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Don't Sing at the Table: Life Lessons from My Grandmothers

Adriana Trigiani (Goodreads Author)

3.68 · Rating details · 1,846 ratings · 317 reviews

As devoted readers of Adriana Trigiani's New York Times bestselling novels know, this "seemingly effortless storyteller" (Boston Globe) frequently draws inspiration from her own family history, in particular from the lives of her two remarkable grandmothers, who have found their way into all Trigiani's cherished novels. In Don't Sing at the Table, this much-beloved writer

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Hardcover, 224 pages

Published November 9th 2010 by Harper (first published November 1st 2010)

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Profiles in Leadership by Walter Isaacson

Los Angeles Times' 2010 Nonfiction Book Picks

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Jan 28, 2011 Marjanne rated it it was ok

I wanted to like this more than I did. I was expecting (and hoping for) a nice story about the author's grandmothers and what she learned from them. There is some of that, but as the book goes on it kind of turns from memoir into self-help. The author seems to think that if we all just lived more like her grandmothers that the world would be a perfect place. Even worse, nearer to the end the author starts throwing in her own parenting and life opinions in. I am not familiar with the author outsi ...more

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Nov 17, 2010 Danielle rated it really liked it

Shelves: chicklit, for-review, 2010-favorites

Lucy and Viola were trailblazers of their time. Modern women in a world that was changing faster than most could imagine. In Trigiani’s newest release Don’t Sing at the Table she tells the stories of these two incredible grandmothers that influenced her life. Both from different parts of Italy and transplanted to the United States just in time for the industrial age of factories and US made products. Both Lucy and Viola in their own respects were women of fierce passion and fulfilled lives.

In a Lucy and Viola were trailblazers of their time. Modern women in a world that was changing faster than most could imagine. In Trigiani’s newest release Don’t Sing at the Table she tells the stories of these two incredible grandmothers that influenced her life. Both from different parts of Italy and transplanted to the United States just in time for the industrial age of factories and US made products. Both Lucy and Viola in their own respects were women of fierce passion and fulfilled lives.

In a matter of pages I was completely drawn in to the story of Viola and Lucy. I’ve never read anything by Adriana Trigiani, but after reading the stories of her grandmothers I want to pick up all of her books. In the past I’ve never been able to find the appeal in lengthy memoirs or even biographies of others, but Trigiani’s telling of the lives of her grandmothers was something completely different. These women were incredible! Both fierce in the way they lived their lives, though they were both quite different. Each was equally compelling and I’ve learned so much in the span of a few days spent reading about their lives.

One of the things I learned through the course of my reading was that Trigiani’s love for these two incredible women could not be categorized. There was no winner between the two grandmothers. Each had qualities that she incorporates into her life everyday and they’ve influenced many of the choices she’s made. Viola was forward thinking, a powerful woman in the world and at home. Lucy was strong and independent despite the loss of her husband early in life. And so much more from each.

Don’t Sing at the Table: Life Lessons from My Grandmothers was such a wonderful read. From the beginning, which starts out as a telling of Viola and Lucy’s incredible (but separate) lives, to the end, which transforms into a summation of tips and advice garnered from them. This was a completely enjoyable read, maybe especially because I’m no longer very close with my grandmother’s but do remember them somewhat in this same light. I’d absolutely recommend this story to anyone looking for an enjoyable read about passionate women and the ways in which you can incorporate their lives into your own. ...more

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Oct 18, 2011 Emily rated it it was amazing

Shelves: lifestyle, 20th-century-authors, american-authors, memoir, italians, advice

A FANTASTIC read--author Trigiani (Big Stone Gap series, Lucia, Lucia) writes her first nonfiction piece about her two Italian grandmothers and the advice they gave her about life, love, and work.
My own Italian grandmother died 10 years ago, before I graduated from college, and Viola (Trigiani's paternal grandmother) sounds *just* like her. I felt like I was learning from her as I read this. But Italian or not, everyone is going to find something that resonates with them in this gem of a book. ...more

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Dec 01, 2015 Stacy rated it liked it

This was an interesting book about two fascinating women. Of course, I don't agree with all of their advice, but they certainly had much to share of value. My favorite from Viola is," Keep illusion on the screen in the local movie house; in life, face facts." My favorite from Lucy is," You only have one reputation. When your good reputation is gone, it's gone." I also enjoyed seeing inspiration for her fiction in her family and those around them. ...more

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Feb 27, 2017 Carol Lander rated it liked it

I felt like I was reading about my own experience with my own Italian grandmother! Same era, same traditions, same deep ties to female ancestors.

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Mar 26, 2018 Onceinabluemoon rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Love learning every aspect of her life through her many books. A blueprint to a rich full life.

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Dec 17, 2010 Janel rated it liked it

I heard Adriana speak at two library conferences and enjoyed her stories immensely, but I hadn't read any of her books. Curious to learn more about her and her family, I decided to read this book first.

At first I had a hard time getting into the book and relating to her stories, but as I got further into the book I found a few connections. It turns out her one grandmother grew up & lived 20 minutes north of where I grew up. Both my grandmothers were at one time in their lives seamstresses just ...more

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Dec 28, 2015 Margaret rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: non-fiction, history, women

I've loved Trigiana's work since her fictional Big Stone Gap series, the first of which I pre-ordered because I had lived in the area as a child and couldn't wait to read the book. Her novels always focus on family relationships, but in this book the focus is on her wonderful real-life grandmothers.

Both came from Italy to the U.S. with little education and little money, but learned from their experiences and became fountains of wisdom. They shared that wisdom with the author, in words and actio ...more

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Oct 21, 2010 Andrea rated it did not like it

Recommended to Andrea by: a Giveaway win!

I kept thinking, what's the point? Her grandmothers' lives were interesting, but how were they different from all the other young Italian immigrants who struggled to make it here? I think this book would have been a lot more effective if it were written in novel form and from the grandmothers' points of view. From the author's perspective, it was sort of all over the place, moving back and forth between Viola and Lucy, and I feel that the real lessons that Trigiani was trying to get across were ...more

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Oct 25, 2010 Vicki rated it it was ok

Shelves: first-reads

I didn't find this book to be very interesting or enlightening. It seemed like a great book for the author to write to share with her family, but I just didn't really care enough to read her thoughts on life. I read it, and although her grandmothers seemed like very great women, I prefer not to read this kind of book. It was well written as are most of Ms. Trigiani's books, but a little preachy. I'm glad I had the opportunity to read this, but I wouldn't recommend it. ...more

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Nov 08, 2010 Mary Bruno rated it it was ok

I got this book thinking that it would be full of anecdotes of growing up with Italian grandmothers. While this was a good memoir of Trigiani's experience with her grandmothers and an interesting account of the successes of immigrants to the US, it was not the story I expected. I thought at times it was a little preachy and did not have the touching stories of moments spent with relatives that are no longer here. ...more

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Oct 24, 2010 Mary Ellen rated it it was ok

Shelves: biography-memoirs, goodreads-books

I won this book from the Goodreads giveaways and can't wait to read it! It was delivered promptly and in good condition. I will let you know what I think when I read it! Thank you Goodreads!

Not one of my favorite books by Trigiani. It was a little slow, but she shows a definite doversity in her writing. I'd like to see another "Big Stone Gap" book. ...more

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Aug 14, 2012 Priyanka rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

The word you're looking for is 'rich' -- in detail, in experience, in lesson, in expression. Cooking tips, success formulas, how to be a good hostess, parenting lessons... you name it, you got it... all packaged together in this delightful read which makes you smile as well as makes you well up and leaves you feeling enriched.
Hope I get to meet you some day signora Trigiani! ...more

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Oct 07, 2016 Fran rated it it was amazing

Both my grandmothers originated from Italy. Reading this book reminded me of the values, morals, and traditions I treasure from them both. As with the author's grandmothers they were both very different yet so similar. Thank you Adriana, for bringing my grandmothers back to me and allowing me to relish in their memories once again. ...more

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Apr 18, 2017 QueenAmidala28 rated it really liked it · review of another edition

She hit the spot right on. Viola and Luciana did well.

The only way you can't give this book 5 stars is if you are a soulless, heartless person with a family to take care of you.

Great stories that I will tell as many people I can. Makes me hope

Yes I took notes and you will too. Families like hers don't exist anymore. ...more

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Oct 17, 2010 Linda rated it it was amazing

Shelves: 2009-2010

I went to Adrianas' book signing last night,And had to start reading her new book with my first cup of coffee this morning.I really like her as an author,after meeting her..you can see she love what she does,which makes her so good!!!!!! ...more

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Dec 31, 2010 Penny rated it liked it

It's a lovely tribute to the strong people in our lives who make us what we are. After reading the book I felt like I wished I had had the chance to meet Adriana's grandmothers. They were amazing people. ...more

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Oct 29, 2012 Nieve rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: never-tiring-endless-reads

Trigiani, Trigiani, Trigiani. I love her and her grandmothers – Lucia and Viola. Simple and sensible things said in a way that doesn’t make you feel that you are being told this is how you should lead your life. One book that I’ll keep going back to – to revise the life lessons I learnt.

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Jan 19, 2011 Sarah rated it it was ok

I'm not going to finish this. Seemed to me to be uninteresting, condescending, and disjointed. Ordinary. And not worth my time. ...more

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Jan 26, 2011 Heather rated it liked it

Shelves: adultnon-fiction, 2010-copyright

I'll be honest, I skipped the chapters on child rearing and money (I try not to read anything that deals with those issues), but I really liked the rest of the book. ...more

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Sep 26, 2020 Connie D added it

Shelves: life, family, biography, non-fiction, memoir, lessons, family-history

I'm jealous of how much Trigiani knew about her grandmothers and how well she knew them. Although I grew up living near one of mine, I sadly never knew the details of her life. I never peered into her past work spaces or really knew what made her tick.

I have to admit I was a little exhausted by how much Trigiani's grandmothers worked and accomplished, but it reminded me how tireless that generation seemed to be, doing so much by hand. Despite the busyness of our lives now, we certainly have mor ...more

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Oct 14, 2019 Michelle rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: 2019-books-audio

A writers memories of her grandmothers and the life lessons they taught her. Upbeat and enjoyable on its own but also a great book for fans of Trigiani. It was easy to see that she drew on many of her family experiences in her writing. Interesting to see how her grandmonthers informed her life and her writing.

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Oct 12, 2018 Kelley rated it liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: book-group-books, non-fiction-biography

Somewhere between 2.5 and 3 stars. I enjoyed Trigiani's exploration of the lives of her grandmothers and the lessons they passed on to her. If the book had been only a memoir, I think I would have rated it 4 stars. However, Trigiani leaves out large sections of her grandmothers' lives including all the years they raised their children and became grandmothers. It almost seems like she tells you their lives from birth to 35 and then skips ahead to the final days of their lives. I would have liked ...more

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Oct 16, 2018 Nanci rated it really liked it

If you are a reader of Trigiani's books, you will get more insight into her inspirations for her characters in her fiction books. (ex: the last name Ducci, first name Giacomina). It made me smile thinking of the women of that era as were my grandmothers, one Italian, one German. It does get preachy at the end (the chapter after all is called Belief, so no real surprise.) But it does contain a truism. Trigiani writes nice sentences. ...more

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Nov 08, 2011 Alison rated it it was amazing

Read this book...then read it again!

I've been struggling to find the words for this review for quite some time. Each time I try, I fall into this sappy sweet, personal zone of over sharing. Adriana has that effect on people! To know her is to love her, and to read her writing is to open a door to her family, where you are a welcomed guest.

DON'T SING AT THE TABLE: Life Lessons From My Grandmothers is Adriana Trigiani's first non-fiction book; although those of us who have read her works of fict ...more

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Jul 11, 2011 Meg rated it really liked it

Shelves: sent-for-review, non-fiction, memoir, read-in-2011

Before she was an acclaimed and popular author, Adriana Trigiani was someone much more basic — much more familiar — to all of us: a granddaughter. In her memoir Don’t Sing At The Table, Trigiani recounts the inspiring and fascinating lives of her two strong-willed, larger-than-life grandmothers. Blessed with not one but two powerful female role models, Trigiani grew up listening to their stories and learning from the trials they endured. And as she grows and matures and experiences life herself, Before she was an acclaimed and popular author, Adriana Trigiani was someone much more basic — much more familiar — to all of us: a granddaughter. In her memoir Don’t Sing At The Table, Trigiani recounts the inspiring and fascinating lives of her two strong-willed, larger-than-life grandmothers. Blessed with not one but two powerful female role models, Trigiani grew up listening to their stories and learning from the trials they endured. And as she grows and matures and experiences life herself, the lessons of Lucy Spada and Viola Trigiani begin to take on new meaning.

Don’t Sing At The Table reads like a love letter to the women she loves so dearly. I saw much of myself in her pages, remembering the summers I spent with Gram and Maw Maw, my maternal and paternal grandmothers. My family — warm and complex, like so many — has long been anchored by the lessons the women on both sides have taught.

It’s hard not to warm to Lucy, an Italian immigrant who lands in Minnesota with her husband. After his sudden death, she is left to care for three children in a foreign country while trying to keep her own business afloat. In another corner of the U.S. is Viola Trigiani, a warm and hard-working woman who is an equal partner in the clothing factory she runs with her husband. The lives of both women are incredibly inspirational, considering the heights to which they soared at a time when women were still taught their place was “in the home.”

And the women were at home, caring for their kids . . . but they were everywhere else, too.

The ladies’ influence on their granddaughter, Adriana, is evident and moving. While Don’t Sing At The Table opens with long and detailed accounts of Lucy and Viola’s marriages and lives before little Adriana would ever open her eyes in this world, the latter half of the book is framed around Adriana’s own opportunities and the lessons she learns by their example.

Though I was very interested in Lucy and Viola’s lives, I wish there had been a bit more of Adriana in the memoir’s opening chapters. It felt like an information dump — here is the woman we’re talking about; here’s what she looked like; here’s what her life was like. I wanted a little more emotion. Some intrigue. A bit of back story and, in time, better integration of the lessons they learned against the backdrop of Adriana’s own experiences.

But that’s a minor quibble in an otherwise warmhearted tale. I loved the inclusion of family photos in each chapter, which really helped to bring Viola and Lucy to life, and the way that much of their advice would still hold true today. As a reader of Trigiani’s books, too, it was so fun to see the way Lucy and Viola were integrated into the author’s novels. Fans of her stories will delight in learning more about the women who inspired and helped shape Trigiani’s memorable characters and settings.

And if nothing else, it’ll inspire you to think of your own grandmothers . . . and, if you’re blessed to do so, give them a call. It’s fascinating to think of where we came from — the choices our ancestors made that landed us to sit right here, right now.

It’s a thought as large as the universe. ...more

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Jun 06, 2018 Kelly Renee rated it did not like it · review of another edition

Shelves: biographies-essays

I bought this book on a whim because it was in the Kindle $2 deals or whatever it was and I thought, hmm it could be interesting. Well unfortunately I was disappointed with this book of "advice". It's a fairly charming concept to write about lessons learned from your two smart, strong, Italian grandmothers. But this fell quite flat for me.

The author idealizes her grandmothers, which is a normal and sweet thing to do, but many parts of the book elicited an eye-roll for me. I just felt that the n I bought this book on a whim because it was in the Kindle $2 deals or whatever it was and I thought, hmm it could be interesting. Well unfortunately I was disappointed with this book of "advice". It's a fairly charming concept to write about lessons learned from your two smart, strong, Italian grandmothers. But this fell quite flat for me.

The author idealizes her grandmothers, which is a normal and sweet thing to do, but many parts of the book elicited an eye-roll for me. I just felt that the novel did not execute well the personal sharing & sentiment. Many times the wisdom she was conveying was problematic and the author presented nearly everything as perfect. The advice ranged from obvious (save money! pay your bills! wear classic pieces that don't go out of style! be healthy and polite! ambition is good!), irrelevant ("walk everywhere, don't even bother with a car"--this really depends on where you live, particularly if you live in the States where cities are designed for cars rather than pedestrians), problematic ("The slim figure is best" ?! "You are your good reputation"? I'm pretty sure we are not always what others think of us...) to downright offensive...long explanation on one example of this below.

"Engrave the souls of your children, not your body. It would seem that our bodies, in their natural state, are not fascinating enough. The parts must be assigned meaning. If you don't find the curve of your ankle particularly enthralling, you can tattoo it with your choice of Chinese symbols, which will be permanently engraved on your body by a man with a gold tooth who wears goggles as he operates an electric needle that spurts India ink into your flesh. Now your ankle is saying something, in addition to holding you up as your walk...The last thing you want is a boring elbow a plain forearm, or a hip without instructions. Freckles, moles, and scars are passé; bring on the Sanskrit, emblazoned across your torso like a menu from a fast food joint in Bangladesh. These days we have a need to make whatever we were born with our version of better, and in so doing, leave our permanent wisdom carved on our bodies and not engraved on the souls of our children"

I was shocked when I read this part of the book. And not in a good way. I have a thing about finishing every book I start but that excerpt really tested me. I don't even have tattoos or plans to get any but I find everything about this incredibly problematic.
What is with the disdainful and condescending tone towards people who choose to get tattoos and their reasoning for it?
What is with the bizarre description/generalization of tattoo artists?
Is the author assuming that all who choose tattoos do so because they find their body boring?
The author felt no need to acknowledge other motivations might exist?
Is the author suggesting those with tattoos are not able to share wisdom with their children?

Anyways so that was a long review for a short book that wasn't really worth reading. ...more

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Oct 15, 2010 Carol rated it really liked it

Shelves: nonfiction

What a treat arrived in my mailbox yesterday . . . a Goodreads Giveaway book written by Adriana Trigiani, one of my favorite authors! I've enjoyed many of her novels, but this latest book is a nonfiction entitled Don't Sing at the Table: Life Lessons from My Grandmothers. I was expecting a series of funny quotes from her ancestors, but this turns out to be a delightful memoir of history, love, sacrifice, fine examples of work and ethics, and much food for thought, extremely well-written. And yes What a treat arrived in my mailbox yesterday . . . a Goodreads Giveaway book written by Adriana Trigiani, one of my favorite authors! I've enjoyed many of her novels, but this latest book is a nonfiction entitled Don't Sing at the Table: Life Lessons from My Grandmothers. I was expecting a series of funny quotes from her ancestors, but this turns out to be a delightful memoir of history, love, sacrifice, fine examples of work and ethics, and much food for thought, extremely well-written. And yes, there is humor, too. The family photos that are included add much to this story. I found myself referring back to them often.

I started this book about 5:00 p.m. and forced myself to stop reading at 2:00 a.m. I finished it today, and highly recommend this to granddaughters, daughters, mothers, and grandmothers everywhere! (OK, even their male counterparts might like this.) If you are fortunate enough to have a good relationship already, you may enjoy comparing your experiences with these women; if you feel you would like a better relationship, there is a lot of good advice you may be able to use.

Adriana's grandmothers were born in the era of my own mother (1905), so I could relate to many of her tales through stories from her. Unfortunately, I met only one of my grandmothers, and she died when I was very young. It made me sad not to have been able to have had this opportunity. However, my own children were able to know both of their grandmothers for nearly 40 years of their lives. I can't wait to share this book with them! I also hope to use some of these "lessons" as I continue to enjoy my wonderful life as Grandma Mum!

These two strong women lived very different lives, but both had faith, love, and hope to get them through good and bad times, and to be wonderful role models. I was surprised that both were working mothers during a time when most women were stay-at-home moms. I found their stories very eye-opening and was impressed with their self-taught educations. I loved how the author related the working world of the past to the times we are facing now. Why can't we learn from history?!

Ms Trigiani is a lucky woman, and obviously knows and appreciates it!

As much as I liked this book, I could not give it a five star rating. I found the beginning of the book far more interesting than some parts in the middle and end, and the author also repeated tales a few times. However, it gets a strong four! ...more

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Oct 31, 2011 Chocolate & Croissants rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Grab yourself a cup of tea. Tuck yourself into bed, under a cozy duvet and open up Don't Sing at the Table. For me this book was charming and comforting all in one. It was about the way life should be. It had the lessons I wished we could all live by every day. It made me wish for the relationship she had with her grandmothers. I also come from migrant parents. My difference is that my parents were the only ones who migrated. My grandparents were across the Atlantic. They spoke I language I did Grab yourself a cup of tea. Tuck yourself into bed, under a cozy duvet and open up Don't Sing at the Table. For me this book was charming and comforting all in one. It was about the way life should be. It had the lessons I wished we could all live by every day. It made me wish for the relationship she had with her grandmothers. I also come from migrant parents. My difference is that my parents were the only ones who migrated. My grandparents were across the Atlantic. They spoke I language I did not speak. I loved my grandparents and they loved me. Seeing them on summer vacation is different from having them in your life.

Author Trigiani's Don't Sing at the Table is the story about love, relationships and her grandmother's mother's stories. Her grandmother's era is an era long past. Both her grandmothers were from Italy. They were each successful in their own way. Their lives were dramatically different. Both of these women were pillars in their society and they both had lessons to pass on to their grandchildren.

The book is divided into ten chapters: 1. Viola, 2. Lucia, 3. The Factory Store, 4. Storefront Couturier, 5. Security, 6. La Bella Figura, 7. Sex and Marriage, 8. THe Places You'll Go, 9 Children and 10. Belief. There are many lessons to be learnt from both of her grandmothers. Some of my favourites are 1. Open your home to friends. 2. Fill your home with music, love and beauty your child will remember, 3. Self-respect is the most important respect of all. 4. Eat fresh and in season. and most importantly Start each day with calm.

These are simple lessons, but lessons that will make one a more peaceful person. Trigiani's grandmother's had wisdom. Wisdom love and stamina. Their families were important to them and they made their house a home. Each grandmother has had an interesting life full of adventure and heartache. In the end it appears that each of them lived their lives to the fullest.

Trigiani was fortunate to have such strong and beautiful women in her lives as a role model. She wrote an amazing book that shares with us the lessons her grandmother's passed on to her.

Aim for sprezzatura, elegnce that is neither forced not dictated, that comes from within, effortlessly like zippy dialogue and is an extension of the person, not words for the sake of them. ...more

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Oct 19, 2011 Deborah rated it it was amazing

Shelves: available-on-kindle, family-dynamics, latest-reads, american-life, moral-message, reviewer-book, woman-writer, paperback-i-own, children-s-health, memoir-or-bio

What a treasure of a small book this is. I stayed up into the wee hours of the night because I just couldn't tear myself away from the story of Viola and Lucy and how they operated in the world. To say that Adriana Trigiani benefited from having them as grandmothers is an understatement.

I loved that both grandmothers had a strong interest in some area of dressmaking. Viola in the heart and hard work of factory sewing, and then her own blouse-making business; and Lucy in her devotion to clients What a treasure of a small book this is. I stayed up into the wee hours of the night because I just couldn't tear myself away from the story of Viola and Lucy and how they operated in the world. To say that Adriana Trigiani benefited from having them as grandmothers is an understatement.

I loved that both grandmothers had a strong interest in some area of dressmaking. Viola in the heart and hard work of factory sewing, and then her own blouse-making business; and Lucy in her devotion to clients and perfection when she became a "storefront couturier." Talented and beautiful women, they understood the value and power behind a women dressed well in perfectly fitted, classic clothing. They also understood that keeping up their skin/beauty routine, social standing and family reputations were tantamount to good life, good health and good self-esteem; among other important things.

It seems Adriana learned so much from them about integrity and self-respect, there's no doubt about that. But, she also learned the value of manners, of going after what you want, of having a purpose in life, of minding your reputation. The specifics of these lessons are ones you'll be delighted to read.

I thought it was delightful and serious at the same time to read Lucy's lessons first on romantic love, then on keeping a marriage strong. Hers is practical wisdom. Her instructions on raising children are some we absolutely could use today. I particularly liked her dictum never to burden a child with adult problems. That lesson alone would change the mental health of so many children in these times.

There is so much to this book. It's humorous, it's character building, it's serious and it's a lesson book on how to live a life with wisdom. What a blessing Adriana Trigiani had in these two lovely women. No wonder she's a bestselling author with fragments of these things to share with her readers.

Those of us who had grandmothers like Viola and Lucy will enjoy reading about them and, possibly, taking a nostalgic trip back to our own childhoods. Those of you who didn't have grandmothers like them will gain something very special in the reading.

5 perfectly heartwarming stars
...more

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About Adriana Trigiani

Adriana Trigiani

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Beloved by millions of readers around the world for her "dazzling" novels (USA Today), Adriana Trigiani is “a master of palpable and visual detail” (Washington Post) and “a comedy writer with a heart of gold” (New York Times). She is the New York Times bestselling author of eighteen books in fiction and nonfiction, published in 38 languages, making her one of the most sought after speakers in the Beloved by millions of readers around the world for her "dazzling" novels (USA Today), Adriana Trigiani is “a master of palpable and visual detail” (Washington Post) and “a comedy writer with a heart of gold” (New York Times). She is the New York Times bestselling author of eighteen books in fiction and nonfiction, published in 38 languages, making her one of the most sought after speakers in the world of books today.

Adriana is also an award-winning film director and screenwriter, playwright, and television writer and producer. She wrote and directed the award-winning major motion picture Big Stone Gap, based on her debut novel, filmed entirely on location in her Virginia hometown. Big Stone Gap spent 11 weeks in theatres in the fall of 2015 and was the #2 top-grossing romantic comedy of the year. Big Stone Gap is available now on Netflix. Her screen adaptation of her bestselling novel Very Valentine, starring Jacqueline Bisset and Kelen Coleman, premiered on Lifetime television in June 2019, launching their National Book Club. Adriana directed the feature film Then Came You, starring Craig Ferguson and Kathie Lee Gifford, filmed on location in Scotland. The film was released in October 2020, debuting as the #1 Comedy in America. Then Came You is available On Demand everywhere you rent movies – Apple, Amazon, Direct TV, Dish, Comcast and Time Warner. She wrote and directed the documentary film, Queens of the Big Time, winner of the Audience Award at the Hamptons and Palm Springs International Film Festivals.

Adriana is the cofounder of the Origin Project, an in-school writing program that serves more than 1,700 students in Appalachia. Adriana is at work on her next novel for Dutton at Penguin Random House for release in 2021, and a children's picture book for Viking at Penguin Random House for release in 2021. Adriana lives in Greenwich Village with her family.

Adriana hosts a weekly Facebook Live show, Adriana Ink, every Tuesday evening at 6 PM EST featuring guest authors, giveaways and more. Follow along with Adriana on Facebook and Instagram @AdrianaTrigiani or visit her website AdrianaTrigiani.com.
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Good Minds Suggest—Adriana Trigiani's Favorite Books About Families

Her Favorite Books About Families: The novelist celebrates her grandparents' romance in The Shoemaker's Wife and shares her top books about family...

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“Whever I came into the room, she'd light up, so happy to see me. No one ever in the course of my entire life was ever as happy to see me as she was. Looking back, now, I realize that you only ever need one person who lights up that way when you enter a room. One person is all it takes to give a kid confidence.” — 52 likes

“Our faces will become works of art that our grandchildren will treasure.” — 22 likes

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Don't Sing at the Table: Life Lessons from My Grandmothers

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Preview — Don't Sing at the Table by Adriana Trigiani

Don't Sing at the Table: Life Lessons from My Grandmothers

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About Adriana Trigiani

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