Title: Ciao, America!: An Italian Discovers the U.S.
Author: Beppe Severgnini
First published January 1, 1995
256 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9780767912365 (ISBN10: 0767912365)
Rating: 3.42
Overview
In the humorous and insightful style of Bill Bryson, Ciao, America! takes readers on a journey through the eyes of one of Italy’s most beloved authors. Beppe Severgnini and his wife embrace the challenge of living in the United States for a year, renting a quaint house in Georgetown and immersing themselves in American customs.
From deciphering cryptic rental listings to adapting to the obsession with ice cubes and air conditioning, Severgnini humorously reflects on the differences between Italian and American culture. Along the way, he encounters an array of eccentric characters, including a mattress salesman who bounces from bed to bed and a plumber named Marx who peddles illegally powerful showerheads.
With each experience, Severgnini gains a deeper understanding of American manners and mores. From Klondike bars to pancake houses, he develops a taste for the quirks that make America unique.
By the end of his journey, Severgnini has written a charming and laugh-out-loud tribute to the country he once found so foreign.
About the Author
Giuseppe Severgnini, also known as “Beppe,” is a multifaceted professional hailing from Italy. He has proven himself as a reputable journalist, accomplished writer, and esteemed columnist.
Born on December 26th, 1956, Severgnini has made a name for himself with his diverse skill set and passion for his work.
Editoral Review
Beppe Severgnini’s Ciao, America!: An Italian Discovers the U.S. is an enthralling work of non-fiction that provides a unique perspective of an Italian’s encounters with American society. First published in 1995, the book offers a cultural critique, and it has remained relevant in today’s world.
Severgnini’s exceptional storytelling, sharp wit, and sharp observations make this book a standout in its genre. The author is a celebrated Italian writer, journalist, and commentator who writes about his experiences living in the United States.
He takes his readers on a journey as he travels across America and shares his insights on American culture, customs, and social norms. What sets this book apart from others of its genre is its humorous, anecdotal tone that conveys the author’s wit and charm.
The book is divided into 16 chapters, each detailing the author’s experiences in different parts of America. Severgnini covers a range of topics, from his experience with American soccer to his observations of the American diet, and the impact of American politics on global relations.
The author’s encounters with a variety of characters on his travels, including politicians, car dealers, and academics, create a canvas that permits an extensive display of America’s ethnic diversity. The author’s style emphasizes humor and punctuated wittiness, and he does not shy away from offering blunt cultural critiques.
Severgnini’s detailed observations of American culture provide a new lens on American culture while opening the eyes of Italian readers about the differences between Italy and the United States. However, the book’s only flaw is that it is written from the perspective of one person.
Therefore, it is necessary to take into account the bias of the author’s observations. Despite this, the subjectivity of the book is outweighed by the humor and insight that the author provides.
Additionally, some of his experiences may seem outdated, but they reflect an era when Americans were still grappling with the rapid change that came with the end of the Cold War. Ciao, America!: An Italian Discovers the U.S. is an exceptional work of non-fiction that is both entertaining and enlightening.
Through his personal experiences, Severgnini provides an insightful and humorous meditation on American culture that is both relatable and illuminating. Therefore, anyone interested in exploring America’s complexity and diversity should read this book.
It is a must-read for anyone who wishes to see the world from a different perspective. Rating: 4 out of 5 stars.
