Italian for Beginners

Italian for Beginners was appealing for many reasons. First, I've read all of Kristin Harmel's previous novels and enjoyed each one and knew that this too would provide that same level of entertainment and enjoyment. I can happily tell you it did, in spades. It was, however, a bit of a departure from her previous work. I felt the story was more deeply emotional than her other novels. Outside of Cat's obvious (and warranted) trust issues she also owns a heaping case of low self-esteem. Moreover, infused throughout the story readers are given insight into the instability of her life via some heavy underlying issues. It's these same issues that play such a significant role in shaping how her relationships with friends, family and potential lovers continue to be formulated and manipulated all the way through her time in Italy and back to the US again. None of this is to say there isn't a fair share of comedy and light-heartedness because there is plenty of that too, I wouldn't want to paint Italian For Beginners as a dark or brooding story because it's not. For example, the eclectic group of friends Cat makes during her time in Italy provides an extremely happy place. We also get some good chuckles out of the self-centered and somewhat clueless baby sister. It's just that much of this is not the heart of the story. One of the reasons I believe this particular story resonated so deeply with me is that I felt Cat's life, in some respects, mirrored my own. I felt a kinship with her -- Harmel wrote an exceptional character that allowed me to feel the vulnerability and pain she was experiencing. I bonded with Cat and I can tell you that does not happen with me often. She is a character that is deeply committed to her family and views herself as the primary caretaker. She takes this role seriously but also to the extreme. While at times certain people worked those traits to their advantage ultimately her family saw how important it was for Cat to strike out and make a life for herself. A life that isn't solely centered around them. There wasn't anything in the plot of Cat going to Italy to discover herself that I found unrealistic or particularly cliched. I found her journey to be one of profound self-discovery. More importantly it helped her become a better communicator. She was forced to face a great many truths about herself and her family. In doing so this book went away from the typical formulaic chick lit novel where woman meets man, woman is destined to be with man, then woman and man get together. I mean, don't get me wrong there was a fair share of romance but unlike many books in the genre that aspect took a back seat to the larger emotional issues. As a reader I appreciated that Cat's story wasn't just about chasing men and "oh by the way I discovered myself on the way" plot points. These elements were reversed and on Cat's road to self-discovery she happened to find a man too. I felt it was quite empowering for her an

Thirty-four-year-old Manhattan accountant Cat Connelly has always lived life on the safe side. But after her little sister gets married, Cat wonders if she has condemned herself to a life of boredom by playing by the rules. She decides to take a chance for once, accepting an invitation to spend a month with an old flame in Italy. But her reunion with the slick and gorgeous Francesco is short-lived, and she finds herself suddenly alone in Rome. Now, she must see if she has the courage to live outside the lines for the first time - and to face a past she never understood. It will take an unexpected friendship with a fiery Italian waitress, a whirlwind Vespa tour of the Eternal City with a handsome stranger, and a surprise encounter with an old acquaintance to show Cat that life doesn't always work out the way you expect, but sometimes you have to have fall in order to fly. This is chick lit through 5spot. I've noticed that I love the books in 5spot. I liked the story of a girl who decides to find out more about herself in Roma Italy. Cat always takes care of everyone else and decides to do something spontaneous and go back to her favorite place on earth. This is good quick read. This book did make me want to visit Italy. I found that this book was more about relationships in all and not just the boyfriend aspect. It was a good story and I read this book from my house to the bay area. I have on my [...] to read pile-- How to sleep with Movie Star also by the same author. This is the first time I have read this author and now I want to check out more books my her too. There are recipes in the back for some of the meals mentioned through the book. Can't wait to try them in my house.

This is a cute fun book to read. This novel brought back lots of memories for me. I was thinking of all the good times I had as a teenager on vacation in Italy. Oh do I want to go back and ride the countryside on a Vespa again and eat all that delicious food. If you like romance and adventures this is the book for you to read.

Cat Connelly has a safe life. She has a comfortable job as an attorney in NYC, a nice apartment, an okay relationship history and that's it. Everything she's ever done has been by the book. She never leaves town because she fears her father or younger erratic sister may need her, since she's been taking care of them since her mother left them (and later passed away after returning). As the book starts, Cats watching her younger sister get married - something that wasn't entirely uncomfortable for her until her slightly senile grandmother decides to make a scene. Embarrassment ensues. The one time Cat remembers being truly happy was when she was in Rome for a summer during college. She had a foreign lover named Francesco and a life of her own. She truly smiled without worrying about everyone else. And so, with some pursuasion from her persistent co-worker, Cat takes her first vacation - 4 weeks in Rome. Away from everything. She plans to return to her former fling and fall in love with him and the city once again. Of course, nothing goes as planned. Francesco turns out to be horrid and the city wasn't entirely welcoming at first. But with the help of a crazy waitress, Karina, and a restauranteur who calls her Princess Ann (a reference I later understood), Cat learns how to take some risks and let go. Italian for Beginners is a lovely little book that takes you from the crowded streets of New York to the small alleys of Rome. Harmel does a fantastic job at describing both locations beautifully. She captures the liveliness of New York and the essence of Rome. From going to Rome I, personally, learned that it's not all about the main attractions - it's about the moments. And this book has plenty of memorable moments. I loved the scene with Francesco, as awkward as it is, when she realizes that he's not what she built him up to be. I loved crazy Karina, who rents Cat an apartment, who's moods change quicker than the time. I liked how nothing was stereotypical in the book. Writing about Italians, of course it could be easy to say they're all crazy and macho, but Harmel created Marco who had a sensitive side as a restauranteur. He shined through the book and although I didn't totally trust him at first, I did end up liking him in the end. And I loved Cat. I enjoyed following her on her emotional journey. What I specifically liked is that Harmel didn't rush anything. As if she went through something similar, she knew how to delicately push Cat forward, but never to fast or too hard. The timing was perfect. But most importantly of all, it made me incredibly proud of my strong Italian roots. The book was a fantastic and fun read that made me want to travel - to taste the foods Cat enjoyed and see the sights she shared. It made me feel like I was part of Cat's crazy adventure; like I was on the back of the vespa, not her, speeding through the market. I really enjoyed Harmel's writing style; it was incredibly smooth and flowing. The book reminded me very

Cat Connelly is a thirty-four-year-old Manhattan accountant who has always lived a responsible life. She has lived on the safe side, even taking care of her younger sister and father when her mother left the family. But Cat starts to question her life choices while attending her sister's wedding. When wedding guests ask her about finding the right man and walking down the isle, and when she hears quiet gossip, within earshot, she becomes embarrassed and frustrated. Where is the justice for someone who has, seemingly, done all the right things, but still hasn't found the life she rightfully deserves? She tries to leave the wedding party, but runs into a mysterious man who takes her breath away. Is he single or married, which turns into a major issue. Cat, feeling confused, and low in spirit, returns to work, where a friend encourages her to take a much needed month's vacation to visit a former boyfriend in Italy. Cat talks to her father, who tells her it is a good idea for her to get away for awhile. She now has to choose between her perceived responsibility at home or a chance at happiness. Arriving in Italy, Cat finds herself on a virtual "Roman Holiday" as her life becomes very similar to Audrey Hepburn's character in the movie by that name. Although, she finds romance, disappointment, betrayal, and love, she also must face some serious old ghosts that have haunted her in her earlier life. Does she have the courage to live as a stranger in Rome? Will she conquer her demons? Will she find her true self? Will she find the love of her life? These are questions that make the book a pure pleasure to read. I give this a perfect 5 stars*****