Helpful Score: 5
For anyone who is Italian-American or loves ethnic-flavored reads, this book is a gem! The story of ChiChi and her mother, grandmother and younger brother is followed as 2 year old ChiChi and family migrates to America in the 1940's and continues through the 1960's. Good observations about the hard knocks and misery that immigrants experienced arriving in an unknown country. I enjoyed the quirky, tough character of ChiChi and her relationship with her brother was endearing. Marie Giordano has a clean, stark style of narration and I enjoyed the lapses into ChiChi's inner thoughts throughout. Being Italian myself, many of the expressions, emotions, language and gestures were amusing and familiar to me. I am much looking forward for book #2 in the trilogy to come out.
Helpful Score: 4
What a find. Quirky immigrant story, very unique yarn. Well narrated, Italian-American, experience (post WWII). Written in an opinionated child's voice, charming and relatable. I lost this book about midway through, since it is a small paperback that fit in my purse. I never forgot about it. I moved and realized it was not among my things. Finally nabbed a copy thru Amazon and loved being able to finish it. Great brother sister story, great coming of age tale, easy to read for any age. Review on jacket says this book will resonate with anyone who has ever left home in search of different life. I agree especially since I paid for it twice.
Helpful Score: 2
Going in, I thought this was going to be a book about The Italian Immigrant Experience in America. In many ways it was, but mostly it's a book about growing up, understanding your family, and figuring out who you are.
The relationships in this book are complex and difficult. I found myself taking turns loving and wanting to smack each character. The heartbreaks are real, and yet you find yourself hoping for the best because the characters keep pushing on and working for more.
ChiChi is a great character and it's amazing to watch her grow from a two year old to being 18 and ready to leave home. Throughout this journey, she leaves Italy and has to learn what it means to be an American. Plus there's the hell of being a teenager and finding out that moms have secrets.
The relationship between ChiChi and her brother is beautiful and when the book ended, I wished there was one of those sections that tells you what happens to everyone in future.
The relationships in this book are complex and difficult. I found myself taking turns loving and wanting to smack each character. The heartbreaks are real, and yet you find yourself hoping for the best because the characters keep pushing on and working for more.
ChiChi is a great character and it's amazing to watch her grow from a two year old to being 18 and ready to leave home. Throughout this journey, she leaves Italy and has to learn what it means to be an American. Plus there's the hell of being a teenager and finding out that moms have secrets.
The relationship between ChiChi and her brother is beautiful and when the book ended, I wished there was one of those sections that tells you what happens to everyone in future.
Helpful Score: 1
Italian or not, you will love this book if you are one to enjoy ethnic reads. Hilarious, heartbreaking, a wonderful tale of love between siblings.
Helpful Score: 1
A very engaging story of a brother & sister who immigrated to America with their young Italian mother and grandmother. ChiChi, the oldest child, tells the story which is at times both humorous and sad. A definite must read.
