that follows joyful--but stressful--holidays. Many of the anecdotes deal with food and are accompanied by family recipes certain to interest readers who enjoy cooking holiday fare. 50,000 first printing. (Oct.)