This collection of short stories, sketches, and essays is Martha Reingold's first published book. She has included three chapters of "Russia-shuna," a memoir dealing with her memories of Jewish holidays, and the first section of a memoir/women's studies/computer history book. At 80 years of age, she quips, "I've had writer's block for over 75 years." Ms. Reingold's stories are written in that wry, comic style indigenous to Brooklyn - where she comes from and where her heart still lives. By the way, she doesn't like to be called by her title "Ms." or by the journalistic "Reingold." She's just Martha who was born a Mintz and lived through decades of change from the Depression, through WWII, the new mysterious field of computer software design ... and so on up to the present distressing time. Her writing reflects that. This small volume contains a wealth of stories, often humorous, occasionally hilarious, and now and then sad. Her neurotic Brooklyn self is evident all the way from "Nature vs. Nurture" through "My Red A-Line Dress." Her dedication and love of family and commitment to American ideals can be seen in the serious pieces you'll find in this book. "Jewish Wry and Other Slices of Life" is a little gem. Women of all ages will love it and it may even touch the hearts of some men here and there. Martha lives in West Hartford, Connecticut with Tootsie, her beautiful calico cat named after her mother Harriet. "Tootsie" was the loving name her father had for her mother. Martha is currently preparing her second collection of short works entitled "More Slices of Life." And then it's on to completing her memoirs ... whatever they may be. After a long life of people watching and political angst, she has views on everything and is willing to share them at the drop of a hat.