Coree B. (Coreegirl) reviewed Ciao, America: An Italian Discovers the U.S. on + 216 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 5
Such a fun, quick read. The author is witty and insightful. I felt like I was learning about two cultures, the Italian culture from which the author came, and East Coast D.C. life. A little snarky but not mean. The author finds things both to love (RV-ing, sales, the community spirit) and things to hate (parking, constantly opened windows without shutters, abuse of AC) during his year in America. Funny, funny, funny!
Helpful Score: 5
An interesting account of an Italian's impressions of modern America. The author spent only one year in America so his observations have to be taken with a grain of salt. The book is an easy read and funny at times, but I found his overall tone to be negative.
Eileen G. (dulcimerlady) reviewed Ciao, America: An Italian Discovers the U.S. on + 334 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 4
I found this "reverse" travel memoir to be humorous and enthusiastic. Hey, we Americans get to read how an Italian views OUR culture, for once, instead of us delving into others' cultures. The author pokes fun at the inconsistences of American life, particularly Wash., D.C., but in a way the opened my eyes to the absurdity of my own culture. Cool, fast read.
Helpful Score: 3
just an absolute hoot. I busted out with a guffaw with the reference to Spam as "ham mousse"..highly enjoyable.
Helpful Score: 3
There are some good insights into American culture and life, but I was hoping Severgnini would go into greater depth than he did.
Heather J. (ReadingAddict) reviewed Ciao, America: An Italian Discovers the U.S. on + 102 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
This is a laugh-out-loud funny book and I loved it! It's a humorous look at an Italian correspondent's year-long stay in Georgetown in DC ... and I really mean humorous. He is writing for a European audience, explaining things that to us Americans are common knowledge. Perhaps I found this so funny because I have traveled in Europe and am familiar with some of the customs he mentions ... or perhaps it would be funny to anyone, I'm not sure.
This book was written in 1995 with an additional chapter added in 2000. It's obvious that the author has a genuine love for America. It was great to get that feeling throughout the book, especially in the current international atmosphere where the US seems almost to be Public Enemy No. 1. However I would like to know how this book would have turned out if Severgnini had written it post-9/11.
Regardless, it was a quick read, full of laughs, and will be passed on to someone else to enjoy shortly. I may even give it to my mom ... she's not a big reader, but the chapters are short and the humor is excellent so she may like it!
This book was written in 1995 with an additional chapter added in 2000. It's obvious that the author has a genuine love for America. It was great to get that feeling throughout the book, especially in the current international atmosphere where the US seems almost to be Public Enemy No. 1. However I would like to know how this book would have turned out if Severgnini had written it post-9/11.
Regardless, it was a quick read, full of laughs, and will be passed on to someone else to enjoy shortly. I may even give it to my mom ... she's not a big reader, but the chapters are short and the humor is excellent so she may like it!
Wonderful Italian point of view on life in this America.
I found this to be an interesting read about how others view the American culture. Quick read, kinda funny in parts.
HA! Sooo funny, so many wonderful observations about America.
Heather J. (ReadingAddict) reviewed Ciao, America: An Italian Discovers the U.S. on + 102 more book reviews
This is a laugh-out-loud funny book and I loved it! It's a humorous look at an Italian correspondent's year-long stay in Georgetown in DC ... and I really mean humorous. He is writing for a European audience, explaining things that to us Americans are common knowledge. Perhaps I found this so funny because I have traveled in Europe and am familiar with some of the customs he mentions ... or perhaps it would be funny to anyone, I'm not sure.
This book was written in 1995 with an additional chapter added in 2000. It's obvious that the author has a genuine love for America. It was great to get that feeling throughout the book, especially in the current international atmosphere where the US seems almost to be Public Enemy No. 1. However I would like to know how this book would have turned out if Severgnini had written it post-9/11.
Regardless, it was a quick read, full of laughs, and will be passed on to someone else to enjoy shortly. I may even give it to my mom ... she's not a big reader, but the chapters are short and the humor is excellent so she may like it!
This book was written in 1995 with an additional chapter added in 2000. It's obvious that the author has a genuine love for America. It was great to get that feeling throughout the book, especially in the current international atmosphere where the US seems almost to be Public Enemy No. 1. However I would like to know how this book would have turned out if Severgnini had written it post-9/11.
Regardless, it was a quick read, full of laughs, and will be passed on to someone else to enjoy shortly. I may even give it to my mom ... she's not a big reader, but the chapters are short and the humor is excellent so she may like it!
Book at bit slow moving. Chapters written for each month of year...and they began all sounding similar.
John O. (buzzby) -
I would note that this is one of only 2 books posted on PBS by someone named "Beppe".
The impressions of an Italian writer who lived in Wash DC for a year.
Danielle G. (mistressbatty) reviewed Ciao, America: An Italian Discovers the U.S. on + 25 more book reviews
Bought it at GoodWill but never got around to reading...
