During World War II, young Vincent Iezzi was at home with his grandmother in his Philadelphia neighborhood. Because of the war effort, most of the mothers, big sisters, and aunts were working in the factories while most of the fathers, big brothers, and uncles were off at war.

Nonna always knew just what to say. Gifted with a native ability to tell stories, her solution for every one of Vincent's questions or problems was another elaborate story, accompanied by cups of coffee.

And such stories they are! Angels and saints take on peasant charm, God paints peacocks' tails, and the humble good Joe always finishes first.

Pull up a chair. You can almost smell the coffee.