A Month of Italy

This is the best, most interesting,quick-paced, most entertaining and well-written travel book I have ever read. An avid traveler, I enjoy this genre, comparing the authors' experiences with my own. Sadly, I am often disappointed when I find poorly written stories dwelling too long on subjects such as flat tires and where to find a mechanic, and how hard it is to buy a home, and all the bureaucracy that comes with moving abroad. In contrast, this book is a breath of fresh air as he describes all of the trials, tribulations and great delights a family of four has as they travel for a month in a foreign country. He announces early on that he has traveled the world and that Italy is his favorite country to visit. His enthusiasm and appreciation for the Italians and their way of life, and all of the eye-opening cultural difference he experiences, is infectious. I enjoyed Chris Brady's humorous and delightful style of writing so much that I look forward to reading more of his books.

I have been to Italy quite a few times and loved that this writer saw and appreciated so many of my favorite things... the kindness of the people, the mandatory daily gelato, the pictures that never really capture what your eyes see, the old men watching the world go by, the surprising dinners in the most unassuming places, the difficulty of parking anywhere, the no parking or no dogs signage that Italians think are just “suggestions”, the beauty and the overall need to go back again and again. Each area is so unique and Italy’s beauty, people, food and wine feed the soul even more than it feeds your body and mind. I really loved this book as I impatiently wait for the travel restrictions to be lifted so I can go back...again.

I'd so love to go back to Italy but in the meantime such charming descriptions and fun stories did a good job of filling the gap. Mr. Brady quoted several authors of books on Italy that I also enjoyed, so I knew we had the same aesthetic. His experience staying in a villa owned by non-English speakers and taking side trips to various places brought out some aspects of such a trip that is fresh and new. And the adventures trying to get a minivan through the narrow streets were priceless. I really appreciated the unusual take on things and even the extra historical information that perhaps his homeschooled kids weren't up for, so they ended up in the book for readers to be enlightened by, or not, as they chose. Mostly I liked the things that made me laugh and gave me the warm feeling Italy tends to bring on. This isn't heavy reading; it's for fun, and it gave me 5 stars worth. I really enjoyed it.

What a well written, humorous, engaging book. I bought the book because my wife and I had been to Italy several times, and I wanted to see if there was something that we might be missing. I must say, from first page to last, I was drawn back to our many days spent getting lost in one of the most beautiful places in the world. I found myself laughing as I remembered experiences so similar to that of Chris and his family. Also longing to be back with friends, and in those surroundings that make me feel so comfortable but alive. The truths that Chris relates about the friendliness of Italians, and their love for Americans is evident in our many friends, and our many trips back for weddings, birthdays, and just because we miss them! Do not misunderstand though, Italians love their country,and would not trade with us for anything! This book was a joy to read, and is a wonderful, light, conceptual guide about how to really enjoy Italia! Enjoy, Ciao!

I liked the book but I thought the author could have put a little less about himself and more about the differences encountered. I liked that his wife and family were "all in" on the experience and thought most of his observations indicated his real interest in articulating what Italy is all about. He didn't criticize the Italians for their sometimes quirky culture and customs but tried to appreciate and understand them and pass them on to his children. All and all it was a book that anyone who is planning a trip to anywhere in Italy might wish to read to get a leg up.

Chris is a great story teller. My wife and I have visited the same area and he is "Right On" about everything his family experienced. Every country has their own way of doing things that are different from us. That is the beauty of travel. If you want to or have visited Italy, you will love this book. Great job Chris. You and your family have made wonderful memories that will last a lifetime. I know it is the old Nike ad but "Just Do It" is the advise I would give anyone who wants very much to travel somewhere but is having second thoughts. Start with Italy.Bill E.

I gifted the audio book version to my dad for Father's Day a few weeks ago. I had given my dad who is 62 this year, the hard copy of this book about a year ago but he never read it. However I knew he would listen to the audio book. I'm writing this just after my dad called me and enthusiastically asked " when are we going to Italy?!" It was so fun to hear how excited my dad was about it! He speaks fluent Italian because he lived there about 40 years ago for over a year and had not been back since! But thanks to this wonderful, funny, well written book we are planning a trip back there beginning of next year! Thank you Chris ! We loved it! And will read it again.

... witty,informative,fun, descriptive, delightful, hilarious ...have told my Italy loving pals they HAVE to read it. Hated it to end as every time I read it, I felt good . Brought back so many memories of traveling with our kids when they were young. Lots of tips and thoughts to take with us as we plan OUR next Italian adventure ...also, philosophy of life taught in this little book is great. To Chris, please continue the adventure,in Itay of coarse !!

I was very impressed by the reviews this book had received but it was very dull as travelogues go. I learnt more about American assumptions about Europe than any thing else !