“This is a book about what happens when two people not only dare to dream, but dare to make their dreams come true–to become the authors of their own life story. It’s a book about life. It’s about the friend on the other side of that stranger. It’s about life lived outdoors on foot or bicycle, at an outdoor café and in the public square. It’s about life lived with eyes and ears open to experience. It’s about life invigorated by learning about self and other. And it’s about life enriched by generosity. Whether your dream includes Italy, or whether you haven’t let yourself dream at all, this book is an invitation for you, too, to become the author of your own life story”

“The Petralias are very good travel companions, for each other and for the reader. Their journal is brimming with enthusiasm and earned understanding of what it’s like living in the magnificent country and multiple sub-cultures of Italy. It is a novel approach that some chapters are written by John and some by Nancy. Their overlapping perspectives add considerable range and insight into their unfolding experiences.They threw themselves into their year in Italy with gusto, intelligence and good humor…The contrasts with life in the U.S. are brought into clearer focus, both good and bad…They are good ambassadors for our country. As partial ex-pats, they have also absorbed as much as they can without completely going native. For those of us with a similar love of the country and its people, it is a rollicking good read. Bravo!”

“Very real, funny, heart-warming and totally makes you think it is not out of the realm of possibility for you to try it yourself.”

“If you love things Italian, you will love this book!! After the first few pages, I was ready to plan my trip. The Petralias embody the spirit of adventure that defines travel…..especially outside the borders of the USA. Being of Italian decent, this book touches a deep longing in my soul to reconnect to my roots.”

“I found it fascinating because not only did I enjoy reading from afar all that happened during their journey, but I found that the book made me daydream and wonder “What would I do? What would I feel like? How would I change? ” And while not a political book, I also found it very interesting in the way it made me pause and think sometimes not about Italy, but more about how we live in America by comparison. I found those moments especially powerful when the authors provided insights about how just 1-year abroad made them think about how they will live the rest of their lives. And if I don’t get to live in Italy or anywhere foreign for a year….well my reading of the book changed me too.”

“Not your normal travel memoir. Stepping out of their South Jersey comfort zone into Italy and the complexities of living life in a second language, the Petralias learn to appreciate food, wine, art, the US, and each other with a new palate. Nancy and John dance the alternating chapters from the conception of their idea to spend a year in Italy to their return to the US a year later. The reader follows them, tasting, cooking, rushing to the hospital for medical emergencies, standing in frustrating lines for hours, and glorying in art and architecture as the partners hold hands and explore.”

”The Petralias embody the spirit of adventure that defines travel…..especially outside the borders of the USA. Being of Italian decent, this book touches a deep longing in my soul to reconnect to my roots.”

“This delightful book is much more than a recounting of the magnificent art and architecture of Italy. Yes, there is some of that told in an engaging and often humorous way. But there is also an important philosophical theme — a theme which juxtaposes the Italian and American lifestyles and people, told through enjoyable but thought-provoking vignettes. It is fascinating to watch how the viewpoints and beliefs of the authors change and evolve through happy and not-so-happy interactions with the Italian people and the Italian bureaucracy. The book is an easy read and you may find it difficult to put down. And like me, you may find yourself wondering what such an experience might mean to you.”

A Beautifully Crafted Book—Well Worth Savoring Every Morsel!

“From the first page I was transfixed, transposed and transported to a wonderful, down to earth telling of the life of John and Nancy and their year long journey in Italy.Their alternating prose and the attention to even the sublime, daily and eventful experiences had me feeling like I was one of their friends, along for the ride! The recipes, dealing with landlords, figuring out the hospital system, visiting sleepy towns, rough and tumble cities and riding the back roads kept me wanting more. Curling up with their book took me on the trip I dream of—and to actually live like a local—that’s the icing on the cake. I’m not done with the book-I honestly don’t want it to end! If you’re a lover of Italy—it’s art, history, food, geography and people—pick up this book. You are going to be in Italy, even if you’re not!”

“I can’t say enough good things about this book. I’ve read it twice and often refer to it for reference. We travel to Italy every year increasing our time each year. This is a funny, passionate and informative read for anyone who has a passion for Italy.”

“Loved everything about this book! You have inspired me to live my Italian dream! Repositioning cruise life?! Um, Yes, please!!!!!!!”

“John and Nancy are apparently not hothouse flowers. From their brainy, down to earth descriptions of Pompeii, and other places, about which I knew very little before reading this fine and descriptive book, to their unerring, practical, and comfortable comments on the differences between the US and other places in the world, particularly Northern Italy. The song “Yes We Got No Bananas” kept playing in my mind during the whole book reflecting the differences between what we perceive with our US blinders, and how things really are, everywhere. Like sharing spaghetti, not pasta, with Paul Theroux in The Great Railway Bazaar.

A great enjoyable and enlightening read. Kudos to South Philly and two different intelligent points of view on just about everything they did and saw.”

“This book is not a tour guide but it is an interesting view of the realities of living in Italy from both the husband’s and wife’s point of view. It explores different regions of Italy and gives details of everything from transportation, art, history, politics and, of course, the people and the food! It even had a couple of recipes. I would recommend if you are thinking of visiting, living in or just dreaming of Italy.”

“This is a real tale of a normal middle-aged couple who followed their dream and all of the many ups and downs that go into that. They walk in one way and come out entirely changed by their experiences…It tells a very clear and real glimpse into everyday life in any Italian city.You will love it.”

“This book was no Under The Tuscan Sun, that’s for sure! But then it did not claim to be. This is not a fairytale. Or a movie (but it could be). This is a beautiful real life story of a couple who bravely go to Italy for a year to live. And they are not twenty-somethings. They are on the other side of 50 and their adventure while romantic in the planning and imagining, is not all gondolas and sunsets. But there is that too. And with the reality of daily life in a foreign country, where only one of you speaks the language, albiet roughly and things like medical care and creature comforts we take for granted in America are missing, I was delighted and riveted. The Petralia’s are a loving couple devoted to one another and that love comes across on every page. I was right there, tasting the food, drinking the wine, walking the cobblestone streets, meeting their new friends, with them. Thanks for a truthful and magical story of love and passion for life in Italy. I look forward to reading about your next adventure.”

“As the title implies, this not a travel guide book. It’s a sweet story. Reminiscent of the Italy part of “Eat, Love, Pray” but joyfully minus the soul battered drama.Just two happy (well balanced) people making their dreams come true together. I love how the chapters alternate between the husband & wife authors. While they each have their own style, they compliment each other so well it makes for smooth transitions. By organizing the book in this manner it allows the reader to fully appreciate each authors perspective and emphasis on what impressed them throughout their travels. Fun read for a Book Club too!”

“I felt like I was the third traveller, loved seeing Italy thought the authors eyes and meeting new friends. My mind was as active as my eyes and the memories conjured were my own. Read it if you want to learn and smile, and you too may just have to share it with friends who are closet Italians.”