Becoming Italian

through Family, Food, and Life in the South

By: Bret Thoman

Narrated by: Virtual Voice

Travel with Bret Thoman on this hilarious and touching romp as he narrates his lifelong journey from his American upbringing to a new life in Italy. Written with passion, humor, and candor, this book masterfully captures the heart, soul, and spirit of Italy and the Italians as he navigates the wonder and craziness of this new Italian life.

Initially drawn to Florence to study the language and explore his Italian ancestry, he feels a lure to the less touristy South. In the slower half of Italy, dialects are spoken, America is still revered, and lazy lunches are the high point of the day. In the beginning, Bret had more questions than answers. What was it about forming a single-file line that was so difficult? Why did drivers race through the ancient streets on their Vespas and take so long to do everything else? What was it about shop owners who never wanted to write receipts? What was it about air currents? Was air conditioning really harmful to Italians’ health? And then there was the food. Lunch was so important that everything stopped for hours as family and friends left work, came together, shared a meal together, and rested afterward. Then, there was soccer. Italians’ pride in their food was rivaled only by their national sport.

In the second part of the book, Bret introduces us to his family as he meets his wife, marries, and discovers the authentic part of Southern Italy as experienced through his in-laws. You’ll smile and chuckle as his mother-in-law teaches him the secrets of Italian cooking and laugh out loud as he is educated in Italy’s rigid Food Rules and the dangers of ice and open windows. More moving are the family scenarios, such as the births of his children in the Italian hospital system.

In the third section, Bret recounts more of the joys and vexations of living in Italy. While mundane events like going to the post office, getting a driver’s license, and paying taxes can be maddening due to chaotic government bureaucracy, in the end, Bret accepts the cultural idiosyncrasies of Italy as he is grateful for what the country has given him. Not only does he become an Italian citizen along the way, he is ultimately transformed by the “Sweet Life.” For the Italians have taught Bret the strength of community, the nourishing benefits of time and meals together, enduring friendships, and what it means to be part of a family. In the end, he has become Italian.

If you are curious about your own Italian roots, if Italy is your favorite destination, or if you enjoy wacky travel stories colored by the Italian spirit, you won’t want to miss this one. With an eye for the zany, awkward, and just plain ludicrous, this book will not disappoint.

Reviews:
"Filled with colorful stories, anecdotes, and travel experiences, ranging from historical to humorous, Bret relates his life and travel experiences in a fun and engaging way. A delightful and informative read." Bonnie, Reads and Writes

"A travel memoir that is comprehensive, witty, and enlightening. A fantastic compilation of personal stories that are easy to read and take mere moments to elicit a laugh. I loved this book and am so grateful Thoman is sharing la dolce vita with us." Asher Syed, Readers' Favorite

"A sincere and enjoyable account of how one man took a path from his home in Georgia to Italy to find love and family. Many rites of passage familiar to those of us who have willingly set upon the same journey that neatly form the chapters. Wonderfully insightful." Philip Curnow, blogger

"Grits and sweet tea meet lasagna and espresso in a selection of personal reflections and slice of life vignettes that are sure to please." Debby Giusti, USA TODAY Bestselling Author

"With an eye for the awkward and the ludicrous, makes for a fun read." Karl Keating, Bestselling author

"Interesting, touching, funny, and delightfully Italian!" Murray Bodo, bestselling author

Very enjoyable book!

As an Italian American myself, who has documented her Italian citizenship, I really enjoyed this book. 

Just what I was looking for

After a recent vacation to Italy I have been pondering many of the topics discussed in this book and learned so many interesting details and gained great insight to the sweet life of Italy.

AI narration slaughtered Italian words, and a few hilarious moments when AI couldn’t enunciate Italian terminology (around 6:12 in chapter about taxes made me laugh out loud).

Second Rate Performance and Experience

What should we think of an author who uses AI to convey his Italian story. Every two minutes Mr.AI slaughters the Italian language. The author shows little respect for himself, the work, and the Paying Listener.