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Cobblestones, Conversations, and Corks: A Son's Discovery of His Italian Heritage
Cobblestones, Conversations and Corks is a passionate and deeply moving story about a father-son relationship; a culture rooted in family, food and wine; and an ancestral small town in Central Italy that was left behind after World War II.
On November 11, 1943, the Germans invaded Cansano, forcing its two thousand inhabitants to make a tough decision—fight and be killed or sent to a POW camp, stay behind as servants to the Germans, or move into the unforgiving mountains of Abruzzo while the Germans used their village as a home base. Giovanni Ruscitti’s family chose the latter and spent the next few months living in horrendous winter conditions in the rugged mountains. When the war ended, they returned to a village so ravaged by the Germans that, today, the town has less than two hundred citizens and remains in a dilapidated state.
In this memoir, Ruscitti visits Cansano for the first time with his family, including parents Emiliano and Maria. As he walks Cansano’s cobblestones, his father’s stories and life are illuminated by the town piazza, the steep valley, and the surrounding mountains. He relives the tales of his parents’ struggles during World War II, their extreme post-war misery and poverty, their budding romance after, and their decision to immigrate to the US in search of the American Dream.
Ruscitti’s adventure is not just an exploration of his homeland but reveals what family, culture, wisdom, and love really means. And what our heritage really tells us about who we are.
On November 11, 1943, the Germans invaded Cansano, forcing its two thousand inhabitants to make a tough decision—fight and be killed or sent to a POW camp, stay behind as servants to the Germans, or move into the unforgiving mountains of Abruzzo while the Germans used their village as a home base. Giovanni Ruscitti’s family chose the latter and spent the next few months living in horrendous winter conditions in the rugged mountains. When the war ended, they returned to a village so ravaged by the Germans that, today, the town has less than two hundred citizens and remains in a dilapidated state.
In this memoir, Ruscitti visits Cansano for the first time with his family, including parents Emiliano and Maria. As he walks Cansano’s cobblestones, his father’s stories and life are illuminated by the town piazza, the steep valley, and the surrounding mountains. He relives the tales of his parents’ struggles during World War II, their extreme post-war misery and poverty, their budding romance after, and their decision to immigrate to the US in search of the American Dream.
Ruscitti’s adventure is not just an exploration of his homeland but reveals what family, culture, wisdom, and love really means. And what our heritage really tells us about who we are.
274 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 16, 2022
About the author
Giovanni Ruscitti
3 books15 followersGiovanni Ruscitti, Esq. is a first generation Italian-American who grew up in Frederick, Colorado, a small coal mining town that his parents and grandparents immigrated to in the 1950s and early 1960s. A nationally recognized attorney, arbitrator, and mediator, as well as a frequent speaker at national legal events, Giovanni is the Managing Partner of national law firm Berg Hill Greenleaf Ruscitti, LLP. He holds a degree in Economics and a M.B.A from the University of Colorado, as well as a J.D. from Denver University. In 2022, he was named as one of the most influential business leaders in Colorado, and has served on numerous non-profit boards. He is currently the Chair of the Executive Committee of the Boulder Economic Council, on the Board of Directors of the Boulder Chamber of Commerce, and a member of Metro Denver Economic Development Corp. Board of Governors.
Giovanni and his wife of over thirty years, Aggie Blake-Ruscitti, have three adult children, Dante, Donato, and Izabella. Giovanni and Aggie currently live outside Boulder, Colorado, where they enjoy traveling, biking, hiking, yoga and Italian wines.
Giovanni and his wife of over thirty years, Aggie Blake-Ruscitti, have three adult children, Dante, Donato, and Izabella. Giovanni and Aggie currently live outside Boulder, Colorado, where they enjoy traveling, biking, hiking, yoga and Italian wines.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
October 1, 2022
I was fortunate enough to have won this kindle edition of the book. Coming from an Italian heritage this memoir touched on many similarities from my family. Although my father and his family were from Bologna, the traditions
And values were similar. I loved the author’s style of mixing family stories and traditions with historical interests from the era and region.
And values were similar. I loved the author’s style of mixing family stories and traditions with historical interests from the era and region.
November 4, 2022
This was a moving memoir about discovering one’s heritage.
Did your parents or grandparents ever tell you stories about your family’s history? Giovanni Ruscitti used to hear stories of his parents and grandparents’ life during World War II in Cansano, Italy. Cansano was invaded by the Nazis and the town’s residents had two choices: stay and get killed, or flee.
Following the war, the town was destroyed. Ruscitti’s parents and grandparents immigrated to a small town in Colorado in the 1950s and 1960s. But in 2013, he traveled to Cansano for the first time with his parents, along with his wife and a few of his children. His eyes were opened as the stories of his heritage came to life in front of them.
This was a tremendously moving and beautiful account. I’ll admit that as a third-generation American I lack the connection to my heritage that Ruscitti has, so that enhanced my enjoyment of this story.
Thanks so much to Get Red PR Books for inviting me on the tour and providing a complimentary copy of the book!! Grateful to Giovanni Ruscitti for sharing his and his family’s story.
See all of my reviews at itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com.
Follow me on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/getbookedwithlarry/.
Did your parents or grandparents ever tell you stories about your family’s history? Giovanni Ruscitti used to hear stories of his parents and grandparents’ life during World War II in Cansano, Italy. Cansano was invaded by the Nazis and the town’s residents had two choices: stay and get killed, or flee.
Following the war, the town was destroyed. Ruscitti’s parents and grandparents immigrated to a small town in Colorado in the 1950s and 1960s. But in 2013, he traveled to Cansano for the first time with his parents, along with his wife and a few of his children. His eyes were opened as the stories of his heritage came to life in front of them.
This was a tremendously moving and beautiful account. I’ll admit that as a third-generation American I lack the connection to my heritage that Ruscitti has, so that enhanced my enjoyment of this story.
Thanks so much to Get Red PR Books for inviting me on the tour and providing a complimentary copy of the book!! Grateful to Giovanni Ruscitti for sharing his and his family’s story.
See all of my reviews at itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com.
Follow me on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/getbookedwithlarry/.
August 21, 2022
Thank you to the publisher and getredpr for the copy of this book.
I found this memoir to be an absolute page turner. I loved the Italian history of the author’s family and the small town where they were from. As someone’s whose own father was a first generation Italian American I felt I could connect to this story and I found myself making a list of things I would love to research about my own family.
The only qualm I had was sometimes the timeline jumping was a bit all over. But once I got into a groove, it was easy to keep with!
I found this memoir to be an absolute page turner. I loved the Italian history of the author’s family and the small town where they were from. As someone’s whose own father was a first generation Italian American I felt I could connect to this story and I found myself making a list of things I would love to research about my own family.
The only qualm I had was sometimes the timeline jumping was a bit all over. But once I got into a groove, it was easy to keep with!
August 17, 2022
This was an amazing memoir and I am so glad I
had the opportunity to read it.
What a wonderful opportunity to be able to
travel to your parents homeland and see all the
places you've only ever heard in stories.
Touching, poignant and heartwarming, it
makes you want to pack your bags and head to
Italy. Also. Remember to ask questions and
listen to your parents, they won't be around
forever.
I loved how the story went back and forth in time. The stories from his dads childhood were heartbreaking yet they molded him into the man he would become. Passing on stories are a great way to connect generations. And it’s true, when you are young you don’t feel the need to listen to your elders. But as you grow older you come to realize they actually know what they are talking about.
The history of WWII and how their city was caught in the middle was a nice bonus.
had the opportunity to read it.
What a wonderful opportunity to be able to
travel to your parents homeland and see all the
places you've only ever heard in stories.
Touching, poignant and heartwarming, it
makes you want to pack your bags and head to
Italy. Also. Remember to ask questions and
listen to your parents, they won't be around
forever.
I loved how the story went back and forth in time. The stories from his dads childhood were heartbreaking yet they molded him into the man he would become. Passing on stories are a great way to connect generations. And it’s true, when you are young you don’t feel the need to listen to your elders. But as you grow older you come to realize they actually know what they are talking about.
The history of WWII and how their city was caught in the middle was a nice bonus.
January 25, 2023
***I won this book in a Goodreads Giveaway***
When I travel, I like to immerse myself in the every day of whatever town I am in. Visiting a market or a pub, talking to locals, taking walks down random streets...those are the things that really make me feel alive while traveling. Reading this book felt like taking that type of trip to Cansano, Italy.
The author makes you fall in love with this small town and then uses that as the stage to make you fall in love with the people and especially his father. It's only minimally introspective, but that's OK. This book reminds us to talk to the old folks in our lives and learn their stories because there's beauty and tragedy and strength and love there.
This was an enjoyable book that I would recommend to folks who love memoirs or travel.
When I travel, I like to immerse myself in the every day of whatever town I am in. Visiting a market or a pub, talking to locals, taking walks down random streets...those are the things that really make me feel alive while traveling. Reading this book felt like taking that type of trip to Cansano, Italy.
The author makes you fall in love with this small town and then uses that as the stage to make you fall in love with the people and especially his father. It's only minimally introspective, but that's OK. This book reminds us to talk to the old folks in our lives and learn their stories because there's beauty and tragedy and strength and love there.
This was an enjoyable book that I would recommend to folks who love memoirs or travel.
August 14, 2022
This book looks back on the author's Italian heritage. It alternates between trips back to Italy with his family and life in the United States. It showed how the author learned to really appreciate what his parents went through in their early lives, during WWII and its aftermath. In the end, it sends the message to spend time with and appreciate your family while they are around.
I won a copy of this book in a Goodreads giveaway. Yay!
I won a copy of this book in a Goodreads giveaway. Yay!
October 25, 2022
Loved this book! Relatable characters. There were a few repetitive remarks throughout the book, but I didn't mind. The vivid descriptions of the towns and historical landmarks were wonderful while not being "over the top."
August 22, 2022
As soon as I started reading this book, I felt like I was coming back to family. My adopted Italian family. This is a really good sign as you always want to feel connected; especially when reading a memoir or story about a person's life.
I have never been to Italy but after reading this book, I now want to go and visit. Mr. Ruscitti mentioning that he comes from a first-generation Italian family and not knowing anything about his heritage is relatable. As I am adopted from South Korea. I have seen pictures of this country but never been there. One day I will go visit.
There are too many lovely moments to mention in this book. It is the type of book that you actually would go back to again to see what you might have missed or just to reread. This is a very fast read. If you enjoy reading nonfiction/memoir books I would suggest picking up this one to read.
I have never been to Italy but after reading this book, I now want to go and visit. Mr. Ruscitti mentioning that he comes from a first-generation Italian family and not knowing anything about his heritage is relatable. As I am adopted from South Korea. I have seen pictures of this country but never been there. One day I will go visit.
There are too many lovely moments to mention in this book. It is the type of book that you actually would go back to again to see what you might have missed or just to reread. This is a very fast read. If you enjoy reading nonfiction/memoir books I would suggest picking up this one to read.
August 20, 2022
I actually had the honor of reading the transcript before it was delivered to the publisher. Seeing this come to fruition is beautiful to witness. Giovanni Ruscitti was able to fulfill his fathers dying wish and tell his story.
This story easily grabbed my attention and was hard to put down. It literally had me laughing out loud but also made me cry.
We follow the author as he travels to Italy with his parents. We see him reflect on stories his dad had told him through the years but the stories now hold a different meaning.
He gains new perspective on his father, their heritage but also what lies within himself.
One takeaway from the book was what Emiliano always tried to instill in his children and grandchildren …believing “you can do it!”
This story easily grabbed my attention and was hard to put down. It literally had me laughing out loud but also made me cry.
We follow the author as he travels to Italy with his parents. We see him reflect on stories his dad had told him through the years but the stories now hold a different meaning.
He gains new perspective on his father, their heritage but also what lies within himself.
One takeaway from the book was what Emiliano always tried to instill in his children and grandchildren …believing “you can do it!”
December 20, 2022
A story that follows a culture rich in family, food, wine with the focus on a father-son relationship as they learn of their ancestral history and the small town that was ravaged during WW2.
This story captivated my interest from the beginning because it involves history and family. In learning about someone’s past and all that they’ve been through, it is extraordinary how it can define us.
Ruscitti has written an incredible story about his parents and has shown us how important it is to know our family’s past. I love the way this story is told, it felt like I was right there listening to it being spoken.
This story captivated my interest from the beginning because it involves history and family. In learning about someone’s past and all that they’ve been through, it is extraordinary how it can define us.
Ruscitti has written an incredible story about his parents and has shown us how important it is to know our family’s past. I love the way this story is told, it felt like I was right there listening to it being spoken.
August 4, 2025
The author’s age and family history have some similarities to my own, though my family is from Greece, not Italy, and my grandparents came from there but my parents were born in the states. Still, the overall feel of family, food, heated family discussions and tie to “the old country” was very similar to my experience growing up.
I struggled with all the jumping around from present day to many years ago. That may just be personal style preferences. The second half of the book moved faster than the first half
I struggled with all the jumping around from present day to many years ago. That may just be personal style preferences. The second half of the book moved faster than the first half
January 12, 2023
What a beautiful and touching story
I loved learning about the various regions within Italy. The stories of immigration and starting all over were so inspirational. What a wonderful family!
I loved learning about the various regions within Italy. The stories of immigration and starting all over were so inspirational. What a wonderful family!
September 8, 2022
The story grabbed my attention from the start and I could not put it down. The book made me laugh and I would totally recommend this book to one of my friends.
September 29, 2022
Interesting history and family
September 26, 2022
The family stories are okay, but depictions of some other people and events are inaccurate and unnecessary to the story. The narrative is rambling and sensationalized in places, so it failed to keep my interest.
October 18, 2022
Title: Cobblestones, Conversations and Corks
Author: Giovanni Ruscitti
Genre: Memoir
Pub Day: 8/16/22
Book Tour: @getredpr
“A Father’s Stories Come To Life Upon a Trip to His Italian Village”
As bookstagrammers we often have the privilege to get read and review many books. I strive to find ones that are a good fit for me. When I saw Giovanni’s memoir about his Italian family come to me in an email I knew I had to read it. My mother’s family comes from Rome and Abruzzo and I always feel a deep connection to Italian stories. Giovanni also shares snippets of life during WWII and why Italians like his mother and father left for America; As a historical fiction lover this was right up my ally. But, you don’t need to be interested or connected to either of these things to enjoy this book. It’s heartfelt and humorous and reminds us the importance of sharing stories. It’s a reminder of to slow down and enjoy life a little. It’s about community.
“Treat people right and they will always take care of you.”
I don’t rate memoirs because it makes me feel like I’m rating someone’s life, but this is an easy five stars. Giovanni bravo on your debut novel. I hope you’re celebrating in Italy. I hope maybe you bought a home there like you talked about! PS - I’m an Italian with a gluten intolerance too that I discovered in adulthood.
CW: Cancer, Death
Author: Giovanni Ruscitti
Genre: Memoir
Pub Day: 8/16/22
Book Tour: @getredpr
“A Father’s Stories Come To Life Upon a Trip to His Italian Village”
As bookstagrammers we often have the privilege to get read and review many books. I strive to find ones that are a good fit for me. When I saw Giovanni’s memoir about his Italian family come to me in an email I knew I had to read it. My mother’s family comes from Rome and Abruzzo and I always feel a deep connection to Italian stories. Giovanni also shares snippets of life during WWII and why Italians like his mother and father left for America; As a historical fiction lover this was right up my ally. But, you don’t need to be interested or connected to either of these things to enjoy this book. It’s heartfelt and humorous and reminds us the importance of sharing stories. It’s a reminder of to slow down and enjoy life a little. It’s about community.
“Treat people right and they will always take care of you.”
I don’t rate memoirs because it makes me feel like I’m rating someone’s life, but this is an easy five stars. Giovanni bravo on your debut novel. I hope you’re celebrating in Italy. I hope maybe you bought a home there like you talked about! PS - I’m an Italian with a gluten intolerance too that I discovered in adulthood.
CW: Cancer, Death
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews