Italian for Beginners
Author: Kristin Harmel
ISBN: 9780446538305
Italian for Beginners by Kristin Harmel tells the story of Cat Connelly, a New York City accountant. Cat’s life is not very exciting- she goes to work and spends time with her father and her sister with a few not so hot relationships thrown in here and there. She is the definition of dependable.
After her little sister ties the knot, Cat knows she needs to change something in her life. After much debate, she decides to go to Rome, where she spent a semester as a college student. She e-mails her old Italian fling Francesco and goes to Italy to see if what they had was real.
When she arrives in Rome, she learns that Francesco certainly isn’t the same charming Italian man that she remembered. Feeling defeated she almost books a flight home, but decides to stay and finish the adventure she set up to begin.
I knew I’d love this book solely based on the fact that it takes place in Rome and is called Italian for Beginners. I studied abroad in Rome this past summer and I had the time of my life. This book brought me back to all those places I’d grown to love.
Cat is definitely a relateable character though there were more than a few times I wanted to scream at her to just sit down and think a situation through before making snap judgments. I had a hard time believing that she was so completely stubborn at some points throughout the book regarding a certain man.
I loved all of the side characters who quickly became a huge part of the story. You’ll quickly find yourself falling love with the people Cat meets on her journey throughout Rome and you’ll feel like you’re traveling right along with her.
Ever wanted to travel to Rome but couldn’t? The fabulous description of the cobblestone streets of Rome and the quaint shops and piazza’s will make you feel like you’ve been there all your life. Harmel does an excellent job with description and painting a beautiful picture for the reader.
4.5/5
Ah, I just know that I'll love this one, too! Anything set in Italy — and Rome, especially — gets my attention right away. Sounds like such a fun story!
I just bought this book and it is in the mail and on it's way to me. I cannot wait to read it!
I just added this one to my to-read list. I haven't been to Italy, but I sure would love to read something that makes me feel I have 🙂
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Loved this book!!! But I'm sure I've mentioned that before, haha.
Another book which makes you feel like you're really in Rome (not that i've ever been) is "A Single to Rome" by Sarah Duncan. If you've not read that, you should check it out!
I feel like I will love this book too for the same reasons you mentioned: it's in Rome and the title. Love the title. And loved your review. This sounds like such a wonderful book.
And luck you – you got to study in Rome. My school has a study abroad in Rome program but because of my jobs I won't be able to go. But I'm hoping to save up some money and go there post graduation. We'll see …