Growing Up Italian-American: The Memoirs of Ferdinand Visco & The Stories of Two Immigrant Italian Families --- Heritage Edition Paperback – July 19, 2017

"A wonderful book that deserves a spot in every Italian American’s library." — Johnson Reviews"A great book and a must read" — Hammond ReviewsUpdated in 2026, this reader-friendly comprehensive exploration of the Italian American Experience features first person stories, hundreds of photographs and illustrations, Italian proverbs and advice, a glossary, and 24 family recipes. "Growing Up Italian American" makes the perfect gift!See the Video Reviews (found below).Learn what every Italian American should know:Why did our ancestors leave Italy in the early 1900s?What hardships did our ancestors endure during their voyage to America?How were they processed at Ellis Island?Why are there so many Our Lady of Mt. Carmel churches in America?What were our ancestors' first impressions of New York City?What were the requirements for naturalization in the early 1900s?What was life like for Italian Americans in the early 1900s and during WW II?What did many of our ancestors believe were the antidotes to anti-Italian discrimination?Why did many Sicilians emigrate to New Orleans and how did they contribute to the creation of Dixieland Jazz?What is the meaning of "The Birds of Passage," "Il Mezzogiorno," "Il Campanilismo," "Omerta," and "La Mano Nera?"When do Italians eat lentils?What do Italians do when they say, "Via il vecchio, benvenuto al nuovo?"What is La Tavola di San Giuseppe and what are "Lucky Beans?"What is the significance of the Divine Comedy?Who is Pulcinella, and who was Farfariello?Who were Filippo Mazzei, Giuseppe Garibaldi, Antonio Meucci, Joe Petrosino, Amedeo Giannini, Generoso Pope, Sacco and Vanzetti, and Mother Cabrini?What is the origin of the song "Caruso?"How do you play "Tombola Napoletana" and the hand game "Morra?"Why do Italians give out candy-coated almonds at weddings?What do the expressions, "La vecchiaia e' una carogna, ma per chi non ci arriva e' una vergogna," "Non morire finche' non sei morto davvero," "Natale con i tuoi, Pasqua con chi vuoi," "Fare la scarpetta," "Pippiare," and "Non affogare in un bicchier d' acqua" mean?What is "C'e' La Luna Mezzo Mare," all about?What Italian values and customs were responsible for the Roseto Effect?In what ways did Italians shape Western civilization and leave their mark on America?What do Mare Nostrum, Pax Romana, Alvus Gladio Fortior, and SPQR mean?What is the difference between Sauce and Gravy?What is Italian Folk Medicine, and who are the Benedetti?How do you ward off, diagnose, and treat the "Malocchio?"Why is 17 and not 13 unlucky in Italy?What is a Neapolitan protection curse?What did Frank Sinatra say about being an Italian American?Which Italian saint can help you sell a house, and which one can help you climb up the corporate ladder?What rhyming prayer to St. Anthony is used to find a missing object?What are the attributes of typical Italian wines?What are authentic recipes for Ragu, Polpette, Braciole, Pizza Rustica, Struffoli, and Ricotta Cheesecake?Discover the answers to these questions and much more in this unique 450-page book.Try the recipes. Relive the memories and keep the traditions alive!On a desktop? Click “Read Sample” to view the Table of Contents and first 34 pages.On a smartphone? Click "Editorial Reviews" (found above).Visit us on Facebook: Growing Up Italian American Book Page & Book Group Read more