Easy Italian Reader: A Three-Part Text for Beginning Students

by Riccarda Saggese

Learn how to read in Italian--instantly! Easy Italian Reader is a unique, easy-to-follow guide based on the premise that the best way to learn a language is to start reading it immediately! Whether you're a brand-new beginner or an advanced-beginning learner, you will dive into the language with engaging readings that progress in difficulty to match your growing reading skills. This process will allow you to rapidly build comprehension and confidence as you enjoy the stories. Easy Italian Reader begins with the story of Christine, an American girl whose family moves to Italy. She acclimates to her new home with help from her Roman friend Antonio. As you read about her experiences, you'll discover the nuances of language and culture right along with Christine. The second section provides a colorful history of Italy, from the founding of Rome to the present. And the third section contains readings from contemporary literature, giving learners the thrill of reading authentic Italian.

Genres: Italian Literature, Language, Italy, Nonfiction, Reference

264 pages, Paperback

First published November 3, 2005

About the author

Riccarda Saggese is a Professor of Italian specializing in language pedagogy, modern and contemporary literature, and medieval studies. She is the author of Momenti medievali and several language textbooks. She teaches all levels of Italian and has led cultural workshops for the Delaware Department of Education. Her academic training includes a Ph.D. from Johns Hopkins and degrees from institutions in Milan and Naples.

Reviews

[Ed · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a pretty solid reader, especially compared to what else is out there. While ostensibly aimed at beginners, I think an absolute beginner would have a very hard time slogging through this. I would recommend it for intermediate to advanced students who want to improve their reading proficiency and pick up some new vocabulary. Overall the language is simple enough for someone with some knowledge to read through fairly quickly, looking up only the occasional word - enough to build vocabulary and proficiency but not too much so as to discourage reading.

The content itself is reasonably interesting - I did learn a thing or two about Italian history, and the dictionary at the back covers most, but not all of the difficult words.

[Ben Mizrahi · Rating 3 out of 5]

The first and second parts are good, but the short stories selected for the third parts are boring as well for those like me who are not interested in mainstream literature.

[Ben · Rating 4 out of 5]

It says “Easy Italian Reader” but I didn’t find it to be easy. It used simple tenses, at least in the first two of three sections, but the vocabulary is often difficult, especially in the more historical contexts.

The first section is about teenage students in Rome, hanging out in expensive tourist areas, apparently without being accosted by psychopaths, bums, and grifters—in other words, an extremely inauthentic account of life in Rome. (They needed their wallet stolen or their building spray-painted or something realistic.)

The second is the history of Italy in very broad strokes, from Romulus to Berlusconi.

The third is sections of contemporary authors, namely Lara Cardella, Alberto Moravia, and Melania Mazzucco. The Moravia story seems to be a complete short story, while the other two are excerpts from novels.

This book took me a long time to read, but I’m glad I was ultimately able to finish it. I would file it more under “educational” than “fun” and if you’re not trying to learn Italian there’s no reason to bother with it, but if you are it is helpful.

[Genevieve · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is not great for beginners, but if you have some background, it's good for brushing up on your Italian reading. I especially like Pt. 2, which focuses on Italian history and includes biographies of men like Marco Polo and Galileo, as well as descriptions of medieval cuisine, life in Rome and industrialization.

[Isabella · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book includes interesting 1-2 page stories about history, Italian literature, etc followed by vocab words and questions. I liked it very much but I wouldn’t call it an Easy Italian reader.. it is more intermediate or advanced.
One just beginning the Italian language would have a very difficult time with this book.

[Serge Pierro · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great method for learning to read Italian. Covers all kinds of topics, and makes learning to read Italian and its culture interesting.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the historical and contemporary writings, but this was not beginning level Italian.

[Clayton · Rating 3 out of 5]

The title is a misnomer. This book is for intermediate level students. A challenge for a beginner. However, the history and short stories in the last section are interesting.

[Roger · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best

One of the best Italian books I have read. Very professionally laid out. Excellent learning aid for beginners to mid-intermediate.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good practice, learn to read and learn more about Italy at the same time.