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ilovemrdarcy's review against another edition
4.0
It was sooo goooood it was a roller coaster of emotions
though the characters were a bit flat. 8.5/10. 12+.
though the characters were a bit flat. 8.5/10. 12+.
tbbsg11's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
brandypainter's review
3.0
I fun, light read that is exactly what I needed last night. I enjoyed the descriptions of Italy (most especially the food). It brought back memories of my own time there. I wasn't a big fan of the second boy and all the angst that caused. I would have liked this far more if it had merely focused on Darren and the growing relationship between Pippa and him. Too much unnecessary angst with Bruno, especially as Pippa was causing a lot of eye-rolling with her stupidity over that. BUT every other part of the book I adored.
kaylareadsbooks's review
5.0
I really liked this! This was so cute! I love that it took place in Italy and we got to go on an adventure. I read this book awhile ago so I dont remember so much
ruthelibrarian's review
3.0
"Wish You Were Italian" is Kristin Rae's debut book. While this book is the second book in the "If Only..." series, it is a standalone novel which seems to be completely unrelated to the other titles in the series.
"Wish You Were Italian" has a basic premise of an American girl visiting Italy alone. Pippa, our main character, was meant to go to a private art school in the Summer, but opted instead to do whatever she wanted. There is a lot of tension between her mother and herself, as Pippa's mother wants Pippa to become the next curator of her art museum. While there, Pippa meets two different guys, one that is American and the other that is Italian, and finds herself in a love triangle.
The prose in the book is excellent until the love triangle enters the pages. The first third or so of the book is spent describing the beautiful sites of Rome. Rae has powerful descriptions of the Colosseum, and that is why I hate to say that her characterization seemed quite poor.
The characters in the book seemed to be generic archetypes, and given the main character's actions I found myself unable to understand why she would do such a stupid and reckless thing. I do understand that she is a teenager, but her character justified it and seemed to never truly regret that she did it if only because she met her true love that way...
Despite my review, I would recommend this title to middle school students. This is an excellent summer fluff read.
Literary Merit: Great
Characterization: Poor
Recommended: Optional
Level: Middle School
"Wish You Were Italian" has a basic premise of an American girl visiting Italy alone. Pippa, our main character, was meant to go to a private art school in the Summer, but opted instead to do whatever she wanted. There is a lot of tension between her mother and herself, as Pippa's mother wants Pippa to become the next curator of her art museum. While there, Pippa meets two different guys, one that is American and the other that is Italian, and finds herself in a love triangle.
The prose in the book is excellent until the love triangle enters the pages. The first third or so of the book is spent describing the beautiful sites of Rome. Rae has powerful descriptions of the Colosseum, and that is why I hate to say that her characterization seemed quite poor.
The characters in the book seemed to be generic archetypes, and given the main character's actions I found myself unable to understand why she would do such a stupid and reckless thing. I do understand that she is a teenager, but her character justified it and seemed to never truly regret that she did it if only because she met her true love that way...
Despite my review, I would recommend this title to middle school students. This is an excellent summer fluff read.
Literary Merit: Great
Characterization: Poor
Recommended: Optional
Level: Middle School
stuffsamdoes_'s review against another edition
5.0
This book was a page turner! Adventurous, romantic, exciting! Love it.
fictionalkate's review
4.0
After being banished to Italy by her mother and forced to endure boring art lessons in Florence, Pippa decides to take her vacation into her own hands. Italy is full of culture, amazing food and experiences Pippa intends to embrace wholeheartedly. Using a little bit of subterfuge, Pippa and her trusty camera take in all Italy has to offer. Beginning in Rome, Pippa travels the country completing a list her best friend has given her and making the most of her forced trip to Europe.
This book is a part of a new line of clean reads where the focus is on the magical feeling of first loves. It's such an adorable book. Pippa is an intelligent young woman who is tired of being controlled by parents. She feels they care more about their careers than their only child. So Pippa does something radical. She pulls out of art school and goes on the trip of a lifetime telling only her best friend and loving grandmother what she is really doing. Is it irresponsible? Just a touch - but Kristin has written it in such a way which makes it feel right for Pippa. As she travels Italy, she starts to learn about herself and what the world has to offer.
And then there are the boys! Pippa meets the very cute but very American Darren on her very first day in Rome. Gorgeous, smart and fun to be around but there's the small problem of his beautiful travel companion Nina who is well spoken and shares Darren's interest in architecture and archaeology. Enter Bruno, the quintessential Italian boy with an accent to match and he is very interested in a summer romance with Pippa. This love triangle of sorts is written so well and full of those moments which just make your heart melt.
Wish You Were Italian isn't just about the romance. Family relationships are tested and friendships learn if they can endure the pressures adding boys can bring. Italy added an extra something to the book with the culture highlighted and the feeling that this book could not have just been set anywhere - Italy was a character in its own right. I liked how all of things combined into a sweet novel I'd feel comfortable recommending to readers of all ages.
This book is the perfect summer read - or if you're like me and it's the start of winter - it is the kind of book which warms you up and makes you feel like you are there with Pippa enjoying the Italian sun.
This book is a part of a new line of clean reads where the focus is on the magical feeling of first loves. It's such an adorable book. Pippa is an intelligent young woman who is tired of being controlled by parents. She feels they care more about their careers than their only child. So Pippa does something radical. She pulls out of art school and goes on the trip of a lifetime telling only her best friend and loving grandmother what she is really doing. Is it irresponsible? Just a touch - but Kristin has written it in such a way which makes it feel right for Pippa. As she travels Italy, she starts to learn about herself and what the world has to offer.
And then there are the boys! Pippa meets the very cute but very American Darren on her very first day in Rome. Gorgeous, smart and fun to be around but there's the small problem of his beautiful travel companion Nina who is well spoken and shares Darren's interest in architecture and archaeology. Enter Bruno, the quintessential Italian boy with an accent to match and he is very interested in a summer romance with Pippa. This love triangle of sorts is written so well and full of those moments which just make your heart melt.
Wish You Were Italian isn't just about the romance. Family relationships are tested and friendships learn if they can endure the pressures adding boys can bring. Italy added an extra something to the book with the culture highlighted and the feeling that this book could not have just been set anywhere - Italy was a character in its own right. I liked how all of things combined into a sweet novel I'd feel comfortable recommending to readers of all ages.
This book is the perfect summer read - or if you're like me and it's the start of winter - it is the kind of book which warms you up and makes you feel like you are there with Pippa enjoying the Italian sun.
nunib28's review against another edition
4.0
A well written book. Which talks about taking chances and enjoying that moment. The way Italy is described made me fall in love with it more than before. I really enjoyed every page of the book.
cherryswift's review against another edition
2.0
Both boys were terrible options and WHY did I read this book twice?
sarabelle93's review against another edition
5.0
I just loved this book so much. I've never been a huge fan of Italy, but this book makes me want to pack up and head straight there. The setting is perfect, the boys are hot and there is just the right amount of adventure. Nothing like a good travel adventure book for the beach!