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Reader Responses |
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"I enjoyed reading your first novel I Love You Like a Tomato temendously. I have one quick question. When is the second novel in the trilogy going to be published? I am anxiously awaiting it's debut! Thank you!" Lori K. Dear Lori - Oh soon, soon, I hope. Thanks! Marie "I happened to be cottaging in Bayfield, Ontario when my wife and I, who love to read, stepped into the bookstore off of Main Street. Aftger I purchased your book, I started reading and couldn't put it down. The story made me think of my parents' emigration to Canada, the enormous hardships (my father, desperate to find work, accepted a job in Frobisher Bay in the Arctic for two years leaving my mother in charge of two children in Toronto.) My parents were so brave, just like the characters in your book. I cannot believe how cruel Bruno's parents were to turn a mother, two children and a grandmother out on the streets. The reality of having to fend for themselves must have numbed them with fear. And they did what they had to do to survive, just as we did in our family and as millions have done in the past who dared to hope for a new life here in North America. I tell you, your book meant so much to me as I feel still to this day a foot firmly planted in the Italian culture and a lingering memory of the struggles of my courageous family... "My mother was born in Capriati al Volturno in the Campania region of Italy and my father was born in Marchianese in the Molise. They came to Canada in 1956 with my brother who was only 3 months old. I was born in Toronto but now live in London, Ontario with my wife and two children. I speak, read and write Italian. Were you born in the U.S.? What do you do to keep up your Italian? I cannot wait for the appearance of your next book. I'm wondering about ChiChi in New York and Marco and Elainey in California. And Guiseppina without her children near her in Minneapolis. This fragmentation reminds me of my own family. My brother and I left Toronto to live in London. I know this wasn't easy for my parents. Sometimes I think we're just continuing the migration my parents set in motion. I wonder if my kids will migrate too one day." Baci, Sergio Ciao Sergio! Grazie per la tuo carta! Lo ho piacuto molto! I love your letter because I can see you understand and have experienced what is true in this book. I was born here in the U.S. and wasn't raised with the language, so I have to work hard at it now. My father's family is from the province of Salerno and Palermo, Sicily. I am involved with our local Italian Community Center taking classes. I speak Italian with Italian friends, and hope to spend more time in Italy in the future in the village where the Sapponata-Maggiordino family in "I Love You Like a Tomato is from. Italians have suffered so much, but Italians love and laugh much, too. For this we are proud, no? Tante Abbracci, Marie  "I took along with me [to the lake], and have reached page 80, talking about ChiChi's first communion. Your story is gripping. I only knew my story in such depth from NE Minneapolis. Now I know an Italian girl's story, and I can't wait to see how it unfolds!"
Bonnie C. Thanks Bonnie. Let me know when you finish the book! Marie A friend sent Marie's agent the following letter and Jill shares it with us: "Dear Jill: A good friend, Richard, just called me to say that I simply had to go out and buy this new book he'd just finished. He thought it was the best book he'd read in four years and the title was "I Love You Like a Tomato!! He just raved about the story and the style and... Needless to say, I'm running out to get my copy immediately. I remember you talking about it when we first spoke and how excited you and the publishers were. Clearly, you were on the money... Many congratulations to Ms. Giordano and to you for recognizing her talent. Well Done!" M. Marie responds: Please tell Richard a big, sincere grazie and I hope it wasn't the only book he's read in four years! And from Marie's cousin... "I had to let you know how much I loved your latest book! I couldn't put it down!... I can't wait for the next book! Love, Maureen Thanks, Maureen, you little cutie you. I figure if family likes my work, I'm doing okay. M |
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"I hold your book I Love You Like a Tomato in my arms. I hug it, I smell it, rock it. My eyes are sprouting red veins, but I can't stop reading. There aren't enough nouns, adjectives, and verbs to describe the pleasure we're getting. I say we, because I'm reading parts of it out loud to my muse, Dylan [Thomas], who one moment rages with pasture green jealousy, then whinnies approval from his starry stable the next. Bravo! you've created a winner! We're waiting without patience for ChiCHi's New York experiences. Let me know when you have a reading or book signing so I can attend."
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