Angelo M. Pellegrini

Well written memoir of an Italian American immigrant, but the author spends quite a bit of time dwelling on the legal aspects of the US Constitution and its interpretation by the Supreme Court. He makes many valid points, which in and of themselves were quite interesting, but as far as a memoir of the Italian American experience, I felt a bit shortchanged. Glad I read it, but his experience is not typical of the many immigrants that left Southern Italy for the US in the early twentieth show more century. He was very fortunate in this country, and he absolutely recognized that, so he deserves full credit for it. I will read some of his other books, as his writing style is quite good. Probably 3.5 stars, but I don't have the half star option. show less

The predecessor to Michael Pollan/Mark Bitman - eat good local food, prepared simply and you'll be all set. His chapter on wine making made me want to live in a house with a basement just so I could make my own wine... but I'll focus instead on the garden.

These are stories from a different world, one of different values, and of life at a different pace. If you can accept that, I think you will enjoy reading it. I found it rather fascinating, especially given the background of the author. Fun read.

So begins a year or so of (mostly) reading what I already own.

Thoroughly enjoyed this book. It's some of the best food writing I've read--on par with An Everlasting Meal, which is a favorite.