Calico Families

"Ann Martin writes with tender and deep understanding of an ever-widening circle of kindred souls. She

brings a new perspective and reassurance to those who have never been a part of

such a family, leading us toward a sensitive appreciation of attendant

problems. Surely she has helped those of us who work for world peace and

harmony to see ourselves as members of a planetary ' Calico

Family .'"

Dr. Helen K. Billings

Pelican announces the re-release of Calico Families, by Ann

Bodenhamer Martin. Divided families, rent asunder by human frailties and

foibles, and the universal need for acceptance form the common denominator for

these poetic insights into the tenuous relationships of mankind.

With a deft touch and a sensitive eye that obviously derive from personal

experience, Ms. Martin explores the doubts, the despair, the fears, and the

hope that color the calico patchwork in the fabric of contemporary society.

Divorce, disease, separation, and death--the devastating forces that

shatter personal bonds and imperil the human spirit--are treated with special

insight in this mosaic of exposed feelings and emotions. Step by step and piece

by piece, like calico, shattered lives can be rebuilt through reassurance,

respect, understanding, and love.

Calico Families contains poetry especially written for

"healing." Local media personalities may recognize gentle tributes to

those who helped the author recover.