Coffee With Nonna: The Best Stories of My Catholic Grandmother

by Vincent Iezzi

During World War II, young Vincent Iezzi was at home with his grandmother in his Philadelphia neighborhood. Because of the war effort, most of the mothers, big sisters, and aunts were working in the factories while most of the fathers, big brothers, and uncles were off at war. Nonna always knew just what to say. Gifted with a native ability to tell stories, her solution for every one of Vincent's questions or problems was another elaborate story, accompanied by cups of coffee. And such stories they are! Angels and saints take on peasant charm, God paints peacocks' tails, and the humble good Joe always finishes first. Pull up a chair. You can almost smell the coffee. A Servant Book.

165 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 2002

About the author

Vince Iezzi was born and raised in Philadelphia PA. His education was in Catholic education from grades school to college. He is married to the former Mary Ann Borsa and has two sons, Robert and David and two daughters-in-law, Tina and Danielle. He is the proud grandparent of eight grandchildren: Kris, Mike, Rob, Dave, Jessie, Gia, Eric, and Dominic. He is active in his community and is a member of the Sons of Italy, National Italian American Foundation, Knights of Columbus, Amici della Lingua Italiana, and a member of the Secular Franciscan Order and many other secular and religious organization. He served in the US Army and after retiring from the Philadelphia Inquirer/Daily News after 35 years of service in middle management he began a successful writing career.


“Every life has a story and every story has a life”

Reviews

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this book on my shelf and was delighted -- no idea how it got there (okay, so I might have a book-buying addiction -- or so I'm told). I knew it was on someone else's wishlist and was glad to be able to send it along after reading it.

This book was on my wishlist for quite some time and I really enjoyed reading it. It was more religious in nature than I was expecting, but still a gem. Nonna was a very wise woman and I wish I had known her, although I also feel in some ways as if I did. My favorite tidbit and one that gives you a sense of the whole book: "We are always expected to do what is needed in the time given us. God knows and keeps the other times for Himself. If we did everything, who would need God? If God did everything, who would need us?"

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a gift, and I did not deserve such a wonderful gift for the small thing I did. I had no idea what the book would be like, and I was expecting something much simpler than what I got. Each of the short stories in this book warmed my heart, gave me something to ponder, and really made me feel like I'd just had a cup of coffee and a talk with nonna. I did not want this book to end and even stopped reading it and read another book just to make it last longer.

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really fantastic book of stories the author's grandmother told him when he was growing up in Philadelphia during the Great Depression and WWII. The author has his grandmother's knack for storytelling and brings you back to a simpler time, both in history and in age. The innocence of the author as a child and the love that shines through the stories his grandmother tells are heartwarming. This book is a keeper and will be re-read often.

[Joanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet and heartwarming stories set during WWII. Vincent relates his Italian Catholic grandmother's wisdom and stories she told during their coffee times (many times using brown sugar to sweeten the brew when sugar was rationed). Based on Nonna's versions of favorite bible stories. Enjoyable read about faith and the struggles of families and friends during the 1940s. Actually many short stories so perfect for grabbing a cup of coffee and taking a short break to read a chapter.

[Lorie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun read. Lots of good think about what you are doing moments. I am having my 9 year old read it. His grandma gives good advice.

[Dina Marie Gangale · Rating 4 out of 5]

Feel Good Reading

[Suzette Hollingsworth · Rating 4 out of 5]

very enjoyable, heartwarming, easy reading