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A Month of Italy: Rediscovering the Art of Vacation
New York Times best-selling author Chris Brady demonstrates for readers the art of taking strategic, proper, restorative vacations that reinvigorate one for greater clarity of thought and increased productivity. What can possibly be said about Italy that hasn't been already? Primarily, that you can enjoy it too! Refreshingly relate-able in a genre previously populated by wealthy expats and Hollywood stars, this book chronicles an ordinary family taking an extraordinary trip, and most importantly, paves the way for you to take one of your own! With hilarious wit and fast-paced narrative, Brady thrills with honest commentary on what a “trip of a lifetime” actually feels like, and most endearingly, he succeeds in convincing you that not only should you take a similar one, but that you will! Within a few pages you'll be visualizing panoramic Tuscan vistas and breaking open the piggy bank, laughing as you turn the pages and dreaming of your own escape.
337 pages, Paperback
First published July 2, 2012
45 people are currently reading
1002 people want to read
About the author
Chris Brady
96 books245 followersChris Brady is a NY Times best-selling author, speaker, humorist, and businessman. His books include The Bitcoin Bride, Launching a Leadership Revolution (co-authored with Orrin Woodward), PAiLS, Rascal, A Month of Italy, Leadership Lessons from the Age of Fighting Sail, and several other titles on leadership and success. Over 1 million of his books have been sold in six languages.
Chris is CEO and Creative Director of The Life Platform. He is also the executive publisher of Obstacles Press, and one of the founders of All Grace Outreach, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.
Originally educated as an engineer, Mr. Brady received his BA in Mechanical Engineering at Kettering University and his Master of Science in Manufacturing Engineering at Carnegie Mellon University as a General Motors Fellow, with Master’s Thesis work completed at Toyohashi University in Japan.
Chris is an avid motorized adventurer, world traveler, private pilot, community builder, soccer fan, Christian, and dad.
He also has one of the world's most unique resumes; including experience with a live bug in his ear, walking through a paned-glass window, chickening out from the high-dive in elementary school, destroying the class ant-farm in third grade, losing a spelling bee on the word "use," jack-hammering his foot, and more recently - sinking his snowmobile in a lake.
If you can’t find Chris speaking in front of a live audience, or in his office writing, or in a bookstore, or playing with his children, or on the sideline of a soccer pitch, or in the hills of Tuscany, or out on the lake, try looking in the following Online locations:
www.chrisbrady.com
www.christopherjamesbrady.com
www.twitter.com/rascaltweets
www.facebook.com/rascalnation
www.instagram.com/cbrascal
www.chrisbrady.typepad.com
www.chrisbradylife.com
www.medium.com/@rascaltweets
www.linkedin.com/in/cjbrady
www.amonthofitaly.com
www.launchingaleadershiprevolution.com
Chris has been recognized by INC. Magazine as among the Top 50 Leadership and Management experts. Richtopia listed Chris among the 200 Most Influential Authors in the world. Chris's blog has been included multiple times as a key resource on leadership for executives, managers and CEOs. In 2010 he was awarded the Kettering/GMI Alumni Association Entrepreneurial Achievement Award.
Chris and his wife Terri have four children and live in North Carolina.
Chris is CEO and Creative Director of The Life Platform. He is also the executive publisher of Obstacles Press, and one of the founders of All Grace Outreach, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.
Originally educated as an engineer, Mr. Brady received his BA in Mechanical Engineering at Kettering University and his Master of Science in Manufacturing Engineering at Carnegie Mellon University as a General Motors Fellow, with Master’s Thesis work completed at Toyohashi University in Japan.
Chris is an avid motorized adventurer, world traveler, private pilot, community builder, soccer fan, Christian, and dad.
He also has one of the world's most unique resumes; including experience with a live bug in his ear, walking through a paned-glass window, chickening out from the high-dive in elementary school, destroying the class ant-farm in third grade, losing a spelling bee on the word "use," jack-hammering his foot, and more recently - sinking his snowmobile in a lake.
If you can’t find Chris speaking in front of a live audience, or in his office writing, or in a bookstore, or playing with his children, or on the sideline of a soccer pitch, or in the hills of Tuscany, or out on the lake, try looking in the following Online locations:
www.chrisbrady.com
www.christopherjamesbrady.com
www.twitter.com/rascaltweets
www.facebook.com/rascalnation
www.instagram.com/cbrascal
www.chrisbrady.typepad.com
www.chrisbradylife.com
www.medium.com/@rascaltweets
www.linkedin.com/in/cjbrady
www.amonthofitaly.com
www.launchingaleadershiprevolution.com
Chris has been recognized by INC. Magazine as among the Top 50 Leadership and Management experts. Richtopia listed Chris among the 200 Most Influential Authors in the world. Chris's blog has been included multiple times as a key resource on leadership for executives, managers and CEOs. In 2010 he was awarded the Kettering/GMI Alumni Association Entrepreneurial Achievement Award.
Chris and his wife Terri have four children and live in North Carolina.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 125 reviews
July 23, 2012
I was debating between 3 and 4 stars but since I managed to read its 350 pages in under a week, it has to be 4. Even though most people will never be able to take this sort of vacation, I still would recommend this book for a couple of reasons.
First, it provides good insight into a famous foreign culture. I never really stopped to think about what a vacation in Italy would be like but I can guarantee it never would've contained the details this book. Brady gives great description about not only the big cliche attractions one normally associates with Italy but also all the little things. His ability to convey the attitude of the italians was amazing. Not only did he break down the stereotypical wall I had placed around them but he actually made me want to visit & meet some of these people.
Second, Chris Brady is just great writer. This book seriously flew by. If you don't literally laugh out loud when you read the words "Michael Jackson!" (and I don't mean lol, I mean a real laugh), then you need to get your funny checked.
First, it provides good insight into a famous foreign culture. I never really stopped to think about what a vacation in Italy would be like but I can guarantee it never would've contained the details this book. Brady gives great description about not only the big cliche attractions one normally associates with Italy but also all the little things. His ability to convey the attitude of the italians was amazing. Not only did he break down the stereotypical wall I had placed around them but he actually made me want to visit & meet some of these people.
Second, Chris Brady is just great writer. This book seriously flew by. If you don't literally laugh out loud when you read the words "Michael Jackson!" (and I don't mean lol, I mean a real laugh), then you need to get your funny checked.
December 5, 2012
Funny, insightful and informative in a fun kind of way. Caution. If you choose to read this in a public environment, you will get stares from others as you laugh out load. It just happens. You are driving down a road with the family in their mini bus and wham, you are laughing hysterically. Be forewarned.
Seriously, what I discovered was Chris Brady's description of carefree timelessness to be with the ones he loved the most. Rediscovering the Art of Vacation can also be called the art of rediscovering oneself and one's family.
He also makes one see how time is different when on vacation. A month goes by in our lives, we look back and scarcely remember one day from another. But, on vacation, not only are the days remembered, but the moments, also. Colors are more vivid Sunsets experienced in a way that is hard to do when you are on your way to another task and so many other sensory experiences that aren't given a chance to come alive in our everyday live.
Thanks Chris and Terri for letting us come along with you on your Italian adventure.
Seriously, what I discovered was Chris Brady's description of carefree timelessness to be with the ones he loved the most. Rediscovering the Art of Vacation can also be called the art of rediscovering oneself and one's family.
He also makes one see how time is different when on vacation. A month goes by in our lives, we look back and scarcely remember one day from another. But, on vacation, not only are the days remembered, but the moments, also. Colors are more vivid Sunsets experienced in a way that is hard to do when you are on your way to another task and so many other sensory experiences that aren't given a chance to come alive in our everyday live.
Thanks Chris and Terri for letting us come along with you on your Italian adventure.
August 28, 2012
I just finished reading "A Month In Italy" and I thoroughly enjoyed it. As a business owner and a father of 4, it was hard for me to imagine taking a month off for vacation but this author cast a vision for me that was extremely compelling. I loved his writing style and how he wove together humor, great stories, and inspiration in every chapter. This book has inspired me to prioritize restoration into my calendar and I am so excited to help my kids experience more of the world while they are still young. I have already told more than a dozen of my friends about this book and I am optimistic that they will have a similar experience. I sincerely recommend this book to anyone who wants to learn how to create more balance in their life.
August 25, 2012
This book alternately amused me and annoyed me. The subject is promising–a family of six, already widely traveled, decides to get away from the pressure of everyday life in America for a month in Italy.
Mostly, the father, Chris Brady, author of A Month of Italy Rediscovering the Art of Vacation>, decides HE needs to get away from HIS business. Since he and his wife Terri home school their four children, he uses the educational opportunities as a selling point to his wife. However, if his portrayal of Terri is accurate, she pretty much goes along with whatever Chris comes up with.
We never learn if Terri also sees this as a chance to “get away” but with four children to look after while Chris takes off for rides in the hills of Tuscany on his motorcycle or in the villa for his writing time, Terri has shopping to do and meals to cook and four children to round up. It does not sound like much of a break from HER busy-ness at Mommy, Inc.
You can read the entire review published at A Traveler's Library here
Mostly, the father, Chris Brady, author of A Month of Italy Rediscovering the Art of Vacation>, decides HE needs to get away from HIS business. Since he and his wife Terri home school their four children, he uses the educational opportunities as a selling point to his wife. However, if his portrayal of Terri is accurate, she pretty much goes along with whatever Chris comes up with.
We never learn if Terri also sees this as a chance to “get away” but with four children to look after while Chris takes off for rides in the hills of Tuscany on his motorcycle or in the villa for his writing time, Terri has shopping to do and meals to cook and four children to round up. It does not sound like much of a break from HER busy-ness at Mommy, Inc.
You can read the entire review published at A Traveler's Library here
July 23, 2012
Once again, Brady has hit a home run with his newest book! This book provides something truly unique. Unlike most books in the travel genre, which mostly focus on travel for travel's sake, this book going deeper, by suggesting that travel and vacations can used to restore you. But maybe restore isn't strong enough a word. Brady posits that vacations, done properly, can clear away the fog of life, allowing you to once again see your purpose and to fill you with the enthusiasm and passion to chase after it. This book is a description of the Brady family's own "radical sabbatical", and the lessons they learned along the way. Prepare to laugh, learn, and be inspired to utilize the "Art of Vacation" in your own life.
PS. If you enjoy this book, I would highly recommend Brady's ebook, "Strategic Sabbaticals", and the accompanying workbook.
August 5, 2012
My initial reaction to Chris's book title proves its absolute necessity: I thought I'd find few insights relevant to me. I couldn't have been more wrong. Vacationing truly is a lost art, and Chris poignantly and beautifully illustrates why it is so vital for driven leaders.
A timeless treatise on 'sharpening the saw,' A Month of Italy is a book I will sip and savor, ponder and reflect on time and time again. Not only are Chris's insights powerful and refreshing, but his vivid and witty writing is simply a pleasure to read.
Reading this book is a charming vacation itself, and it will inspire you to vacation deliberately, effectively, and joyfully.
A timeless treatise on 'sharpening the saw,' A Month of Italy is a book I will sip and savor, ponder and reflect on time and time again. Not only are Chris's insights powerful and refreshing, but his vivid and witty writing is simply a pleasure to read.
Reading this book is a charming vacation itself, and it will inspire you to vacation deliberately, effectively, and joyfully.
August 9, 2012
It's hard to put down !
September 10, 2012
I can't shut up about the book A MONTH OF ITALY! It really is a GREAT read! I have traveled to Italy and throughout Europe many times, yet I still found this book educational.
When it comes to travel, it seems that often people are (on some level) a little nervous to go abroad because of fears of the unknown. Let's face it, the language and the culture are a little different over there. I found this book extremely easy to read and yet I learned a lot. Some of the best parts of this read are the insights that Brady shares about the Italian culture; he has "tidbits" of wisdom sprinkled throughout his entertaining stories. As a traveler, I found myself consistently agreeing with his advice.
The book is also very entertaining and amusing. If you have a family or children and have done any traveling, you will laugh out loud at some of his humorous stories!
So if you are contemplating a trip to Italy, this is a must read. If you are a "workaholic" this is a must read (there are "life lessons" here...) Or if you are just looking to be entertained, this is also a very enjoyable must read! Enjoy!
When it comes to travel, it seems that often people are (on some level) a little nervous to go abroad because of fears of the unknown. Let's face it, the language and the culture are a little different over there. I found this book extremely easy to read and yet I learned a lot. Some of the best parts of this read are the insights that Brady shares about the Italian culture; he has "tidbits" of wisdom sprinkled throughout his entertaining stories. As a traveler, I found myself consistently agreeing with his advice.
The book is also very entertaining and amusing. If you have a family or children and have done any traveling, you will laugh out loud at some of his humorous stories!
So if you are contemplating a trip to Italy, this is a must read. If you are a "workaholic" this is a must read (there are "life lessons" here...) Or if you are just looking to be entertained, this is also a very enjoyable must read! Enjoy!
October 29, 2012
This book is literally a study in word-pictures. And when you can "see it" they way Chris describes, that is, you can visualize and be emotionally attached to the scenes of this family in Italy, you garner all the lessons he has planted therein. We've used this book in our home-school studies to explore descriptive writing at its best. The purpose for the book, however, comes full circle with the entertainment value...a beautifully orchestrated dance. Thank you, Chris. We've also enjoyed the DVD series you created to accompany the book...you are such a blessing!(less)
July 30, 2013
Hard to finish this book. Each chapter repeats the same message which was only interesting the first time.
Take family on road trip, try to use GPS, get lost, have to park the minivan in an awkward spot, what will we feed the kids? At least they saw a good view, again and again and again.
The author can pick out good quotations though, so the only other interesting parts were written by other people.
Take family on road trip, try to use GPS, get lost, have to park the minivan in an awkward spot, what will we feed the kids? At least they saw a good view, again and again and again.
The author can pick out good quotations though, so the only other interesting parts were written by other people.
August 5, 2012
This book was disappointing. The premise sounded great...take a virtual vacation by reading about someone else's month in Italy and read the author's thoughts on truly vacating. But the author is too cutesy and observations pretty shallow. Bummer, I was excited about reading this one, and I didn't evn finish it.
May 16, 2019
Brady has a talent for engaging the reader, but I didn't care for the book. The humor wasn't quite to my taste (too cutesy). I would really like to know how wife's opinion of the trip, because it felt like there was a lot of her watching the kids while the author experiences Italy.
August 4, 2021
Actually 2.5 stars. I wanted to like this book more than I actually did. I love Italy and was looking forward to a pleasant narrative about a family's sojourn in Italy. It started out promisingly, but about half way through it just became tedious. How come?
1. The writer took his four children, ages 13 though five, on the trip. The children are not really well described and they are definitely not as cute and charming as he thinks they are. Brady frequently describes how the kids kick a ball around in a piazza while others are sitting around. Really. I am annoyed by them and I was not even there.
2. The writer makes disparaging remarks about other tourists, particularly teens, as though he and his family are not also tourists.
3. Brady spends a lot of time rhapsodizing about his motorcycle rides around the Tuscan countryside, enjoying his time by himself. What did his wife and children think about this?
4. The Bradys are homeschooling their children, so there are frequent weirdly described history and art lessons as Brady lectures his children. Boring.
5. In the latter half of the book, the focus becomes how important it is to be able to appreciate taking a vacation. He seems to set a standard that he thinks others should meet to truly enjoy their vacations.
6. It seems that this family ate mainly pizza and gelato. There is little appreciation for the variety of Italian cuisine, except to say that it is fresh and locally sourced.
7. There are way too many descriptions of getting lost, GPS misdirection, parking problems, and driving in general. None of this was particularly helpful to someone who is interested in planning a trip.
8. How many times do we need to be told that when traveling, kids need to go to the bathroom a lot?
9. After a month in Italy, neither Brady nor his wife Terri have learned enough Italian to read traffic signs, menus, or other basic info. He seems to exert his privilege as an American with enough money to do what he wants.
10. The best part of the book were the quotes of other writers at the beginning of each chapter.
This book ends up being an odd and unsatisfying mashup of a personal memoir and a travelogue of parts of Italy. If you are planning a similar trip, there is almost no travel advice or specific information.
1. The writer took his four children, ages 13 though five, on the trip. The children are not really well described and they are definitely not as cute and charming as he thinks they are. Brady frequently describes how the kids kick a ball around in a piazza while others are sitting around. Really. I am annoyed by them and I was not even there.
2. The writer makes disparaging remarks about other tourists, particularly teens, as though he and his family are not also tourists.
3. Brady spends a lot of time rhapsodizing about his motorcycle rides around the Tuscan countryside, enjoying his time by himself. What did his wife and children think about this?
4. The Bradys are homeschooling their children, so there are frequent weirdly described history and art lessons as Brady lectures his children. Boring.
5. In the latter half of the book, the focus becomes how important it is to be able to appreciate taking a vacation. He seems to set a standard that he thinks others should meet to truly enjoy their vacations.
6. It seems that this family ate mainly pizza and gelato. There is little appreciation for the variety of Italian cuisine, except to say that it is fresh and locally sourced.
7. There are way too many descriptions of getting lost, GPS misdirection, parking problems, and driving in general. None of this was particularly helpful to someone who is interested in planning a trip.
8. How many times do we need to be told that when traveling, kids need to go to the bathroom a lot?
9. After a month in Italy, neither Brady nor his wife Terri have learned enough Italian to read traffic signs, menus, or other basic info. He seems to exert his privilege as an American with enough money to do what he wants.
10. The best part of the book were the quotes of other writers at the beginning of each chapter.
This book ends up being an odd and unsatisfying mashup of a personal memoir and a travelogue of parts of Italy. If you are planning a similar trip, there is almost no travel advice or specific information.
July 26, 2020
For a wonderful month the author, his wife, and 4 children - ages 13, 10, 7, and 5 - experienced the sights, the art, the food, and mostly importantly, the people of Italy. Although the reader can certainly learn a lot about the country by reading the book, that isn't all this book is about. It's about rediscovering life without deadlines and to-do lists, but with all the humanity and humor of doing it with this family - aptly named the Bradys.
August 31, 2021
This is the perfect covid vacation book. If you can't get to Italy, reading this is the next best thing. I hope to go someday. In the meantime, I felt like I was an invited guest on this amazing family vacation. Loved every minute of it, and was so sad when it was over!
July 14, 2024
A must read on the flight to Italy. On a kindle if you follow his travel light suggestion.
February 9, 2020
Great book. I’d give it 4.5 stars. It was thoughtful and insightful about the realities of what’s truly important in life. I liked how Brady shared how his long trip with family in a beautiful place transformed his view on how to live his life. I found this book very interesting as I’m planning a long family trip to Italy. Very inspiring and informative. I laughed out loud several times from the author’s hilarious descriptions of the Italian beach chairs and some of the misunderstandings he had.
May 12, 2021
Italy exactly as it is!
I have been to Italy quite a few times and loved that this writer saw and appreciated so many of my favorite things... the kindness of the people, the mandatory daily gelato, the pictures that never really capture what your eyes see, the old men watching the world go by, the surprising dinners in the most unassuming places, the difficulty of parking anywhere, the no parking or no dogs signage that Italians think are just “suggestions”, the beauty and the overall need to go back again and again. Each area is so unique and Italy’s beauty, people, food and wine feed the soul even more than it feeds your body and mind. I really loved this book as I impatiently wait for the travel restrictions to be lifted so I can go back...again.
I have been to Italy quite a few times and loved that this writer saw and appreciated so many of my favorite things... the kindness of the people, the mandatory daily gelato, the pictures that never really capture what your eyes see, the old men watching the world go by, the surprising dinners in the most unassuming places, the difficulty of parking anywhere, the no parking or no dogs signage that Italians think are just “suggestions”, the beauty and the overall need to go back again and again. Each area is so unique and Italy’s beauty, people, food and wine feed the soul even more than it feeds your body and mind. I really loved this book as I impatiently wait for the travel restrictions to be lifted so I can go back...again.
November 17, 2012
I just finished reading this book and it did take me longer to read it than I thought it would. I enjoyed it very much but here and there it was just a tad bit tedious. This book is about Chris Brady taking a month long vacation-sabbatical with his family. The Brady's head for Italy which is a country that Chris has been to before and drawn to. I love Chris's sense of adventure. When I get married that is the type of husband I want to end up with. I don't see taking a month out of one's life to spend in Italy impossible. You can make anything happen if you have the burning desire to do so. If you think something is not possible then you don't want it badly enough.
Chris, his wife Terri and four children head for the Amalfi coast. The Brady's first rent a villa that overlooks the Mediterranean sea. Their adventures in that part of the region pulls me in and keeps me reading. After a week or so the family heads to another region of Italy and rent a villa called La Contea in Tuscany. I found their adventures there equally interesting and I want to visit Italy now more than ever.
What sticks out clearly is the love and closeness of this family and I think that added to the wonderful time they had in Italy. I admire the Brady family. Terri is a very supportive wife. Another person who reviewed this book saw that as a weakness and wrote that Terri seems like a person who just goes along with everything her husband wants. There is a difference between being a doormat and being supportive. Terri is loving and supportive. How wonderful it would be if we all had spouses who loves us enough to want our dreams to come true and participates in it. Terri, who loves to cook, goes off on her own in Italy one day to take a cooking class. I enjoyed reading about that. Chris Brady is a father who takes part in his children's raising and does not leave it all to the mommy. Chris clearly loves and appreciates his wife and children. He never takes any of them for granted and the entire family has a strong spiritual base.
Chris Brady clearly spent thousands of dollars on this trip and I would have liked to know how much it cost him.
Chris, his wife Terri and four children head for the Amalfi coast. The Brady's first rent a villa that overlooks the Mediterranean sea. Their adventures in that part of the region pulls me in and keeps me reading. After a week or so the family heads to another region of Italy and rent a villa called La Contea in Tuscany. I found their adventures there equally interesting and I want to visit Italy now more than ever.
What sticks out clearly is the love and closeness of this family and I think that added to the wonderful time they had in Italy. I admire the Brady family. Terri is a very supportive wife. Another person who reviewed this book saw that as a weakness and wrote that Terri seems like a person who just goes along with everything her husband wants. There is a difference between being a doormat and being supportive. Terri is loving and supportive. How wonderful it would be if we all had spouses who loves us enough to want our dreams to come true and participates in it. Terri, who loves to cook, goes off on her own in Italy one day to take a cooking class. I enjoyed reading about that. Chris Brady is a father who takes part in his children's raising and does not leave it all to the mommy. Chris clearly loves and appreciates his wife and children. He never takes any of them for granted and the entire family has a strong spiritual base.
Chris Brady clearly spent thousands of dollars on this trip and I would have liked to know how much it cost him.
March 3, 2014
I wanted to really like this book. Many of the people I work with are of Italian ancestry and I wanted to learn more about the country. I did learn a great deal, and for that I will give credit to the author. However, right from the start, it felt like the author was telling me that if I was in the rat race, this book would teach me how to be a better rat. According to the author, a good vacation was a means to an end, a way to make yourself better at your work. As far as I'm concerned, a good vacation ought to be an end in itself.
The author and his wife home-school their children, so he never lost an opportunity to turn everything into a "teaching moment". Unfortunately, that spilled over into the pages of the book, with a tone that alternated between a lecture and a sermon.
Despite his disclaimer at the end of the book, it seems to have been lost on the author that hardly anyone can afford the the luxury of the time or the money to take their entire family and rent a Tuscan villa for a month, or indeed take them anywhere for an entire month.
Honestly, I'd just rather hear about your holiday. It doesn't have to be a life lesson.
The author and his wife home-school their children, so he never lost an opportunity to turn everything into a "teaching moment". Unfortunately, that spilled over into the pages of the book, with a tone that alternated between a lecture and a sermon.
Despite his disclaimer at the end of the book, it seems to have been lost on the author that hardly anyone can afford the the luxury of the time or the money to take their entire family and rent a Tuscan villa for a month, or indeed take them anywhere for an entire month.
Honestly, I'd just rather hear about your holiday. It doesn't have to be a life lesson.
September 3, 2012
Author Chris Brady was thinking out of the box when he wrote this book. I found myself challenged as I reflected over how little my wife and I have vacationed due to 2 years of unemployment (2009-20010) and the day to day stress of just getting by. As I was reading the funny stories and the comments from the Brady kids made during many of their mini trips within Italy, I found myself laughing out loud.
When a book moves me to action, I know there was something special about it. My wife and I booked a vacation to Wyoming with some good friends and started dreaming again. It motivated us to take action beyond our existence of paying bills and search for solutions that transcended our current economic thinking. We felt alive after this trip and ready to take on the opportunities before us.
Thank you Chris for sharing your family with my family. My wife (much faster reader) loved the book too!!
When a book moves me to action, I know there was something special about it. My wife and I booked a vacation to Wyoming with some good friends and started dreaming again. It motivated us to take action beyond our existence of paying bills and search for solutions that transcended our current economic thinking. We felt alive after this trip and ready to take on the opportunities before us.
Thank you Chris for sharing your family with my family. My wife (much faster reader) loved the book too!!
September 11, 2012
Brady can write. No question. I enjoyed what he had to say about Italy--but he did not make me want to travel there. I think what annoyed me is he kept telling me I could spend a month there if only I saved $$$ and kept that as my focus. Brady and his family were not ordinary travelers. He rented a villa, made all kinds of costly excursions. I didn't minding spend ten bucks for the book--but no way I can spend $10,000+ to spend a month anywhere. He never did tell us how much the trip cost. But I know how much my two trips to Europe cost. The exchange rate between the American dollar and English pounds or euros is awful. One motivation for the trip with his family was to spend time with his wife and children. So. He rents a motorcycle and goes off on excursions alone. The wife took a cooking class. I enjoyed the read.
June 21, 2021
While I thoroughly enjoyed aspects of A Month of Italy, other parts of the book fell flat for me. The idea of taking a month to relax and explore a locale is on my bucket list, however, I don't want to read a daily play-by-play of the experience. A substantial editing could have helped the book feel less repetitive and monotonous. My other issue is the Christian overtones in the book. I am always up for reading a travel memoir but have no interest in reading one overlaid with religion in which the author assumes that all readers believe as he does. Read if you enjoy: family travel stories, Christian overtones, Italian settings, homeschool
August 10, 2012
This is by far one of my favorite reads. I'm slightly bias because of my own love for Italy. Chris Brady does a fantastic job of combining history lessons with humor and real life. I love how he is so transparent with thoughts, feelings and family experiences. I have been inspired...we have 2 boys, 2 and 5 years old and have yet to go on a family vacation all because of the very excuses Mr. Brady wrote in Appendix A. The quantity time with our children IS just as important as the quality. Vacationing truly is an art I'm going to discover for myself. Thank you Brady family!
September 14, 2012
For all good reasons, this book is one I was really not anxious to finish. I was enjoying the process of reading and really savoring it...almost like a great glass of wine. Cris Brady writes in a manner that draws you in and makes you feel part of the story. The reader truly does feel like he's there on vacation, taking in the sights and enjoying the experience. This is a fun, refreshing read and has me really thinking seriously about doing the same with my family! I thoroughly enjoyed it. Grazie, Cris!
August 7, 2012
Chris Brady chronicles his travels with such energy, wit and charm that readers will fall under Italy’s spell right along with the author and his young family. Brady brings a fresh and perceptive eye to the Italian landscape, serving up plenty of insight and offbeat wisdom along with descriptions of madcap adventures, mouthwatering meals and the kindness of strangers. A Month of Italy is a treat for veteran globetrotters and armchair travelers alike.
November 2, 2012
I love this book! Having been to Italy many years ago, this book rekindled beautiful and funny memories of our trip. I want to go back to enjoy Italy since this book reminded me how much I love the Tuscan countryside. Chris Brady writes with a comfortable style that incorporates me as a reader and his humor shines throughout the book. Highly recommend this book as you dream of your next vacation experience!
December 30, 2012
I love all things Italy. Love books about travels in Italy. Wanted to love this one. Didn't. Tries to hard to be funny. But the biggest thing is ... it's Boring. I'm still not sure how that was possible to write a travel book about Italy and it be boring but this writer did it! Still.... Italy..hence two stars.
December 30, 2012
Entertaining, especially in the beginning if the book, but then it gets a bit long. I saw another reviewer said "tedious" - that seems to fit what happens at about he halfway point if the book. But I'm definitely envious (and hopeful) of spending a month in Italy with my family after reading the book!
July 5, 2015
Maybe because I'm completely in love with Italy, but I loved this book. The author seemed to have similar experiences with the people of Italy. I'm now obsessed with figuring out how I can get my family to Italy for a month.
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