How to Be Italian: Eat, Drink, Dress, Travel and Love La Dolce Vita

by Maria Pasquale

What does it mean to be Italian?

Is it pausing to enjoy an aperitivo or gelato? A passeggiata down a laneway steeped in history? An August spent tanning at the beach?

This book is a celebration of the Italian lifestyle – an education in drinking to savour the moment, travelling indulgently, and cherishing food and culture. A lesson in the dolce far niente: the sweetness of doing nothing. We may not all live in the bel paese, but anyone can learn from the rich tapestry of life  on the boot.

From the innovation of Italian fashion and design, the Golden Age of its cinema to the Roman Empire’s cultural echoes (and some very good espresso), take a dip into the Italian psyche and learn to eat, love, dress, think and have fun as only the Italians can.

Genres: Italy, Nonfiction, Travel, Cookbooks, Italian Literature, Food, Coffee Table Books

216 pages, Hardcover

Published November 2, 2021

Reviews

[Karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book hasn’t much depth, and I found it more naive than useful, but it’s full of heart — a youthful and sweet love note to the nation of the author’s heritage and country she adores.

Interestingly, she gives a lot more depth in her appearance in the Untold Italy podcast (episode 127). Listening to it, I thought I’d like to read her book and then realized I had. Ah well.

I must add that the physical structure of the actual book is beautiful— smooth and substantial cover, gorgeous weighty pages, classy matte photographs (that, alas, have no captions or descriptions). It was tempting to keep it for that reason alone, and I’m adding a full star for the experience of lovely design.

[Captain Absurd · Rating 4 out of 5]

3,5

[Johanna Wach · Rating 4 out of 5]

Das Buch bittet einen interessanten Einblick in die italienische Lebenskultur und Denkweise. Kann ich jedem Italienfan nur empfehlen

[Gina · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars

This is beautiful book, representing the intersection of my pandemic-related reading jag and my Italy-related reading jag.

I requested this book interlibrary loan, and I was certain it would be a 4-star experience. The book is gorgeous, and the author provides facts mixed with some personal and family stories, however, I cannot say that I learned anything new about Italy or the Italians. I have read a few Beppe Severgnini books, and there is nothing like an Italian commenting on Italy and other Italians!

As gorgeous as this book is, I have a few quibbles:
1) Font size- The font size is extremely small! Bring your strongest reading glasses, or be prepared to use the reading glasses and magnifying glass combination!
2) Stock photos - Yes, the stock photos are gorgeous, and I am sure that the pandemic and lockdowns prevented the author from working with a photographer.
3) Photo credits - The photos are credited, but they are not identified! Sure, I can pick out the Florentine skyline, and I recognize the rooftops of Bologna, but where is that barber shop? Where is that lovely, curving strada?

I really liked the inclusion of the author's classic Italian playlist, Italian party playlist, and glossary.

[Monica · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun and informative, perfect for getting ready to visit Italy.

[Andreea Valeria · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book made me revisit and relive all that I love about Italy! Grazie, Maria!

[Kristall86 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Klappentext:

„Was bedeutet es, italienisch zu sein?



Ist es, einen Moment innezuhalten und einen aperitivo oder ein gelato zu genießen? Durch eine geschichtsträchtige Gasse zu spazieren? Oder ist es ein August in der Sonne am Strand?



Dieses Buch ist eine Hommage an den italienischen Lebensstil – eine Anleitung, wie man den Augenblick bei einem Kaffee auskostet, genussvoll reist und gutes Essen und Kultur wertschätzt. Eine Lektion in dolce far niente: das süße Nichtstun.



Von der köstlichen Küche und der exquisiten Mode über das Goldene Zeitalter des Kinos bis hin zum kulturellen Echo des Römischen Reiches (und einem sehr guten espresso ) lädt dieses kurzweilige Buch dazu ein, in die italienische Seele einzutauchen und zu essen, zu lieben, sich zu kleiden, zu denken und Spaß zu haben, wie man es nur auf Italienisch tun kann.“



Eine Anleitung wie man Italiener wird? Nicht ganz, aber dieses Buch klärt ein bisschen auf was es heißt, das italienische Gefühl in sich herein zu lassen, es zu zelebrieren, es zu genießen und den Tag einfach mal einen guten Mann sein zu lassen. Egal ob liebenswerte Anekdoten, liebevolle Beschreibungen über die Natur und die Landschaft dieses Landes oder eben die kulinarischen Genüsse - wir dürfen hier dank der Autorin alles erleben und kennen- sowie lieben-lernen. Das Buch ist eine Art Liebeserklärung an Italien und seine Bewohner und als Leser bekommt man wunderbare Einblicke aber auch ein bisschen das Gefühl vermittelt, welches uns Deutschen vielleicht fehlt. Dolce far niente: das süße Nichtstun - das ist für uns Deutsche irgendwie undenkbar aber genau das darf und muss in Italien zelebriert werden. Wir sollten alle dieses Buch lesen und uns dieses Gefühl verinnerlichen. Liebevoller kann man es nicht beschreiben wie hier!

Das Buch besticht mit traumhaften Fotografien, Rezepten und schönen kurzweiligen Texten. Absolut empfehlenswert und um es mit den Worten der großen Caterina Valente zu sagen „Komm‘ ein bisschen mit nach Italien…“. Worauf also warten? Dieses Buch macht jedenfalls jede Menge Lust die Koffer zu packen und eine Reise in den Süden anzutreten…5 Sterne hierfür!

[Jessie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read This: Joy, Culture, and Celebration in Maria Pasquale's How to Be Italian

How to Be Italian is a compelling, interesting glimpse into Italy, with photos that make you long to be there. If you've got a bit of fernweh, this is the Italian answer. How to Be Italian is an extraordinary book that will enrich your life. Highly recommended!

We interviewed @HeartRome author Maria Pasquale about her new book, writing inspiration, joys and challenges, and, of course, Italy. Take a look:

https://www.wanderingeducators.com/be...

[Wiebke · Rating 3 out of 5]

War ein spontaner Notkauf bei begrenzter Auswahl und ich bereue den Kauf nicht - allerdings haut es mich auch wirklich nicht vom Hocker. Es ist in sehr einfacher Sprache geschrieben (liegt vielleicht auch an der Übersetzung?) und gemeinsam mit den vielen Bildern und kompakten Zusammenfassungen, liest sich das Buch schnell weg und sorgt nebenbei für Urlaubsstimmung und auch etwas Motivation, italienisch zu lernen. Hier und da wiederholen sich einige Passagen, was den Lesefluss etwas bremst, trotzdem bietet es -wie zu erwarten- interessante und unterhaltsame Einblicke in die italienische Kultur
Alles in allem also kein Must-read, aber eine charmante, leichte Nebenbei-Lektüre.

[gloandreadabook · Rating 4 out of 5]

How to Be Italian - Maria Pasquale

4/5

Pasquale reflects on Italian culture and lifestyle via interviews and personal anecdotes about her heritage to create this informative guide. “How to be Italian” covers a variety of aspects of Italian culture including gastronomy, holidays, fashion, and more. While it is in no way exhaustive given the diversity between Italy’s various regions, it’s a nice little introduction that I would recommend for those looking forward to upcoming travels in the bel paese.

[Tiina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Entertaining but not overly deep. The pictured are gorgeous but woefully lacking in locations.
I will definitely pick this up again if I ever go back for another Italy, since I appreciated the recommendations for regional food and drinks.all in all, easy to read, and I think I understand Italy and Italians just a teensy bit better now. Obviously, I suffer from the intended side effect: I want an Italian holiday. And an Aperol Spritz.

[Gill · Rating 5 out of 5]

On the eve of travelling to beloved Italia, this book helped get me excited for this adventure! Full of interesting contextual information written in a conversational syle. Maria includes many fun facts and tips to note for those about to hit Italian shores. I agree that Italy nourishes the soul and can't wait to dive in again! Avanti!!

[Zibby · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a fun skim in preparation for our trip to Italy.
Loved the photos and idea of what we were in for as tourists. It was a nice glimpse at what it means to be immersed in the Italian culture for outsiders hoping to make the most of a travel experience. Recommend as a low-key pre-travel read.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely beautiful book. Detailed in exploring and explaining the Italian culture, heritage and language. Fabulous photos, that had me guessing where they were taken. A book to pick up and re-read, a section at a time, or just flip through the lovely pictures. Highly recommended for anyone who has an interest in Italy.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved, savoured, devoured and read every drop of this book! Absolutely adored it and the more I drank up the words and marvelled at the amazing illustrations and photography, it felt as if I really was in Italy! Xxx

[Christi · Rating 4 out of 5]

An light, fun, and romantic read for leaning what it means to be Italian. I love Italy and will be going back..I’d love to be Italian. Check it out before you travel there and you’ll want to be Italian too.

[Ana Maria · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautiful experience about how to get closer to the italian culture through food, way of dressing and living, language and prising in general the italian excellence achieved only through passion, love for life and for tradition.

[Wendy McCue · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having just spent a few weeks in Italy I found this book very relateable. I enjoyed the writing style and loved the insights into Italians and Italian lifestyle. I always want to return to Italy and this read just reinforced that desire.

[Roanna Sanelli · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book encompasses everything that I have always thought about Italy, life in the country and abroad as well as just simply being Italian.

Quite simply, Maria wrote the book I wished I could have written!!

An excellent tribute to Italy and a must read for all Italophobes out there.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book. Covered many aspects of being Italian. Couldn’t put down. Great read.

[Kristi Hayes · Rating 5 out of 5]

We recently went to Rome and picked up this book as I like to get a book each country we visit. This one was one of my favs.

[Olga Malysheva · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book of a great love to Italy, full of bright photos, interesting facts and tips. It was very interesting to read it during my summer vacation to Tuscany

[Lynn Faulkner · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great quick, joyful read about all things Italian!!
Will help readers be more immersed when they visit Italy!!

[Julie Palmer Teets · Rating 2 out of 5]

I enjoyed the photography more than the writing. It was a bit boring.

[Henri W · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ein schöner Überblick über die Seele Italiens.

[Sarah Cawlfield · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars

[Sara An · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good intro to the italian way. I got what I came looking for.
Only negative bit: at one point it got a little annoying how the author put italy at nr. 1 of everything.

[Lucie Poulová · Rating 4 out of 5]

"To be Italian, is to take life lightly, that lightness is not superficial, but gliding over things from above, not having boulders on your heart." Italo Calvino
Příjemné a lehké počtení doplněné nádhernými fotkami, které ve mně vyvolalo okamžitou potřebu začít plánovat další dovolenou v Itálii, namíchat si aperol a uvařit oblíbené těstoviny. Čtvrtou hvězdičku dávám kvůli své aktuální slabosti pro hezky zpracované knihy, které vypadají dobře v knihovně.