How to Live Like an Italian: A User's Guide to La Dolce Vita

by Annalisa Coppolaro

Outsiders are fascinated by the Italians—their style, politics, diet, sex lives, and cars, not to mention their incredibly beautiful country, to which many thousands of vacationers flock year after year. Why are they healthy and slim in spite of their carb-rich food? Why do they dress up for every occasion, even if it's a trip to the market? How can a country that produced Botticelli also produce Berlusconi? Taking a close look at all aspects of life in Il Bel Paese, this book is the essential companion for the curious and the committed Italophile.

Genres: Nonfiction, Travel, Italy

256 pages, Hardcover

First published February 1, 2009

Reviews

[Ver · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is more like thesis, research on other authors' views on Italy. Lots of repetitions. According to the author, in order to live like an Italian you should wear fashionable clothes, look pretty and eat a lot of pasta. Also don't get drunk and let children taste some wine.
It is a pity that the author didn't use more of her own experience instead of boring research. If Italy is the best country in the world, I wonder why the author moved to UK. The style of the book is so discouraging that I couldn't bear more than 5 pages a day.

[Wiktoria · Rating 1 out of 5]

Wyciągnęłam z tej książki kilka ciekawych myśli, jednak po lekturze wciąż nie wiem jak żyć po włosku, wychodzi na to, że chyba trzeba się po prostu urodzić Włochem i to najlepszy sposób.

[Samantha · Rating 2 out of 5]

I found this book boring, and the author made too many unclear references to the “bad press/negative stereotypes” of Italy instead of focusing on the positives of a rich culture, which is what I was expecting. Couldn’t finish reading at this time.

[Joanne · Rating 1 out of 5]

Disappointing. I was excited to read about Italian culture, but this book just isn't very exciting.

[Laurel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Even though the writing is mediocre and the author repeats herself endlessly, I still enjoyed this book. I did skip the chapter on cars; just not my thing. Of course, the chapter on food was my favorite and I did photocopy her recipes! I will definitely make Zia Guilia's Tiramisu! LOL!

[Valerie Davia · Rating 2 out of 5]

Planning a trip to Italy next year so tried this out...not the best but a few fun facts.