Introduction : the evolution of an anthology and the living tissue of passion / Lee Gutkind -- Mbriago / Louise DeSalvo -- Words and rags / Joanna Clapps Herman -- These innocent lambs / Laura Valeri -- The walls of Gela / Edvige Giunta -- I denti famiglia / Phyllis Capello -- Sacrifice / Maria Laurino -- My father's music / Ned Balbo -- Washington square / Carol Bonomo Albright -- The names of horses / Annie Rachele Lanzillotto -- Dagos in Mayberry / Peter Selgin -- I heard you the first time, Daddy / Rita Ciresi -- Bitter herbs? / Sandra M. Gilbert -- St. Sebastian in Boston / Randy-Michael Testa -- Daughters of Mongrassano / Jeanna Lucci Canapari -- Allium longicuspis / Stephanie Susnjara -- Jealousy, or the autobiography of an Italian woman / Gina Barreca -- II Pasto Che Parla / Valerie K. Waldrop -- Selling the house / Marianna De Marco Torgovnick -- Italian American : the next generation / Christine Palamidessi Moore -- Mama. Che Cosa Vuoi Che Faccio? / James Vescovi -- Italian bride / Mary Beth Caschetta -- About creative nonfiction.