My Year with the Italian Girl by Linda Leuzzi
Release: 28th July 2022
Format: Ebook
Publisher: Independently published
Source: Zooloos Book Tours
Find it at: Goodreads, Amazon, Kindle,
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It’s 1985. The Bellport Evening Star, a weekly community paper is headed by its sassy editor Vivian Allegra. It covers both the humorous and serious issues that regularly erupt in this small village. She agrees to host a teen exchange student from Catania for a year, Francesca. She descriptively discusses her ancient home city and is hilarious in her observations of American life. And, when she teams up with Black student Keisha with her beautiful Broadway dancer aunt for the upcoming Step competition, life starts taking off.
Actually it does for all of them. These are three strong women who in their own voices, fight to achieve their goals. This includes the community that helps them.
Add a burgeoning local environmental issue with alarming threats to Vivian, a bit of magical realism. A handsome Brit neighbor has his eye on recently divorced Vivian and things get pretty interesting.
Who’s mysteriously threatening Vivian?
Will they save the Wiley property?
Will the Step Squad win the Regional competition?
And will Vivian let down her guard with sweet Ian?
This uplifting story about small town life presents the workings of a weekly paper, different cultures, and what happens when belief in one’s self persists.
About the Author:
Linda Leuzzi is an award-winning journalist, editor and author of non-fiction books for young adults. Two of her books garnered New York Public Library citations.
She interned with Newsday early in her career, freelanced for them for several years. Then, she became a reporter and then editor for three community newspapers. Stories for the Long Island Advance, Suffolk County News, and Islip Bulletin have won 19 New York Press Association Awards including First Place mentions for In-Depth Reporting, Spot News, Coverage of the Arts, and Spot News Photo. She’s won two Third Place Sharon Fullmer Awards for Community Leadership for team coverage of LGBTQ+ issues.
Her many celebrity interviews have included Isabella Rossellini, Chazz Palminteri, Bernadette Peters, Sara Jean Ford, Melissa Errico, choreographer Randy Skinner as well as Nobel Prize and MacArthur Award scientists. Community awards include Woman of Diversity for the Of Colors Black History celebration, Brookhaven Town’s Outstanding Service in Media/Communications and a Patchogue Theatre for the Performing Arts honor for her stories.
After stepping aside as editor for the Long Island Advance, Linda subs when needed and is a weekly Contributing Writer. She now also contributes to the Fire Island News. She is a Sayville Rotarian and hosted seven Rotary exchange students with her husband.
A lover of British series, foreign films, Turner Classic Movies, PBS, Broadway, Gateway musicals and Patchogue Theatre concerts, as well as European travel to Paris, London, Prague and other gorgeous places, Linda has a St. John’s University journalism degree and is always thinking of stories walking with her rescue dog Tina.
My Year with the Italian Girl Review:
This book was unique and heartwarming to read, and I enjoyed how the author portrayed it uniquely from Francesca, Vivian, and Keisha’s perspectives. The author describes Francesca’s coming-of-age journey in Bellport well, exploring themes of identity, cultural exchange, and adapting to a new environment. As Francesca and Vivian embark on their exchange program, the author fills the story with the hope that this experience will positively change their lives.
Similarly, I loved Keisha’s uplifting attitude! The story shines a positive light on Keisha’s strong moral compass and determination to succeed in various aspects of her life, such as academics and step dancing.
And finally, I loved how Vivian’s role as a journalist in the vibrant community of Bellport is showcased, with her dedication to writing compelling stories and he spiritual connection with nature. I was drawn into her journey of self-discovery as she navigates new relationships and unexpected feelings for her neighbor, Ian.
Also, the author adds a supporting cast like Garret and Aunt Lea, who make the story shine. I also enjoyed Peter and Rowland as they spiced up the pages with some drama. Some of my favorite moments were when they celebrate Christmas together or the shocking incidents Vivian faces.
I adored how the story explored the powerful bond between Francesca, Keisha, and Vivian as they navigate life’s challenges and celebrate their achievements together. In particular, Keisha and Francesca’s friendship was one of the highlights, like how they spent time during the Homecoming Parade and later in the competition. The chapters that focus on the Step Squad’s journey and Keisha’s passion for dance and social justice showcase the strength of their friendship and determination to succeed.
Overall, “My Year With the Italian Girl” is a heartwarming and insightful tale of growth, friendship, and embracing new experiences.
Book Tour Schedule
I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on the My Year with the Italian Girl by Linda Leuzzi Blog Tour hosted by Zooloos Book Tours.
Thank you so much for taking part in the tour x
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