Italian American Press
Founded in 2001           Italian and Italian American Authors                                          Italian and Italian American Books
Italian American Press www.italianamericanpress.com ©2011-2024   Janice Therese Mancuso
Books by Category
Fiction
Adjustments by Vic Fortezza Rick Caso, a high school football coach, struggles with the way life ought to be rather than how life has turned out. A Touch of Classics (Selected Authors) A collection of entertaining and thought-provoking short stories. The book features the works of Italian authors Luigi Capuana, Grazia Deledda, Matilde Serao, and Italo Svevo; Balduin Groller (the Dagobert Trostler series); and Saki (pen name for Hector Hugh Monro British writer compared to O. Henry.) Beppo - A Calabrian Tale by Frank P. Riga Set in Calabria in 1901, Beppo plans to improve the lives of his fellow villagers; but when falsely accused of the attempted murder of his ambitious and greedy adversary, he escapes to the mountains and eventually decides to go to America. Between Courses: A Culinary Love Story by Karla Clark A funny and touching love story that offers a peek into the lives of a spirited Italian-American family of “foodies.” Cat Lady (Narrative Poem) by Mary M. Schmidt An elderly gattara (cat lady) possesses an amazing power to grant a cardinal’s final wish through her communication with the feral cats of Rome. Close to the Edge by Vic Fortezza Set in an Italian-American community in Brooklyn in 1978, the lives of two men and one woman collide. Con Amore by Janice Therese Mancuso A modern day romance combining a bit of suspense, interwoven with the history of Italy, the foods of each region, maps of Italy, and recipes, most developed especially for the book. The East End of Long Island sets the scene for Janine’s adventure of a culinary tour of Italy, a journey into her past, an exploration of her conflicting emotions, and discovering what holds the key to her heart. The Demon Deer by Grazia Deledda A compilation of short stories by the author, a Nobel Prize recipient, who combines her experiences of life in Sardegna during the late nineteenth century with her love for the animals that inhabit the island and beyond; with some stories told from the animals’ points of view. Learn more about Grazia Deledda.  For Jennie by Donna L. Gestri Jennie must choose between the affections of two very devoted men and a luxurious new life in Boston or a comfortable living in her hometown of Brooklyn. Gina by Joseph M. Barone  A kidnapping in Newark, New Jersey is explained through events that took place in Italy many years before.   Killing by Vic Fortezza The saga of an Italian American family in Brooklyn, with a Vietnam veteran seeing his son off to the Gulf War. Plumbing in Harlem by Joe Benevento Conflicts in love and thoughts about immortality confront a professor of English working a summer job as a plumber in 1980.   The Poet, The Count, and The Peddler by Anthony Bottagaro Sicilian immigrants face discrimination in 1920s New York, and decades later, driven by a strong sense of heritage and love of la famiglia, a man takes on the fight against power, greed, and corruption in business, government, religion, and society.   The Rosselli Cantata by A.S. Maulucci In this novel of a man's search for his father's murderer, an Italian immigrant breaks a cycle of vengeance. Royanna: An Extraterrestrial Affair By Raphael Ferraro Mystery, adventure, and a touch of romance in this science fiction tale about an encounter between a human and an alien. From the Gateway of the Sun – an ancient archaeological stone site in Tiahuanaco, Bolivia – to Cumorah Hill, in upstate New York near Lake Ontario – where Mormon prophet Joseph Smith saw the angel Maroni – this science fiction adventure blends the past, present, and future through ancient religions and future prophecy. BOOK REVIEW  AUTHOR INTERVIEW   Short Stories II by Rich DiSilvio Combining history, art, intrigue, and the unique personalities of the characters he creates, Short Stories II is a collection of “mysteries, thrillers & historical works.” Sweet Figs, Bitter Greens by Donna L. Gestri Against a backdrop that shifts from Italy to the streets of Brooklyn, through two wars, and with an unforgettable cast of characters, the power of friendship, loyalty, faith and family endures. Italian American life in the mid-twentieth century sets the scene for the lives of the Salvatori family – Maestro Rinaldo, his loving wife Guiliana, and their four children. The Maestro, an Italian immigrant, founded a small opera house and oversees its operation, while he deals with changing family ideals and the family secrets he left behind in Italy. BOOK REVIEW   Tuscan Intrigue by Rosalind Burgundy Ancient Etruscans are brought to life in a modern archaeological escapade through the Etruscan countryside. A Tuscan Treasury by Paul Salsini Spanning over 100 years, a collection of stories – from letters mailed during World War I to a twenty-first century pandemic – exemplifies the beauty, intrigue, and culture of one of Italy’s most visited regions.
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After Laughing Comes Crying: Sicilian Immigrants on Louisiana Plantations by Joseph L. Cacibauda Based on facts and heavily researched, the culture of Sicilian immigration is examined as workers travel to Louisiana to labor on sugar plantations. AUTHOR INTERVIEW Beneath a Scarlet Sky by Mark Sullivan Based on a true story, WWII hero Pino Lella, helped lead Jews out of northern Italy and later became a spy for the Italian Resistance, where he worked undercover as a driver for the head of the Nazi High Command in Italy. Beppo’s America: An Immigrant Tale by Frank P. Riga In the decades before and after the turn of the twentieth century, millions of Italians seeking a better life journeyed to America. Based on personal recollections and historic facts, a young married couple joins her parents in Buffalo to start their new life in America. Cambridge Street by Steven Decker Sicilian immigrants rely on family and faith in Chicago's Roaring Twenties “where Italian immigrants were not wanted or welcomed, jobs were scarce, the streets were ruled by violent mobsters and crooked cops, and life in the over-crowded tenements was difficult.” Dino’s Story: A Novel of 1960s Tuscany by Paul Salsini A coming-of-age tale about a boy who goes to Florence to study art, and how his life is changed by a devastating flood. The Duke's Amulet by Phyllis Martino-Nugent Transported back in time to the mid-1400s in Urbino, Italy, a woman must decide if she will return to present-day America and resume her previous life or remain in Renaissance Italy with the man she loves. The Ghosts of the Garfagnana: Seven Strange Stories from Haunted Tuscany by Paul Salsini In the northwest region of Tuscany – an area of steep forests and misty valleys – is the Garfagnana, abundant with caves, ancient villages, marble quarries, and chestnut trees. It’s the perfect location for a series of stories with a supernatural theme woven into everyday life. The first story takes place in 1225, with the announcement of a new monastery to be built; the last story is in 2018, as a college student travels to the Garfagnana to research ghosts in the theater.  BOOK REVIEW  AUTHOR INTERVIEW Giovanni: Street Urchin of Naples by Joseph C. Polacco A family history, from Naples at the end of the nineteenth century to New York in the early twentieth century, interwoven with “racism, foreign wars, a flu pandemic, the Great Depression, Mussolini’s long arm, internment, a polio epidemic, civil rights/anti- war movements, the American justice system, and the American mob.” Godfather and Sons: A Legacy of Deceit by Angelo S. Pagnotti, Sr. A grandfather’s journal reveals family secrets as it traces the history from Italy to America of a young man searching for his father in the early 1900s. I Am John I Am Paul: A Story of Two Soldiers in Ancient Rome by Mark Tedesco In fourth-century Rome, amid battles and the beginnings of Christianity, two solders share a bond in their beliefs, leading them to face adversity. Innocent War by Susan Violante Told from a young boy’s point-of-view, a story about the beginning of World War II in the Italian Colony of Libya. My Perfect Wife, Her Perfect Son by Joe Benevento Told from Joseph’s perspective, this historical fiction details the dramatic developments in the lives of Joseph, Mary, and Jesus. Starting with Mary’s announcement of her miraculous pregnancy, Joseph recounts their journey to Bethlehem, the visit from the Magi, and occurrences of everyday life in the Middle East. Not for Self: A Sicilian Life and Death in Marion by Joseph L. Cacibauda Based on the true story of a Sicilian immigrant who first worked in the coal mines and later opened a tavern in southern Illinois in the early 1920s. The turbulence of the times – Prohibition and bootlegging, the Ku Klux Klan and racism, the United Mine Workers of America and coal mine strikes, and political discord – causes additional obstacles to making a life in America. BOOK REVIEW  AUTHOR INTERVIEW Odyssey of An Etruscan Noblewoman by Rosalind Burgundy Forced into an unwanted journey, Larthia uses her charm, sex, and scribing tools to outwit her enemies. Song of the Flutist by Rosalind Burgundy Etruria, the first wealthy civilization of Italy, comes alive through a cast of brilliant characters ruled by gods who give them purpose for success, and passion to create eternal beauty amidst pestilence, tyranny, deceit and murder. The Spear of Lepanto by Leon J. Radomile An epic tale of adventure, romance, and heroism, that takes place during the sixteenth century as Europe is fragmented and embroiled in religious turmoil. Under the Light of the Italian Moon by Jennifer Anton A family history of resilience, courage, and love set in Italy during the rise of fascism and World War II. With Tears and Laughter: An Immigrant Voyage by John C. Alessio  The unification of Italy in 1861 led to a mass migration of Southern Italians to America from the late-nineteenth to the early-twentieth century. It affected millions of Southern Italians who migrated west for a better life, but found living conditions radically different from their home country. With history as a background, follow the journey of Lorenzo Adamani that begins in a small village in Calabria and moves back and forth between Italy and America. AUTHOR WEBSITE  BOOK REVIEW  AUTHOR INTERVIEW   ITALIAN VERSION   The Woman in Red by Diana Giovinazzo A sweeping, illuminating tale of Anita Garibaldi, the feminist icon who became one of the most revered historical figures of South America and Italy.
Historical Fiction
Mystery
The Arnolfini Art Mysteries 2 by Rich DiSilvio  Private Investigator Armand Arnolfini specializes in solving art crimes of forgery and theft, presented in five perplexing tales, and including exquisite artwork by the author and iconic artists. Death in a Bookstore by Augusto De Angelis Part of the Inspector De Vincenzi series described as “Whydunit,” Death in a Bookstore follows the Inspector as he investigates the murder of a senator. Author De Angelis infuses his interest of philosophy into the character of the Inspector, who solves crimes on instinct rather than circumstantial evidence. Double Murder at the Grand Hotel Miramare by Elena and Michela Martignoni A luxurious hotel on the Italian Riviera is the scene of two murders, and Deputy Assistant Chief of Police Luigi Berté uses his unique investigative skills to find the suspect among the hotel’s guests. Translated to English from the popular Italian detective series written under the pen name of Emilio Martini. BOOK REVIEW The Ghosts of the Garfagnana: Seven Strange Stories from Haunted Tuscany by Paul Salsini In the northwest region of Tuscany – an area of steep forests and misty valleys – is the Garfagnana, abundant with caves, ancient villages, marble quarries, and chestnut trees. It’s the perfect location for a series of stories with a supernatural theme woven into everyday life. The first story takes place in 1225, with the announcement of a new monastery to be built; the last story is in 2018, as a college student travels to the Garfagnana to research ghosts in the theater.  BOOK REVIEW   AUTHOR INTERVIEW The Long Count by Frank Megna A private investigator, who stages a boxing comeback, finds himself on an underworld odyssey into a confrontation with a sinister organization known as The Ninth Society. Mind Games by Luigi Capuana An intriguing collection of short stories that draws the reader into the minds of the characters who are depicted in various unconventional situations. (Bilingual academic edition for use by university professors is available.) Royanna: An Extraterrestrial Affair by Raphael Ferraro Mystery, adventure, and a touch of romance in this science fiction tale about an encounter between a human and an alien. From the Gateway of the Sun  an ancient archaeological stone site in Tiahuanaco, Bolivia  to Cumorah Hill, in upstate New York near Lake Ontario where Mormon prophet Joseph Smith saw the angel Maroni  this science fiction adventure blends the past, present, and future through ancient religions and future prophecy. BOOK REVIEW  AUTHOR INTERVIEW The Seven Golden Apples by Robert Cirillo In this beautifully illustrated Calabrian folktale, initiated by the author’s great-grandfather in the 1880s and passed down orally up to the present, seven apples of solid gold disappear mysteriously from the royal castle and the courageous swordsman Prince Laticus sets off on a perilous but enchanting journey to recover them.  BOOK REVIEW  AUTHOR INTERVIEW
Heart Conditions by Matilde Serao  A popular journalist and newspaper owner during the turn of the twentieth century, Serao’s pragmatic style of writing adds a notable prospective –  strong and spirited women; quiet and contemplative men – to this collection of short stories about life and love. Con Amore by Janice Therese Mancuso A modern day romance combining a bit of suspense, interwoven with the history of Italy, the foods of each region, maps of Italy, and recipes, most developed especially for the book. The East End of Long Island sets the scene for Janine’s adventure of a culinary tour of Italy, a journey into her past, an exploration of her conflicting emotions, and discovering what holds the key to her heart. Royanna: An Extraterrestrial Affair by Raphael Ferraro Mystery, adventure, and a touch of romance in this science fiction tale about an encounter between a human and an alien. From the Gateway of the Sun – an ancient archaeological stone site in Tiahuanaco, Bolivia – to Cumorah Hill, in upstate New York near Lake Ontario – where Mormon prophet Joseph Smith saw the angel Maroni – this science fiction adventure blends the past, present, and future through ancient religions and future prophecy. BOOK REVIEW  AUTHOR INTERVIEW Sweet Figs, Bitter Greens by Donna L. Gestri Against a backdrop that shifts from Italy to the streets of Brooklyn, through two wars, and with an unforgettable cast of characters, the power of friendship, loyalty, faith and family endures. Italian American life in the mid-twentieth century sets the scene for the lives of the Salvatori family – Maestro Rinaldo, his loving wife Guiliana, and their four children. The Maestro, an Italian immigrant, founded a small opera house and oversees its operation, while he deals with changing family ideals and the family secrets he left behind in Italy. BOOK REVIEW
Romance