An Italian Adventure: It Will All Make (Less) Sense When You Grow Up

The Italian Saga, Book 1

By: Gaia B. Amman

Narrated by: Gaia B. Amman

Length: 7 hrs and 36 mins

Publisher's summary

An Italian Adventure, It will all make (less) sense when you grow up

The audiobook with an Italian accent!

A humorous coming of age tale of friendship and sisterhood for adults and teens alike recommended for fans of Jandy Nelson, John Green, Neil Gaiman and Sherman Alexie.

Italy, the late 80s. Leda is a bookish 10-year-old tomboy. Her life turns upside down when shady Nico moves to the North from Sicily. Determined not to let the bully ruin her life, Leda is dragged through a tornado of adventures that will transform both kids in the face of first crushes, weird adults, and family drama...

This humorous and insightful coming of age tale will show you the Italy you never imagined, an exhilarating mix of sensuality, religion, and superstition set against the gorgeous backdrop of the serene countryside, the Alps, and the enchanting Island of Sardinia.

The audiobook is the first in a series following the same characters throughout their lives.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your My Library section along with the audio.

©2015 Gaia Bistulfi Amman (P)2015 Gaia Bistulfi Amman

Critic reviews

"Insightful and funny; I loved it!" (Paul Schwartzmeyer, author of the Traitor Patriot series)

"Touching and skillful - a masterful execution." (Neil Daniel, author of The Obeahman's Dagger)

Authentic & Entertaining Story Read by the Author!

The story was fascinating to listen to because the author reads it with her authentic Italian accent and humorous inflections. Not only is the story entertaining and insightful, but the audiobook version brings it up a whole new level. Make sure to grab this and her other books!

An Italian adventure has been working as a time machine to me

Hello all,
I have been listening to the book for the last couple of days and I have got totally hooked, I simply can't stop. At the age of 36, this book has transported me to my early teens. The highest point of having the chance to listen to the history instead of reading it, is the magical touch of reality that Gaia's accent provides to the plot, incredibly amazing.

A perfect novel for kids of all ages

Would you consider the audio edition of An Italian Adventure: It Will All Make (Less) Sense When You Grow Up to be better than the print version?

As I started to listen to the audiobook my first thought was: "What? What kind of accent has the actress reading the novel? It didn't sound American at all. I was a real dull, and then I learned it was the actual author reading and it was meant to be this way because of the Italian origin of the story. All in all, once I got that aspect I enjoyed the reading so completely.

What was one of the most memorable moments of An Italian Adventure: It Will All Make (Less) Sense When You Grow Up?

I can't pick one out of the entire story because I loved every single chapter in that. But maybe Leda's prayers to Jesus...

Have you listened to any of Gaia B. Amman’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No,this was the first time for me with this author.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Every single chapter moved me deeply for different reasons.

Any additional comments?

I love this book and the audible version of it so much I can't add anything more. Let's just know that I'm listening to this novel repeatedly.

An engaging story from beginning to end.

What did you love best about An Italian Adventure: It Will All Make (Less) Sense When You Grow Up?

I loved how the detailed descriptions really put you there. It is a sweet story but it makes you think about everything you encountered when growing up, and how much things, places and people change in that ongoing process of. Gaia's writing is fresh and comical. The first few chapters definitely had me bellying up with laughter.

What did you like best about this story?

The beginning was hilarious. I was bellying from laughter.

Which character – as performed by Gaia B. Amman – was your favorite?

Leda

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Total laughter most of the time.

Any additional comments?

I can't wait for volume 2!

ADDICTED! Started from book 2 and worked backward

Would you listen to An Italian Adventure: It Will All Make (Less) Sense When You Grow Up again? Why?

YES! YES! YES! It took me a chapter to get into the accent (I listened to book 2 first) but then...I just can't stop! Lovely narration, not overdone, passionate, funny…my new favorite series!

What was one of the most memorable moments of An Italian Adventure: It Will All Make (Less) Sense When You Grow Up?

Hard to choose...there are so many layers...it's so emotional and deep. It really set me thinking. It's one of those books that makes you tingle. It's sassy, naive, and so funny! But also so deep. I guess I loved the scene up in the Alps when they find the "fairy world of Afes" or when Nico fell from the tree....I really liked Nico...and well, I don't want to give too much away because I already listened to book 2. Just get these books!

What does Gaia B. Amman bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

The accent, the intonation...it's the first time I listen to a book by an author who can really narrate.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

BOTH! I laughed out loud in several points. It's irreverent, naive yet poignant. And I cried...oh, I cried...it moved me but also made me think about my own life...and ha ha I cried because the book was over :P

Any additional comments?

Just go for it! I loved the humor and the feels, but I also felt like I was learning so much...about Italy, but also about myself. This book really made me think. It's gonna stay with me for a long time.