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An Italian Bookish Life

An Italian Bookish Life

In Gaia B. Amman’s first book in The Italian Saga series, An Italian Adventure, she takes us on a journey of friendship, sisterhood, and familiar family drama, as we learn about Italy in the late 80’s. The protagonist, Leda, the character we follow throughout the series, has her nose buried in books when she isn’t out being a tomboy. Leda is forced to face a slew of adventures when the new kid Nico moves to the North from Sicily, bullying her. She refuses to let the bully ruin her life, and doing so changes both kids. The book gives the reader exhilarating views of Italy, the Alps, and the island of Sardinia while exploring topics of religion, sensuality, and superstition.

The second book in the series, Out of the Nest, An Italian Summer, follows the same characters. It is set in Italy in 1990, set against the stunning backdrop of Sardinia, the Dolomites, and Tuscany. Leda is still a bookworm and a tomboy struggling to fit in. On the background of the 14th FIFA soccer world cup, Leda grapples with hormones, periods, zesty boys, and her personal fears. This time Amman takes us on a journey through first love, boy problems, and first kisses. It will give you a beautiful scenic tour while offering much insight on overcoming struggles.

On Saturday (2/6), at 6pm, Public Espresso + Coffee (381 Washington Street) will host an author presentation of the book. There will be a Q&A session to follow, audiobook giveaways every half hour, and book signing all night. To follow, a little mystery will be revealed: the cover of the next book in the series will be presented at 7pm!

Amman is an expatriate from Italy, born and raised there. She moved to the United States in her twenties in order to pursue her PhD in molecular biology. She’s currently a Professor of biology at D’Youville College, where she was voted “the professor of the month” by her students. Her research and commentaries have been published in prestigious peer-reviewed international journals including Nature. A bookworm from birth, she wrote throughout her childhood and won two short story competitions in Italy, in her teens. Amman is an avid traveler and many of her adventures are an inspiration for her fiction. Mostly she is passionate about people and the struggles they face to embrace life. Her highest hope is to reach and help as many as she can through her writing as well as her teaching.

Come out to hear Amman’s thoughts and passages offering Leda’s new adventures. Enjoy one of Public Espresso + Coffee’s many renowned specialty brews. You can bring your own book for signing or you can purchase them at the event.

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