Cari amici,
While many people in northern climes are eagerly awaiting the first signs of Spring, I'm also counting the days to publication of LA PASSIONE on April 16. Here's the final proof of the front cover--and some pre-pub reviews that warmed my heart:
"In this inquisitive celebration of the Italian spirit, Hales traverses the country, exploring its history and culture...The chapters on food will delight readers with descriptions of artisan foods... Sure to inspire many vacations, this volume shows Italy's many contributions to the world and captures the essence of the very things that make it such a wondrous place." -- Publishers Weekly
“[Hales’] love affair with Italy shines through as she recounts the histories of colorful characters who made their names through war, art, food, wine, music, and more. She brings the reader with her to experience the country’s long-lasting traditions and the people whose dedication keeps that legacy alive today … Frothy as a cappuccino and rich as tiramisu, La Passione is a delightful excursion into the heart of Italian culture.” -- Booklist
You can find more comments and early interviews online and preorder a copy here.
My publisher and I are beginning to schedule talks and book signings, tentatively in San Francisco, Sacramento, Corte Madera, Orinda, Walnut Creek, New York, New Orleans, Atlanta, Athens, Ga., and Tuscany. If you're in the Bay area, here are the April dates:
Wednesday, April 17, 6:30 p.m.
Italian Cultural Institute
601 Van Ness Avenue
San Francisco, CA.
Frances Mayes and I will present our new books; Kip Cranna will moderate.
Wednesday, April 24, 6:30 p.m.
Libreria Pino
548 Union Street
San Francisco, CA.
Sunday, April 28, 4:00 p.m.
Book Passage
51 Tamal Vista Blvd
Corte Madera, CA.
As we firm up the dates, we will post other speaking engagements on the events page of my website.
If you're in Italy this summer, please join me in celebrating the Italian passion for joy at a special book presentation on Sunday, June 9, in Castiglion Fiorentino, a postcard-pretty Tuscan town near Cortona. As I recount in La Passione, this is where Rita Morgan Richardson, a sister appassionata, created the nonprofit Friends of San Filippino to save an abandoned chapel dedicated to the patron saint of joy. Rita and I are also planning events in the United States and in Florence. If you belong to a community or an Italian-American group that may be interested in learning more, please contact Rita.
I hope to meet many of you on my travels. Until then, I send warm wishes for an early Spring!
Dianne
