Reviews (86)

A lovely, lovely find...
I heard this book discussed briefly earlier this year on the Today Show and decided to order it since, at the time, I was in the throws of my own divorce.Ms. Gilbert chronicles her international journey of self-discovery with such amazing detail and tenderness and humor that I recommend this book to anyone who has found him or herself in a place or state that he or she would like to change or leave (I imagine, that's everyone!).The story is engrossing and the writing is skillful.I couldn't put it down, and I feel more empowered to follow my own dreams and heart after finishing the book.That's 5-star material if I've ever seen it.

Surprise - you are in control of your life....
A re-count of the author's year spent in Italy, India, and Bali in the wake of a difficult divorce.This book is easy to read and enjoyable.The author does an excellent job of providing her outlook on the variety of experiences she has + how they relate to her dealing with her "life issues."She eventually comes to the self-actualizing realization that she is in control of her life (as opposed to anybody else) and takes steps to make herself happier.

Boring
Just another self indulgent autobiography.It was too boring to read and had not much to say.If you are in for light reading, go for it.Do not expect too much from this one or you might be very disappointed. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 1969-    2. Adventurers & Explorers    3. Biography    4. Biography & Autobiography    5. Biography / Autobiography    6. Biography And Autobiography    7. Biography/Autobiography    8. Description And Travel    9. Gilbert, Elizabeth,    10. Personal Memoirs    11. Travel    12. Travel writers    13. Travelers    14. United States    15. Women    16. Biography & Autobiography / Personal Memoirs   

Reviews (10)

Stunningly Bad
This book is not funny, insightful, interesting or well written. The style is like prose on speed but ultimately there is nothing here. As a long term traveler to Italy, I saw nothing familiar other than some of the obvious stereotypes. Tim Parks does it better and with style in Italian Neighbors.

Awkward format but an incisive and comprehensive dissection of Italians
While dining in a favorite restaurant recently, I congratulated the Italian proprietor on his country's recent well-deserved World Cup triumph."Yeah," he replied, shaking his head, "it was just too easy...I'm really not sure what they can do in 2010 because it's just too easy for us now."I scanned his face for any hint of his pulling my leg (are we talking about the same tournament here?).There was none.
Everything you always wanted to know aboutItaly, but nobody told you.
I think that this book is really well written, witty and serious at the same time. It is a balanced description of the Italian "real life", leaving apart emphasis or stereotypes. As a matter of fact the Author did not run after what most of the foreigners want to ear or read about "il Bel Paese" (the Beautiful Country). Mind the title. Severgnini goes beyond the behaviours of the people, he tries to analyze when, how and why the "Italian mind" acts in a specific situation. This is a complex matter (i.e. Italians are so different despite they share the same flag), but he succeeded to write a clever, deep and also funny book. I'm convinced that North Americans overall like the Italians. If you belong to this category, then go for this book, you may learn more, if not buy it anyway. You may change your mind ! AMust. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 1945-    2. 20th Century Description And Travel    3. Culture    4. Customs & Traditions    5. Description and travel    6. Europe - Italy    7. Italy    8. National characteristics, Italian    9. Social life and customs    10. Travel    11. Travel - Foreign    12. Travel / Europe / Italy   

Reviews (5)

A slow start...a rousing finish!
This volume picks up the plot line where the *Galileo Affair* left off. The principal players are young Frank Stone, his lovely young wife Giovanna (ex-Marcolli), Sharon Nichols, and the irrascable Ruy Sanchez. The *bad guys*, Cardinal Borjas and a lengthy cast of characters are seeking to neutralize pope Urban VIII, due to his acceptance of the USE and the *foreighn witches* from Grantville.
Good writing in an exceptional series
Eric Flint and Andrew Dennis have written a great follow-up to their Galileo Crisis. It is not as much fun as that book: there was a lot of humor in Galileo, with a cute ending. A nice love story or two as well.
Canon Law an improvement
The first book in this side story about the USE that takes place in Italy is an improved story from the Galileo Affair. Frank Stone, the eldest son of the Stoner clan (well it was a druggy comune and the family name is Stone) has set up a Frank's Place, his version of the Committee Of Correspodence's Golden Arches, to serve pizza and wine. I really hope that in Italy the rest of the CoC's offices become Frank's Places, because I like the idea of bringing American pizza's to the forefront of Italy like we did in WWII with American soldiers. Note: they still make better pizzas than we do if my last visit to Sicily is any indication. What I like about this story is that the silliness of the first book is lessened, while the insight into the barochian politics of Spain, Rome, and the Vatican is looked at more closely. I really like the way Frank has developed his version of the CoC in Rome and I look forward to how it evolves in the third book. Sharon Nichol's wedding with Ruy Sanchez looks to be a very good team as far as Sharon's diplomacy and Ruy's spymanship is concerned. They both make great foils for each other. The coverage of the Pope and his nephew Antonio Barberini is a fascinating look into the workings of the church during the 1600's, remember that the French only lost control of the Catholic Church about one generation ago, and how much influence the Spanish had on Catholic policy. Cardinal Borja's plot to change Catholic policy is fun to watch, and his tool Francisco de Queverdo y Villega makes for a good rival for Ruy as spymasters. The strength of this novel, more like the main storyline, is its characterization and its look at politics, its downgrading of the silliness of the first book is a very serious plus. What is missing is David Weber's counter-balance of Republican values. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 17th century    2. American Science Fiction And Fantasy    3. Fiction    4. Fiction - Science Fiction    5. Historical fiction    6. History    7. Italy    8. Science Fiction    9. Science Fiction - Adventure    10. Science Fiction - Alternative History    11. Science Fiction - Space Opera    12. Time travel    13. Fiction / Science Fiction / General   

Reviews (70)

Bundle with Party Italy
Wow, what a blast I had. I found some cool off the beaten path things to do with Rick Steves and then turned to my Party Italy book to live it up and have the most amazing time. What a great combination.

Rick Steves' Italy 2006
I would never go to Europe without his books!They are the best updated as far as sights, prices, hotels, food and travel hints.His books allow us to spend our time on only the best sights of Europe using his maps which are by far better than ones you can purchase there.They allow us to be our own travel guide.He shares where the best food is and where to get a clean-good nights sleep without breaking the bank.I can't believe how many people we run into using his books.Don't go without it!

Fantastic resource!
Very good book and gives one a look at what to do for the traveler versus a regular or typical tourist--covers the out-of-the-way places very well. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Europe - Italy    2. Travel    3. Travel - Foreign    4. Travel Guides    5. Italy    6. Travel & holiday guides    7. Travel / Europe / Italy   

Editorial Review

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Reviews (148)

Falling angels and rising tides
Author John Berendt doesn't tell a story, so much as paint a portrait in The City of Falling Angels-appropriate, perhaps, since the American view of Venice is so colored by art and architecture. The reader gets a protrait of a Venice that is simultaneously cosmopolitan-the playground of nobility, titled and untitled-and provincial-Berendt's Venetians are often distrustful of outsiders, and frequently resentful of the millions of tourists who throng the city, bringing traffic, environmental decay-and money. Though it was once the seat of an empire, Venice today is as much a tourist town as Las Vegas or Orlando.
Another City - no angels
It just didn't do it for me.Like so many other people, I loved Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil.It was such a rich, unexpected book and came alive in the reading.But, I fear John Berendt had only one in him - one great story.He found a crime and a city and another series of characters, but he just didn't find the magic.
John Berendt has a formula - and it works well.
John Berendt has a formula - and it works well.
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Subjects:  1. Description And Travel    2. Essays & Travelogues    3. Europe - Italy    4. History    5. History: World    6. Social History    7. Social life and customs    8. Travel - Foreign    9. Venice (Italy)    10. History / Social History   

Subjects:  1. Europe - Ireland    2. Europe - Italy    3. Travel    4. Travel - Foreign    5. Travel Guides    6. Italy    7. Travel & holiday guides    8. Travel / Europe / Italy   

Reviews (2)

Wonderful Travel Book
After looking at several other travel books, I kept going back to this one.It is full of color and interesting facts.Great ideas of places to stay and comprehensive information on currency and traveling tips.The book makes me more excited about my trip each time I read it.

Great presentation, excellent for planning and reference
This is one of the best travel books I've read. Every page has well laid out and well labeled full color pictures to augment the text. Once you look at this it's hard to go back to a dry, sterile book that's all text with a handful of color pages in the middle. The information here is clear and easy to read. There is cross-referencing everywhere, for example a page that's describing a major attraction will tell you where to go in the book to find hotels in that area. There are listings and descriptions for hotels and restaurants in each area, and general travel tips. The introduction to each area of Italy also has an overview of the history and architecture. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Europe - Italy    2. Guidebooks    3. Italy    4. Travel    5. Travel - Foreign    6. Travel Guides    7. Travel / Europe / Italy   

Reviews (17)

Cute.
Cute describes these books in the 10-mintues-a-day series.Pleasant, a little fun, a little insipid.But, really, not so bad just to get a taste of the language before you decide to move on to deeper study.
Very Useful
This book really came in handy on our trip.The menu cut out cards and the flash cards proved to be very valuable to us, especially since a friend gave us the bad advice that everyone spoke some English.Don't believe that, there were a number of people that did speak some amount of English but we both wished that we had taken more time before our trip to learn a littlem ore of the language.

Italian in 10 Minutes a Day
My wife and I have now spent a good month "learning" with
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Subjects:  1. Conversation and phrase books    2. English    3. Foreign Language - Dictionaries / Phrase Books    4. Foreign Language Study    5. Italian    6. Italian language    7. Language    8. Self-instruction    9. Textbooks for foreign speakers    10. Travel / Europe / Italy    11. Europe - Italy    12. Language self-study & phrasebooks    13. Travel   

Reviews (5)

Combines beautiful photography and great travel ideas!
What a great idea!Lazzarin has combined beautiful photography with 'teasers' of these interesting destinations.
One Hundred & One Beautiful Small Towns in Italy
I already had a copy of this book (given to me as a gift) and was so pleased with it, I purchased this copy as a gift for a friend. As a frequent visitor to Italy, I have really enjoyed retracing my steps and looking for new places to visit

A Beautiful Book
A very Beautiful book that was a gift to a friend who loves Italy. The detailed, colorful pictures are a pleasure for the eyes. Highly recommend. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Europe - Italy    2. Pictorials    3. Travel    4. Travel - Foreign    5. Italy    6. TRAVEL & HOLIDAY    7. Travel / Pictorials   

Subjects:  1. Europe - Italy    2. Travel    3. Travel - Foreign    4. Travel Guides    5. Italy    6. Travel & holiday guides    7. Travel / Europe / Italy   

Editorial Review

Too bad the essence of Rome can't be bottled and exported to a corner store near you. If it could, you could pick up a weekend's worth of Rome along with your pint of milk and Snickers bar, and you'd probably never get to repainting the stairs, doing the laundry, or watching that new video release. Instead you'd be gawking at St. Peter's, ogling the Temple of Vesta, devouring saltimbocca in a trattoria, and sipping Sangiovese at a wine bar. You might not even Read more

Reviews (60)

Excellent travel book
I recently visited Rome on a cultural trip with my school.This book really did an excellent job of letting me and my group know what to see and about as much information about the sites that we could have taken.While it gives a good overview of the sites, and gives a more in depth analysis of some of the bigger sites, it is not good for thorough study of the city.However, for 95% of the people purchasing such a book, this will not be a problem.I would really recommend this book to anyone who is going to Rome, or just wants to know a little bit more about the sites.

Well used and referenced!
We just returned from Rome and I can honestly say this book was worth every cent. The map in the back is very detailed, much more so than other books and hotel maps. The museum diagrams and photos were also very useful. The back flap of the cover works as a fantastic and useful bookmark. Good phrases and pronunciations, good symbols, metro and bus information was very helpful, and the photos were excellent. You see tourists of every corner of the world carrying this book. Only negative is that there wasn't information on how organized tours really aren't worth the money, unlike I found in a Rick Steves book after the fact. (By the way - if you are going to Rome, avoid almost every organized tour as they rush you through and you don't get to see everything - especially at the Vatican). I will buy from the same publisher next time I travel!!

Good for visual kinda guys and gals.
Pro:I am a visual kind of guy and 3D cross section pictures and diagrams helps a lot.Nice colorful pictures and nice recommended neighborhood walks.At home, it also serves as a nice coffee table book.
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Subjects:  1. Europe - Italy    2. Guidebooks    3. Rome (Italy)    4. Travel    5. Travel - Foreign    6. Travel / Europe / Italy   

Editorial Review

Frances Mayes continues her love letter to Italy in this sequel to Read more

Reviews (19)

Beautiful photographs
This book is quite different from Mayes' first two books about Tuscany, which were more like travel memoirs. This book's focus is photographs, accompanied by some commentary, thoughts, and insights from Mayes, as well as some recipes. Frankly, I didn't read the text at all. I just enjoyed the photographs. I wish I'd had this book when I was reading Under the Tuscan Sun and Bella Tuscany because all the places she talks about in those books are scattered throughout the pages of this book in beautiful photographs. We finally get to see what Mayes' charming Bramasole house looks like, as well as the town of Cortona and the surrounding Tuscan countryside. If you haven't read Mayes' first two books, read them and have this one handy so you can see for yourself just how beautiful these houses, towns, and people are.

In Tuscany
If you are the least bit interested in anything Italian then this is the book for you. "In Tuscany" has a great intro into the lifestyles there and more. There are many beautiful pictures and easy to follow recipes. A must have for those who are looking for a ecsape from our busy lives or an inspiration to redecorate your own home.

Complete the Experience
A delicious feast for the eye and heart.If you have read the book, if you have travelled in Tuscany this book brings it all home visually. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Description and travel    2. Europe - Italy    3. Italy - History    4. Mayes, Edward Kleinschmidt,    5. Mayes, Frances    6. Pictorials    7. Social life and customs    8. Travel    9. Travel - Foreign    10. Travel Guides    11. Tuscany (Italy)    12. Mayes, Edward Kleinschmidt    13. Travel / Pictorials   

Features

• Audiobook

Reviews (2)

Review by an Italian language teacher
From a teacher's perspective, it's hard to find that "perfect" Italian book or audio CD to recommend to students, because I often run into these two situations: 1) the book is too in-depth and too focused on grammar; 2) the book is too superficial and more of a phrase-book for travelers, therefore not sufficient. SO, what I usually do is use a combination of books, including audio CDs, this being one of them. It has some useful information on the culture, as well as practical expressions for the brave traveler. However, my recommendation is to take a basic course before traveling to Italy, because even knowing a few simple sentences can get you a long way. Also, in a group setting you'll be able to ask specific questions and to practice with others.I'm sure that if you check with your local community college, there are some short continuing education courses for foreign languages. Non dimenticare! Don't forget: the trick in learning a language is repetition, so any audio CD that gets you to repeat the words over and over again, is great practice. The more you repeat, the more you'll remember!It's like learning a song: you can't sing a song you've heard only 1 time, but if you hear it over and over, you'll be able to sing all the lyrics!! So, keep up the good work! If you need information on traveling to Italy and books to learn Italian, you can also contact me: nada@nadasitaly.com

Just what I wanted for my trip to Italy...
The exercises are easy and useful... the voices on the CDs are clear and pleasant.I would recommend this purchase to anyone traveling to Italy, hoping to communicate at the most basic level ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Audio - Language    2. English as a Second Language    3. Foreign Language Study    4. Italian    5. Language    6. Unabridged Audio - Misc.Nonfiction    7. Foreign Language Study / Italian   

Editorial Review

From Antarctica to Zimbabwe, if you're going there, chances are Lonely Planet has been there first. With a pithy and matter-of-fact writing style, these guides are guaranteed to calm the nerves of first-time world travelers, while still listing off-the-beaten-path finds sure to thrill even the most jaded globetrotters. Lonely Planet has been perfecting its guidebooks for nearly 30 years and as a result, has the experience and know-how similar to an older sibling's "been there" advice. The original backpacker's bible, the LP series has recently widened its reach.While still giving insights for the low-budget traveler, the books now list a wide range of accommodations and itineraries for those with less time than money.Read more

Reviews (21)

Lonely Planet Italy
This is the 3rd edition of Lonely Planet Italy that I've purchased in the past 6 years.They seem to get better with each new edition.I hightly recommend it for anyone traveling to this beautiful country!

Not worth the money.
Before embarking on a 2 month trip to Italy a friend let me borrow Rick Steve's guide and said that it was better. I was skeptical but took the book anyway figuring it might come in handy on such a long trip. She was right. Rick Steve's organizes information in a much clearer and more intuitive way. This comes in handy when you're standing in a busy square, you haven't eaten all day and everything you've tried so far has been a jip and you just want someone to tell you where you can find a good deal. Flipping through Lonely Planet you might think you've been handed a manual on how to overhaul an engine - overloaded with information poorly organized. Rick Steve's book on the other hand is a breath of fresh air or, to put it more tritely, a helping hand. Not to mention that his guides have a personal touch and some of Rick Steve's own character sewn into them. After some time you really get the sense that he's there with you, helping you along (- now isn't that sweet!).

Experience from living in rome and using the book
I've been living in Rome for about a month and a half now and I would consider the LP book average relative to other books I've seen. Most of the places to sleep and eat are overly expensive. I don't know about the average traveler, but as a college student backpacking through Europe, I hoped to find meals that were maybe at max $25 (which you can totally find if you're smart about it).
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Subjects:  1. Europe - Italy    2. Guidebooks    3. Italy    4. Reference - Guides (General)    5. Travel    6. Travel - Foreign    7. Travel & holiday guides   

Reviews (60)

Right up there with Frances Mayes, for sure.
I felt obliged to give this four stars instead of five only because I could not relate with Mrs. De Blasi not matter how hard I tried (did that rhyme?).And I DID try - very hard in fact.I found myself WANTING to relate because her's was SUCH a story of faith and risk and love and adventure.But at the end of the day, I, personally, would have booted Mr. Moody, "the stranger" out on his butt in two shakes and told him to paddle his sorry behind back down the canal.
A fantastic book
Few books make me both misty-eyed and laugh out loud... This was one of them.Can't recommend it highly enough, even if you don't care to move to Venice in the near future.

Absolutely Wonderful!
This book is truly magnificent. It is a beautiful and very realistic love story (both with the country and the man). I identified very much with the story and with Marlena's character and her willingness to put-up with a difficult husband that she is very much in love with. Marlena De Blasi is an inspiration to everyone who wishes to "always be a beginner" and who wants to live life to the fullest. This is also a very sensual book, so many flavors, smells, sensations.
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Subjects:  1. Biography & Autobiography    2. Biography / Autobiography    3. De Blasi, Marlena    4. Description And Travel    5. Europe - Italy    6. General    7. Homes and haunts    8. Italy    9. Personal Memoirs    10. Social life and customs    11. Travel    12. Travelers    13. Venice    14. Venice (Italy)    15. Women    16. Biography & Autobiography / General   

Subjects:  1. Europe - Italy    2. Travel    3. Travel - Foreign    4. Travel Guides    5. Italy    6. Travel & holiday guides    7. Travel / Europe / Italy   

Subjects:  1. Europe - Italy    2. Travel    3. Travel - Foreign    4. Travel Guides    5. Italy    6. Travel & holiday guides    7. Travel / Europe / Italy   

Editorial Review

Baking bread is mysterious enough. But creating truly great pizza--the transformation of next to nothing into something extraordinary--is downright alchemical. It is for no small reason that there are distinct words in Italian for those disciples of these mystic arts who bake pizza and focaccia, Read more

Reviews (27)

Not Even Close
I can't comment on Reinhart's other recipes, but his Chicago deep dish is not even close to the authentic item.

In search of the perfect pizza
The dedication on the fly leaf reads: 'To Sonia- May your pizzas be perfect!' and I certainly wish it had been written directly on the book and not on a bookplate......Alas, Peter Reinhart has not been able to make a book or demonstration tour to Hawaii...yet...!, but thanks to the efforts of another foodie friend and baker extraordinaire at least I got the signed book plate!I love cookbooks with 'meat' in them.....stories, anecdotes, history and background rather than one with just recipes.I love it when the author takes you along for the ride.........!I have enjoyed every bit of this search along with him......and the pizzas and focaccias I tried have all worked out....Thank you Peter for a wonderful trip to the world of great pizzas and the revelation of the focaccia col formaggio di Recco!!!!!

The Wonderful World of Pizza!
Mr. Reinhart, thank you for opening the world of pizza for me.
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Subjects:  1. Cookery    2. Cooking    3. Cooking / Wine    4. Courses & Dishes - Pizza    5. Description and travel    6. Essays    7. Italy    8. Pizza    9. United States    10. Main courses    11. National & regional cuisine    12. USA   

Reviews (4)

Great Guide...scavenger hunt idea and book for kids was great suggestion!!
We just returned from a trip to Venice and found Rick Steve's Venice 2006 book extremely helpful in navigating the city.We also took his advice regarding traveling with children (we have [...]) and used a scavenger hunt idea to keep them interested.We bought a kids book called "TREASURE HUNT VENICE" which was the ideal scavenger hunt for the kids to do.It truly was a perfect match in that the adults used the Rick Steve's book and the kids used the TREASURE HUNT VENICE book.

Buy it, read it, love it!
This book has become so hugely popular and successful there are no real secrets anymore. Booking recommended hotels is nearly impossible. Recommended eating establishments are usually crowded with Rick's book toting tourists, and I think this may even be now available in other languages.
The Only Book You Need For Venice
If you're going to Venice BUY THIS BOOK.It's the only one you'll need.I promise you. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Europe - Italy    2. Travel    3. Travel - Foreign    4. Travel Guides    5. Italy    6. Travel & holiday guides    7. Travel / Europe / Italy   

Reviews (12)

Vacation Under the Valcano - Magic Tree House #13
Shortly before leaving for vacation, Jack and Annie remembered that they needed to go to the magic tree house to solve a mystery. Morgan said "your aventure is going to the Roman times you need to find this book or it will be lost forever""WOW! I always wanted to go to the Roman times this will be fun Annie" said Jack.