Life Al Dente: Laughter and Love in an Italian-American Family

by Gina Cascone

An Italian-American tomboy recounts her father's work as a lawyer to mobsters, her feelings of dislocation when her family moved up in the world, and her experiences in a prestigious but less diverse high school. By the author of Pagan Babies.

Genres: Nonfiction, Memoir, Humor, Cooking, Biography

208 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2003

About the author

Also writes as A.G. Cascone.

Reviews

[Nitrorockets · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gina Cascone is an author I recently discovered. I tend to choose light hearted books. I like to wind down my day with a laugh and this book was perfect. After a long and stressful day this was a great book to read.

Gina tells the story of her life as the first-born child in an Italian-American Catholic family cursed with only girls. ("cursed" as her father would say, he wanted a son.) She acknowledges the traumas young girls go through during puberty and the high school experience stating we've all felt the same way. Teenage angst is universal. Her incredible sense of humor and endless love for her family is evident throughout the book. She recognizes that her family members have quirks and she loves every one of them for their unique ways. For the most part this book is funny, she goes to great lengths to describe in crystal clear detail the crazy scenarios her father often got himself into. As with every family story there are moments that are not funny and that's what makes this such a great book. (Along with some family recipe's.) It's a lovely balance.

Life is easier to laugh at in retrospect.

[Gia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I stumbled upon this book at the Cabrini College Library. It just struck a chord to see a little Italian girl with thick, wavy hair wearing a dress that could have come from Strawbridge's and chowing a wad of spaghetti! This was obviously someone I could relate to!

The stories felt like home, and the characters were like members of my own family. I could see so vividly her parents, sisters and other family who appear in the vignettes. I even gave this book to my parents to read, and my Mom said that by the end of this book, she felt so attached to the characters! It's both humorous and sentimental. A must read for all Italian-Americans, and those who want to better understand our crazy culture.

[Savannah Ralli · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is certainly very light-hearted. If you enjoy sunny books without too much conflict, I would certainly recommend it for a relaxed easy read. Gina uses wonderful acedotes and detail to bring her sweet Italian family to life. Bonus: The book is peppered with the recipies for the dishes she mentions in the book. :)

[Gina · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic Xmas gift from Noella that every Italian American woman should read!

[Dina Marie Gangale · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good quick read!

[rosanna lang · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. I wish she had continued writing. This book was so funny, and I could relate to so much of it. I highly recommend any Italian-American reading it if you can find it!

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved it! Hysterical!

[Carol Johnson]

Fun easy read. I enjoyed it!

[Natalie548 · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book had some humorous moments about life with Italian Americans.

[Jeanna Read · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book in one sitting. Loved. It. Funny, charming, touching, relatable….color me a fan!

[Christine Risi · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun insight into this Italian American family. I loved each part laughing along at their antics. A heartwarming story in the cold of winter.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

I can really relate to this book. Growing up in an Italian-American family, the author and I had similar experiences. Fun read on a snowy day. 3.5 **