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47 of 49 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
The Sweetest Life, September 6, 2003
This review is from: Living La Dolce Vita: Bring the Passion, Laughter and Serenity of Italy into Your Daily Life (Paperback)
Your impression of this book may be to think that it is merely an Italian flavor in the current bouquet garni of Francophile literature---Arbor's 'Joie de Vivre', Barone's 'Chic and Slim' and Olivier's 'Entre Nous--- touting a lifestyle that seeks the laissez-faire routine of the Old World rather than the stressful chaos of the New. It is all that and more---think of grafting "How to Think Like Leonardo Di Vinci" with the sentiment found in "A Year in Provence" or "Under the Tuscan Sun" and then imagine savoring a delicious fresh pasta and sauce delicately enhanced with white truffle complimented by a superb wine. You feel better already---you've taken a deep breath and actually relaxed and smelled the cappucino. Rather than a wistful memoir of the quintessential Provencial village or a how-to book on keeping slim by eating the French way, Dr. Mautner looks at the whole being, not just one aspect. She begins her (and your) quest for the perfect, seemingly elusive lifestyle by exploring herself in relation to community rather than in the rugged individualism of Americanism. For Mautner, the core or hearth is her Italian American family where warmth and love promotes outward growth, yet blazes like a lodestar to maintain a secure sense of attachment and belonging. Like a superbly spiced puttanesca sauce, Mautner liberally seasons what she undoubtably knows (a very Italian trait) with anecdotes demonstrating the values learned from family: her grandmother's unflailing loyalty, her grandfather's amiability, etc.. She explains the Italian concept of the "bella figura", a phrase I remember my mother using to simply mean 'putting your best foot forward'--looking your best, treating yourself well, putting aside the "no pain, no gain" mentality for one of "this feels good and makes me feel better, so why not indulge on a daily basis? With interesting sidebars, Mautner encapsulizes just what it is about Italians that make them seem so earthy, easy-going and yet, oh-so-worldly. Diet and exercise are touched upon---a scant amount of recipes are included, but this is not the primary emphasis of the text. Mautner analyses the self and the way it integrates with family, with friends and with lovers. Above all, the book and its step-by-step advice emulates both a stimulating walk along Florence's busy streets and a leisurely bike ride in the Unbrian hills: it prods yet quiets. Once you read the book through, you will want to keep a copy on your nighttable or desk to refer to often--to refresh your memory and recapture the feeling you want to maintain. La Dolce Vita is all mapped out--you need only shrug off your inhibitions and follow Mautner's guidelines. If you are lucky enough to already be an Italian American, as I am, you will savor the memories and bask with pride at your heritage. Recommended to all those who want the Sweetest life.
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12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Inspirational Must Read!, March 8, 2005
This review is from: Living La Dolce Vita: Bring the Passion, Laughter and Serenity of Italy into Your Daily Life (Paperback)
Style, substance, and life affirmations make this book a must have. It is a book that you will read over and over again.
Use it to center yourself, inspire great things, and to take
control of your life as the Italians have done for generations.
I have always admired this culture and Ms. Mautner has captured it in every aspect of daily living.
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12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Balance and Beauty : No Passport Required, August 2, 2005
This review is from: Living La Dolce Vita: Bring the Passion, Laughter and Serenity of Italy into Your Daily Life (Paperback)
This tells you everything you always wanted to know about the art of family, friends, romance, nourishment, wealth, style, communication, spirituality and attitude Italian style. Treat others and yourself well. Take care of your physical needs. Dress for success and a public appearance. Create a sense of continuity in your life by wearing classics and living with classics. Cultivate forgiveness. The author holds a Ph.D. in psychology, so this book allows one to travel to Italy to increase one's emotional health as well.
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