Book of The Month discussion

From the beloved New York Times bestselling author Adriana Trigiani, a “dazzling” storyteller (Washington Post), and a “comedy writer with a heart of gold” (NYT), comes a novel about one woman’s quest to build her own life before it’s too late.

Jess Capodimonte Baratta is not living the life of her dreams. Not even close.

In blue-collar Lake Como, New Jersey, family comes first. Recently divorced from Bobby Bilancia, “the perfect husband," Jess moves into her parents’ basement to hide and heal. Jess is the overlooked daughter, who dutifully takes care of her parents, cooks Sunday dinner, and puts herself last. Despite her role as the family handmaiden, Jess is also a talented draftswoman in the marble business run by her confidant, her dapper uncle Louie, who believes she can do anything (once she invests in a better wardrobe).

When the Capodimonte and Baratta families endure an unexpected loss, the shock unearths long-buried secrets that will force Jess to question her loyalty to those she trusted. Fueled by her lost dreams, Jess takes fate into her own hands and escapes to her ancestral home, Carrara, Italy.

From the shadows of the majestic marble-capped mountains of Tuscany, to the glittering streets of Milan, and on the shores of enchanting Lake Como (the other one), Jess begins to carve a place in this new/old world. When she meets Angelo Strazza, a passionate artist who works in gold, she discovers her own skills are priceless. But as Jess uncovers the truth about her family history, it will change the course of her life and those she loves the most forever. In love and work, in art and soul, Jess will need every tool she has mastered to reinvent her life.

Fed by the author’s cherished Italian roots comes a bighearted, hilarious novel of the the story of one woman’s determination to live a creative life that matters, with enough room left over for love. With a one-way ticket to Italy, Jess is determined to write a new story on her own terms--this time, in stone.

Ch 1-6

(view spoiler)[I like this one so far even though it's not fast-paced and what I'd call a page-turner. I love the relationship Jess had with Uncle Louie and I was so sad to see him die. He was a wonderful uncle and she lost a lot when she lost him. I'm just sad they won't get to go to Italy together, but I hope she still gets to fulfill that dream.

I'm a little worried not about the business stuff he left to her to deal with since things weren't on the up-and-up. I just hope she does okay and can get it back to legal status. She has a lot on her hands as it is.

Oh, and that dream she had. lmao I thought for a minute that she and Bobby were really getting it on. Don't ask me why I didn't realize it was a dream. Maybe because I'm such a romantic at heart. He seems like a good guy to me. (hide spoiler)]

Ch 7 - 15

(view spoiler)[I felt SO bad for Jess when she found out all that her parents did regarding her money and that chapter on. Using her college money because, I guess, the though her brother's lawyer degree was more impressive, would make their name stand out as important, etc. I'd have felt angry too. Jeez, just terrible.

I wasn't expecting Farah's story and how she transitioned, but it does bring up a good point. We can't please everyone and we need to be who we are, and it took strength and courage. Identity isn't defined by others. I think Farah's and Jess's meeting is pivotal in Jess's journey. Farah's confession doesn't seem to be just about gender identity, but I think it is more tied to Jess's struggles. Jess has been "half-living," defined by her relationships and her past. Being/doing what her family wanted. Jess has shown that being yourself isn't always comfortable, which is what Farah's story seems to be in there for...to show that it ISN'T always easy and comfortable to be who you are but necessary. (hide spoiler)]

Ch. 16 - 20

(view spoiler)[Have you ever used a "roller machine?" I have and I have memories of it from when I'd go to my grandparents' farm in Texas during the summer. That little bit brought back memories. Fond ones. :)

I was wondering why Bobby and Jess broke up. It seems like the main reason was after she lost the baby (which I was surprised to read about) they just couldn't get it together again. I know two of my daughters went through several miscarriages, and one of them was trying hard to get pregnant with her 6th and eventually ended up with Juju (I'm sure you remember me talking about watching him and Lily). Anyway, I'm guessing it's very difficult for a man to truly understand what a woman goes through and for a woman to understand why her hubby responds how he does at a time like that. I think Bobby is overall a good guy. (hide spoiler)]

Finished

(view spoiler)[I really enjoyed this one, especially the scenes in Italy, her friendship with Farah. I read someone who'd posted the past/present jumping lowered her rating, but I didn't find it confusing. Did you?

I think people who need fast-paced, page-turners might not care for this one. I appreciated Jess's journey of self-discovery and identity. Being who you are and not what others want you to be and do, because that is endless trying to please others. I really liked this one. (hide spoiler)]