More Praise for SALENTO BY 5
"Salento by 5 is a delightful book that relates the life and family history of all 5 contributors. Each Contributor reveals his/her personal and family history, blemishes and all. Three of them are natives of Salento and two are Americans that have a great love of the area but are not even of Italian descent.
What particularly strikes me is that the inhabitants, representative of the peasant class (contadini), were able after World War II to attend institutions of higher learning, thus entering the middle class, an economic and social status previously denied to them.
Being of Northern Italian heritage, I am also struck by the uniqueness all Italians share as revealed in this book. Their values, their superstitions, their faith and most of all their passionate love of family, the land and its bounty are something that everyone who is not Italian recognizes as defining attributes of Italians, be they from the Alps or the heel of the Peninsula.
I highly recommend this delightful book of personal stories, recipes and descriptions of enchanting vistas."
- Dr. Vincent Fausone, member and former President, Board of Directors, Museo Italo Americano of San Francisco.
“What a delightful collection of stories about Italy’s heel, the part of Puglia that is called the Salento. I’ve visited many of the places in this interesting region and enjoyed reliving my experiences through the well-told stories of the land, the sea, and the people. The many watercolors and sketches add charm, and the recipes are enticing. The quintet of authors whose tales of past and present in timeless Italy made me want to hop on a plane and revisit an area that is unknown to many travelers but loved by me. A thoroughly satisfying read!" - Judith Works, author of Coins in the Fountain
"I want to tell you how much I admired the book, especially the introductory section, "Heel to Heel." Sending the book off in the right direction was an important job, and you did it beautifully. It makes the reader eager to hear whatever comes next. "The Traveler," [the next section] is just as good, or maybe even better. I got goose bumps . . ." - John Denvir, author of Guile is Good and Democracy's Constitution
"There is so much I love about SALENTO BY 5: revealed traditions from a part of Italy many don’t visit, stories of history that dig deep to explain what one no longer sees, and sensory features celebrating unforgettable flavors, evocative smells, and exquisite sights, all captured in the voices of savvy travelers and generous locals. The book’s comprehensive and authentic portrait introduces Salento fittingly and makes it a must-read for those who travel by book or by plane."
- Meredith Pike-Baky, author, teacher, writing coach (meredithpikebaky.com)
"You authors did it! Congratulations on your book! I loved it! I shed a sentimental tear reading about author Audrey's early years in Salento—remembrance of my own early travels. The story about Spanish/Italian confusion was hysterically funny and sincere. And, by learning directly from the three Italian authors, I feel more than ever an identity with my own Italian roots. Why do I love olive oil and bread so much? Why are fresh vegetables so important to my diet? Why is wine my choice of beverage and refreshment? These aspects of Salento and of Italy itself must be imprinted in my DNA and in the blood of my Mediterranean ancestors—Sartoresi—from Mantova, Ostilia, and the nearby village of Coreggioli. I feel the humble origins of my past through the book too. The land has given us a good life; but at first, I remember it was more work. Now, having all we need, whenever we want it, not having to struggle, takes the hardship out of the recipe and life is easier. Author Luciana's writing reflected that same progression of a life in Salento. I admire the authors' tenacity, dedication, endurance, and discipline to bring the book project to fruition. It all came together and is inspiring. The drawings and watercolors of David, The Sketcher are excellent, particularly the drawing of author, Audrey, at the beginning of Chapter One. My other favorites are: the halved sea urchins; the colors of the sea; the olive groves; the no-nosed truck with anise gone to seed; the cruet of olive oil and the olive branch; The Sketcher's own self-portrait. Thank you all five for this thoroughly enjoyable book!" Margaret Wells, Artist and Crafts professional
"I just started reading your excellent book and already I'm struck by your descriptions of the fun interactions, meals, and walks! I love your walk to the beach called Orte, as the vegetation you describe is similar to ours on our beach walks in Nantucket- - -Queen Anne's Lace, thistles, and daisies . . . Now, in August, the Queen Anne's Lace is giving way to Pearly Everlasting! . . . Great fun! Thanks for sharing this with the world!" - Nick Rorick, reader
What particularly strikes me is that the inhabitants, representative of the peasant class (contadini), were able after World War II to attend institutions of higher learning, thus entering the middle class, an economic and social status previously denied to them.
Being of Northern Italian heritage, I am also struck by the uniqueness all Italians share as revealed in this book. Their values, their superstitions, their faith and most of all their passionate love of family, the land and its bounty are something that everyone who is not Italian recognizes as defining attributes of Italians, be they from the Alps or the heel of the Peninsula.
I highly recommend this delightful book of personal stories, recipes and descriptions of enchanting vistas."
- Dr. Vincent Fausone, member and former President, Board of Directors, Museo Italo Americano of San Francisco.
“What a delightful collection of stories about Italy’s heel, the part of Puglia that is called the Salento. I’ve visited many of the places in this interesting region and enjoyed reliving my experiences through the well-told stories of the land, the sea, and the people. The many watercolors and sketches add charm, and the recipes are enticing. The quintet of authors whose tales of past and present in timeless Italy made me want to hop on a plane and revisit an area that is unknown to many travelers but loved by me. A thoroughly satisfying read!" - Judith Works, author of Coins in the Fountain
"I want to tell you how much I admired the book, especially the introductory section, "Heel to Heel." Sending the book off in the right direction was an important job, and you did it beautifully. It makes the reader eager to hear whatever comes next. "The Traveler," [the next section] is just as good, or maybe even better. I got goose bumps . . ." - John Denvir, author of Guile is Good and Democracy's Constitution
"There is so much I love about SALENTO BY 5: revealed traditions from a part of Italy many don’t visit, stories of history that dig deep to explain what one no longer sees, and sensory features celebrating unforgettable flavors, evocative smells, and exquisite sights, all captured in the voices of savvy travelers and generous locals. The book’s comprehensive and authentic portrait introduces Salento fittingly and makes it a must-read for those who travel by book or by plane."
- Meredith Pike-Baky, author, teacher, writing coach (meredithpikebaky.com)
"You authors did it! Congratulations on your book! I loved it! I shed a sentimental tear reading about author Audrey's early years in Salento—remembrance of my own early travels. The story about Spanish/Italian confusion was hysterically funny and sincere. And, by learning directly from the three Italian authors, I feel more than ever an identity with my own Italian roots. Why do I love olive oil and bread so much? Why are fresh vegetables so important to my diet? Why is wine my choice of beverage and refreshment? These aspects of Salento and of Italy itself must be imprinted in my DNA and in the blood of my Mediterranean ancestors—Sartoresi—from Mantova, Ostilia, and the nearby village of Coreggioli. I feel the humble origins of my past through the book too. The land has given us a good life; but at first, I remember it was more work. Now, having all we need, whenever we want it, not having to struggle, takes the hardship out of the recipe and life is easier. Author Luciana's writing reflected that same progression of a life in Salento. I admire the authors' tenacity, dedication, endurance, and discipline to bring the book project to fruition. It all came together and is inspiring. The drawings and watercolors of David, The Sketcher are excellent, particularly the drawing of author, Audrey, at the beginning of Chapter One. My other favorites are: the halved sea urchins; the colors of the sea; the olive groves; the no-nosed truck with anise gone to seed; the cruet of olive oil and the olive branch; The Sketcher's own self-portrait. Thank you all five for this thoroughly enjoyable book!" Margaret Wells, Artist and Crafts professional
"I just started reading your excellent book and already I'm struck by your descriptions of the fun interactions, meals, and walks! I love your walk to the beach called Orte, as the vegetation you describe is similar to ours on our beach walks in Nantucket- - -Queen Anne's Lace, thistles, and daisies . . . Now, in August, the Queen Anne's Lace is giving way to Pearly Everlasting! . . . Great fun! Thanks for sharing this with the world!" - Nick Rorick, reader
Martha Bakerjian, creator of MARTHASITALY.COM has written a full review of SALENTO BY 5. Please read it HERE. Also, please check out the article from THE LOCAL, an international, digital newspaper. Read it HERE.
If you have read the book, you are warmly invited to submit your own review. We would be honored. And, we will happily add your comments to this page.
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