If you're looking for something to warm your heart and bring a smile to your face, or maybe a mistery novel, dive into these books. Stories inspired by Italy and Italian culture, overflowing with positivity, love for family, friendship, and the little everyday moments. To purchase any book featured on this website, just click the secure link to Amazon or Barnes & Noble provided with each listing.
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1909: THE CHRONICLE OF AN ITALIAN IMMIGRANT
1909: THE CHRONICLE OF AN ITALIAN IMMIGRANT
116 years ago, Domenico, known as "Micu," left Calabria with his heart full of hope and the determination of a man who dares to dream of a better future. On March 4, 1909, he boarded a train in Gerace Marina, his destination Naples, where the ship Europa waited to carry him legally across the vast, unknown ocean to America.
I decided to share his story, following his journey and his first year in the busy, fast-moving life of New York. That's how 1909 The Chronicle of an Italian Immigrant was born—a book that captures the spirit of the time and the lives of those who left everything behind.
But this is not just Micu’s story, this is a story of Italian immigration, like millions of others in the early 1900s, is full of hope and struggle. Families leave their homes with nothing but dreams of a better life in America. They push through, working hard to build a future for their children. Through all the hardships, they never forget where they came from, carrying their Italian roots and strength in every step they take.
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1909: CRONACA DI UN IMMIGRATO ITALIANO
1909: CRONACA DI UN IMMIGRATO ITALIANO
116 anni fa, Domenico, conosciuto come "Micu", lasciava la Calabria con il cuore pieno di speranza e la determinazione di un uomo che osa sognare un futuro migliore. Il 4 marzo 1909, salì su un treno a Gerace Marina, destinazione Napoli, dove lo aspettava la nave Europa per portarlo legalmente attraverso il vasto oceano verso l'America. Era un viaggio carico di incertezze, sacrifici e un incrollabile desiderio di un futuro più luminoso.
Ho deciso di condividere la sua storia, ripercorrendo il suo cammino e il suo primo anno nella vita frenetica e travolgente di New York. Così è nato 1909 Cronaca di un Immigrato Italiano —un libro che cattura lo spirito del tempo e le vite di coloro che lasciarono tutto alle spalle.
Ma questa non è solo la storia di Micu, questa è una storia di immigrazione italiana, come tante altre vissute da milioni di persone all'inizio del 1900, intrisa di speranza e di sacrifici. Intere famiglie lasciano la loro terra, senza nulla in mano se non il sogno di una vita migliore in America. Con determinazione e fatica, affrontano ogni difficoltà, costruendo un futuro per i loro figli, passo dopo passo. Eppure, nonostante tutto, non dimenticano mai le loro origini, portando con sé l’essenza delle radici italiane e una forza incrollabile che li accompagna in ogni momento del loro cammino.
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Speak Italian : The Fine Art of the Gesture
They say that a gesture is worth a thousand words, and when it comes to speaking with your hands, the Italians speak volumes. This quirky handbook of Italian gestures, first published in 1958 by renowned Milanese artist and graphic designer Bruno Munari, will help the phalange-phobic decipher the unspoken language of gestures. Charming black-and-white photos and wry captions evoke an Italy of days gone by. Speak Italian gives a little hand to anyone who has ever been at a loss for words.
Our Italian Journey: Living our dream in Italy for one year (Our Italian Journey Adventure)
This book beautifully captures the essence of Italy, its people, and the strong sense of community that defines life in small Italian towns. With alternating writing styles and reflections, Ilene and Gary invite readers to accompany them on a journey of self-discovery and transformation.
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THE LOST TREASURE OF LOCRI: A Mystery Novel
To my readers, I offer this novel as a heartfelt homage to Calabria, the land of my birth. You won’t find the usual tales of violence or crime here, those stereotypical narratives that are too often tied to the South. Instead, I have crafted a feel-good story that celebrates the beauty and richness of this remarkable region. Though the plot revolves around the search for a lost treasure, the real treasure is Calabria itself—the stunning landscapes, the crystal-clear seas, the towering mountains, the rich artistic heritage, the ancient traditions, the exquisite cuisine, and, above all, the honorable people who have called this land home for millennia. It is the same land that Zaleucus, the first legislator in the Western world, graced in the 7th century BC.
However, it is not enough to simply revel in the glory of our past. We must look forward with determination, striving for a better future and reclaiming the pride of a land that has been overlooked for too long. A new light is rising on the horizon, a light of hope, courage, and renewal that shines brighter than any lost treasure, illuminating a future full of possibility.
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IL TESORO PERDUTO DI LOCRI - Un Giallo Archeologico
Il Tesoro Perduto di Locri (titolo originale: The Lost Treasure of Locri) è nato come una serie di sogni vividi che mi hanno accompagnato per anni. Ispirato da questi frammenti, li ho intrecciati in un romanzo fondendo storia e geografia con la finzione per creare un racconto avvincente. Offro ai miei lettori questo romanzo come un sentito omaggio alla Calabria, la terra che mi ha dato i natali. Qui non troverete le solite storie di violenza o criminalità, quei racconti stereotipati troppo spesso associati al Sud. Al contrario, ho costruito una storia positiva che celebra la bellezza e la ricchezza di questa straordinaria regione.
Sebbene la trama ruoti intorno alla ricerca di un tesoro perduto, il vero tesoro è la Calabria stessa: i paesaggi mozzafiato, i mari cristallini, le montagne imponenti, il ricco patrimonio artistico, le antiche tradizioni, la cucina unica e deliziosa …ma, soprattutto, il tesoro più prezioso è costituito dalle persone, custodi del passato e del presente. Quelle che hanno radicato le loro vite su queste terre e quelle persone che, partendo in cerca di fortuna, portano nel cuore l’orgoglio di appartenere a questa regione. Da lontano, queste persone svelano al mondo l’essenza della Calabria, rivelando i tesori che essa custodisce: valori antichi e senza tempo, e una bellezza che incanta l’anima.
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DUAL LANGUAGE BOOK - English + Italian
THE LOST TREASURE OF LOCRI + IL TESORO PERDUTO DI LOCRI: SPECIAL EDITION IN ENGLISH AND ITALIAN
This book contains both editions of The Lost Treasure of Locri, in English and Italian.
Questo libro contiene entrambe le edizioni de Il Tesoro Perduto di Locri, in inglese e in italiano.
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Stories My Grandfather Told Me... and other tales.
I grew up in a small Italian town at the foot of the Alps. We didn’t have television, computers, or any other type of home entertainment. During the long winter evenings we listened to stories. My grandmother could tell fantastic tales of fairies and monsters. Often cousins and other neighborhood kids will gather in our kitchen to listen to Grandma spin her magic.
There were a few occasions when she would be up until late to finish a chore, and I would ask my grandfather to tell me a bedtime story. My grandfather’s stories were ‘real life’ ones. According to him, of course. Back then I never doubted him and as I grew older and reflected on it, I began to think that indeed they were true slices of his life and that at some level they were meant to teach me something.
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DUAL LANGUAGE BOOK - English + Italian
The Origins of the Name Italia: A Tale Between History and Legend
Le Origini del Nome Italia: Un Racconto tra Storia e Leggenda
Who first introduced the name Italia, and what meaning did it hold?
Exploring the history of the name Italia is a journey through centuries and landscapes. From the sunlit fields of Calabria, where king Italus is said to have left the mark of his reign, to the vibrant cities of Greece and Rome, where the name accrued prestige and universal significance, the path leads us through the shadows of myths and the light of historical records. This quest not only uncovers the roots of the name but also reveals the power of names to define a collective identity, uniting peoples and traditions in a shared story that transcends the boundaries of time. This is not a historical or political essay, nor is it a dissertation for experts in the field. It's simply a story, much like the ones from distant times, meant to spark a sense of wonder and curiosity about the fascinating origin of the name Italia.
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Chi diede origine al nome Italia? Quale significato portava con sé?
Esplorare la storia del nome Italia significa immergersi in un viaggio che attraversa secoli e paesaggi. Dai campi soleggiati della Calabria, dove re Italus avrebbe lasciato il segno del suo regno, fino alle città vivaci della Grecia e di Roma, dove il nome si caricò di prestigio e significati universali, il percorso ci guida tra le ombre dei miti e la luce dei documenti storici. È una ricerca che non solo svela le radici del nome, ma rivela anche il potere dei nomi stessi di definire un’identità collettiva, unendo popoli e tradizioni in una storia comune che supera i confini del tempo. Questo non è un saggio storico o politico, né un trattato per esperti del settore. Si tratta semplicemente di un racconto, come quelli di una volta, inteso a suscitare un po' di magia e curiosità intorno all'affascinante origine del nome Italia.
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One Italian Summer
A powerful novel about the transformational love between mothers and daughters set on the breathtaking Amalfi Coast.
When Katy’s mother dies, she is left reeling. Carol wasn’t just Katy’s mom, but her best friend and first phone call. She had all the answers and now, when Katy needs her the most, she is gone. To make matters worse, their planned mother-daughter trip of a lifetime looms: to Positano, the magical town where Carol spent the summer right before she met Katy’s father.
And then Carol appears—in the flesh, healthy, sun-tanned, and thirty years old. Katy doesn’t understand what is happening, or how—all she can focus on is that she has somehow, impossibly, gotten her mother back. Over the course of one Italian summer, Katy gets to know Carol, not as her mother, but as the young woman before her. She is not exactly who Katy imagined she might be, however, and soon Katy must reconcile the mother who knew everything with the young woman who does not yet have a clue.
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CIAO ARTISTA, AN INSPIRING SKETCHBOOK: Sketchbook filled with Quotes from Creative Italian Legends
To all the future artists out there, patiently waiting to bloom and share your unique vision with the world. May your creativity shine brightly, inspiring change and beauty in every corner of life. Remember, your voice matters, and your art has the power to touch hearts and transform lives.
This Sketchbook is for you—may it ignite your passion and encourage you to embrace the incredible journey ahead. This sketchbook stands out not only for its practical use but for the delightful way it integrates lovely motivational quotes that speak to artists, designers, architects and writers on a personal level. Each page encourages sketching, doodling, and brainstorming with a thoughtfully curated quotes that captures the spirit of the creative journey.
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From Italy with Love
Dive into the first book of each of these three delightful series featuring sassy Italian women chasing down criminals—while hoping to catch a good man along the way. You’ll find:
2 (maybe 3) mischievous cats
1 loyal dog
A few suspicious graves… And plenty of laughter to go around. Enjoy the perfect blend of mystery, charm, and wit in these cozy mysteries from:
The Baker Girls Cozy Mystery Series
Mina’s Adventure Series
Lella York Mystery Series
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SCHIZZO an inspiring sketchbook: A Sketchbook filled with Quotes from Masters of Art, Design and Literature.
This Sketchbook is an inspiring gem for anyone involved in creative fields. This book stands out not only for its practical use but for the delightful way it integrates motivational quotes that speak to artists, designers, and architects on a personal level. Each page encourages sketching, doodling, and brainstorming with a thoughtfully curated quote that captures the spirit of the creative journey.
The quotes themselves are a mix of timeless wisdom and modern insights from creative legends and innovators across generations, offering gentle nudges to think differently, push boundaries, and stay inspired. Whether you're working through a design problem, writing ideas for a poem, looking for architectural inspiration, or simply want to unwind by sketching, this sketchbook offers prompts that keep you motivated and remind you of the purpose behind your craft.
In short, this book is more than just a place to jot down ideas or practice sketches. It’s a quiet companion, a source of inspiration, and a creative tool that speaks directly to the soul of anyone who loves to create. For anyone looking to enrich their creative practice with a bit of wisdom and a lot of freedom, this sketchbook is a worthwhile addition.
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Modern Fables for Children : Inspired by Old Italian Proverbs
A proverb is a short, memorable saying that offers wisdom or reflects a universal truth about life. The stories in this book are inspired by renowned Italian proverbs that have stayed with me since childhood. Much like the proverbs themselves, which convey moral lessons, these modern fables are crafted with their own morals. Simple yet profound, these stories are perfect for teaching children essential life values, leaving lessons that will resonate with them just as the timeless fables of the past have done.
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Favole Moderne Ispirate ai Vecchi Proverbi Italiani.
Un proverbio è una perla di saggezza condensata, un detto breve e memorabile che racchiude verità universali sulla vita. Le storie di questo libro si ispirano a celebri proverbi italiani che mi accompagnano da sempre, fin dall'infanzia. Come quei proverbi che custodiscono insegnamenti preziosi, anche queste moderne favole portano con sé una morale, semplice ma profonda, ideale per trasmettere ai bambini valori essenziali che risuonano nel tempo, come le fiabe intramontabili di un tempo.
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DUAL LANGUAGE BOOK - English + Italian
This book contains both editions of Modern Fables Inspired by Old Italian Proverbs, in English and Italian.
Happy reading!
Questo libro contiene entrambe le edizioni di Favole Moderne Ispirate ai Vecchi Proverbi Italiani, in Inglese e in Italiano.
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The Italian Americans: A History
This richly researched, beautifully illustrated volume illuminates an important, overlooked part of American history.
Looking beyond the familiar Little Italys and stereotypes fostered by The Godfather and The Sopranos, Laurino reveals surprising, fascinating lives: Italian-Americans working on sugar-cane plantations in Louisiana to those who were lynched in New Orleans; the banker who helped rebuild San Francisco after the great earthquake; families interned as “enemy aliens” in World War II. From anarchist radicals to “Rosie the Riveter” to Nancy Pelosi, Andrew Cuomo, and Bill de Blasio; from traditional artisans to rebel songsters like Frank Sinatra, Dion, Madonna, and Lady Gaga, this book is both exploration and celebration of the rich legacy of Italian-American life.
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Le Avventure di Totino
Il suo nome è Antonio, un classico nome italiano, ma sin da piccolo tutti nel suo villaggio hanno iniziato a chiamarlo Totino. Questo soprannome, una forma affettuosa di Antonio, gli calza a pennello, rispecchiando la sua figura minuta e slanciata. Totino vive nel pittoresco villaggio montano di Tamburino, in Italia. Ma non cercate Tamburino su una mappa: non esiste. Questo villaggio esiste solo nella mia immaginazione e, ora che state iniziando a leggere, prenderà vita anche nella vostra.
Totino ha otto anni e indossa sempre scarpe grandi e comode—indispensabili per tutte le corse, arrampicate sui muri e scalate sugli alberi che adora fare.
In un mondo in cui la maggior parte dei bambini è persa nei propri dispositive elettronici, Totino è un esploratore della vecchia scuola, spesso in giro per conto suo, guidato dalla sua immaginazione. Ma non è sempre solo, la sua migliore amica Fiorella, una piccola peste dal grande sorriso e un cuore ancora più grande, è spesso accanto a lui. Ma non limitatevi a prendere per buone le mie parole: immergetevi in questi racconti brevi e scoprite Totino e il mondo fantastico che lo circonda. Ogni breve racconto contiene una lezione morale, costruita con la saggezza delle moderne favole. Semplici ma profonde, queste storie sono perfette per insegnare ai bambini valori essenziali, lezioni che risuoneranno in loro proprio come hanno fatto le favole senza tempo per generazioni.
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THE ADVENTURES OF TOTINO THE ITALIAN BAMBINO: A Partly Autobiographical Children's Book
Antonio is his given name, a classic Italian name, but from a young age, everyone in his village started calling him Totino. The nickname, a diminutive form of Antonio, suits him perfectly, reflecting his small, slender frame. Totino lives in the picturesque mountain village of Tamburino in Italy, where tall, lush green trees encircle the town. But don't bother searching for Tamburino on a map—it doesn't exist. This village resides only in my imagination, and now, as you begin reading, it will come to life in yours too.
Totino is eight years old, always wearing big, comfy shoes—essential for all the running, wall-climbing, and tree-scaling he loves to do. The contrast between his oversized shoes and his slender legs makes him even more endearing. Or perhaps the shoes are just the right size, and it’s Totino's tiny body that makes them seem so large? Who can say for sure?
In a world where most kids are lost in their gadgets, Totino is an old-school explorer, often off on his own, guided by his imagination. But he isn’t always alone—his best friend Fiorella, a little rascal with a big smile and an even bigger heart, is often right by his side. Whenever Totino isn’t on a solo adventure, you can bet Fiorella is with him.
But don’t just take my word for it—immerse yourself in these short stories and discover Totino, the Italian bambino, and the enchanting world that surrounds him. Each short tale carries a moral lesson, crafted with the wisdom of modern fables. Simple yet profound, these stories are perfect for teaching children essential life values, lessons that will resonate with them just as timeless fables have done for generations.
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DUAL LANGUAGE BOOK - English + Italian
THE ADVENTURES OF TOTINO - LE AVVENTURE DI TOTINO: SPECIAL EDITION IN ENGLISH AND ITALIAN
This book contains both editions of The Adventures of Totino, in English and Italian.
Questo libro contiene entrambe le edizioni delle Avventure di Totino, in inglese e in italiano.
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Locri Epizefiri: La Fiaba della Fondazione
Un libro per bambini ...e non solo! Una fiaba avventurosa, capace di appassionare, divertire e allo stesso tempo insegnare ai piccoli Calabresi la storia del luogo in cui vivono. Una storia che possa renderli fieri delle proprie origini, un racconto che li accompagni mentre crescono, pagina dopo pagina, parola dopo parola.
Questo libro non è solo una moderna fiaba che parla di tempi antichi. È un piccolo progetto per trasmettere un messaggio importante: il cambiamento inizia da noi stessi. Non dobbiamo aspettare aiuti esterni, ma con impegno, passione e lavoro sodo, possiamo trasformare il nostro mondo. Non voglio però rendere questo libro troppo serio: è e deve rimanere un racconto felice, pensato per i più piccoli, ma anche per i grandi che lo leggeranno con loro. Spero che i bambini lo trovino divertente e affascinante, e che gli adulti, nel raccontarlo, possano trasmettere una lezione preziosa, capace di rendere orgogliosi non solo i piccoli, ma anche chi li accompagna in questo viaggio. Leggendo questo libro, sono certo che i bambini si perderanno nel piacere di scoprire le radici del loro passato, mentre gli adulti non potranno fare a meno di emozionarsi profondamente.
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Italian Ways: On and Off the Rails from Milan to Palermo.
Parks begins as any traveler might: "A train is a train is a train, isn’t it?" But soon he turns his novelist’s eye to the details, and as he journeys through majestic Milano Centrale station or on the newest high-speed rail line, he delivers a uniquely insightful portrait of Italy. Through memorable encounters with ordinary Italians―conductors and ticket collectors, priests and prostitutes, scholars and lovers, gypsies and immigrants―Parks captures what makes Italian life distinctive: an obsession with speed but an acceptance of slower, older ways; a blind eye toward brutal architecture amid grand monuments; and an undying love of a good argument and the perfect cappuccino.
Italian Ways also explores how trains helped build Italy and how their development reflects Italians’ sense of themselves from Garibaldi to Mussolini to Berlusconi and beyond. Most of all, Italian Ways is an entertaining attempt to capture the essence of modern Italy. As Parks writes, "To see the country by train is to consider the crux of the essential Italian dilemma: Is Italy part of the modern world, or not?"
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KEYWORDS SEARCH: CIAO BOOKS, ITALIAN BOOKS, ITALIAN STORIES, ITALIAN CULTURE. LIBRI ITALIANI, ITALIAN AMERICAN BOOKS, ITALIAN IMMIGRATION BOOKS, ITALIAN FAIRY TALES, CHILDREN STORIES, CHILDREN TALES, LIBRI PER BAMBINI, TALIAN AMERICAN AUTHOR, ANTONIO LAROSA, POETRY, ITALIA, ITALY, LEARN ITALIAN, STORIE ITALIANE.
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