Customer Reviews

The Second Date: Love - Italian American Style

5 star:		(13)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I've just finished reading this book and have thoroughly enjoyed it. I absolutely recommend it. For me, it was like going on vacation with my best friend, just that enjoyable. Ms. Simonsen has written all the characters in such a unique style that you will love them as much as her main character. This book will expose you to a wonderful, warm funny romance and introduce such colorful characters that you'll want to meet them. And if you're even alittle Italian, you'll recognize them. While growing up in a large Italian (and Irish) family myself, Sonia's family and their history was so familiar to me. I recognized so many of my relatives as I read! Mary's book brought so many memories back to me that I actually cried from laughter and the ones' about food and cooking were the absolute truth......I remember when I was young, I always wanted to go to my friends homes to eat so I could have "regular food"; every meal at our house, even breakfast sometimes, included gravy and noodles/pasta, but I didn't accomplish it too well as my friends always wanted to eat at my house! The author's sense of humor makes this book such an easy relaxing read. I will be in line for any book she publishes.

I love this book! It was very easy to read and I loved reading about the history of the families and how it was woven into the story. Ms. Simonsen has the gift of a very unique writing style. I felt right at home reading about Sonia and her familiy. It reminded me so much of my childhood growing up in the South and I found myself laughing out loud when reading about the one room no one was allowed to sit in with the plastic on the furniture and having to have a mediator at funerals. Go out and buy this book; it's GREAT!

I really enjoyed this story. I like how the author shows us this family, so real and refreshing. The romance is wonderful, but the family and their history was just as great.

You don't have to be Italian to enjoy this book and recognize your own family members in its pages. The themes of love and family are universal and by the end of the book you will think Mary Simomsen was sitting at your own family dinner table taking notes. I was reading it on a plane and laughing so hard that people were beginning to stare. It is a wonderful book that highlights how wonderfully imperfect love and family are and how they shape who we all are today. By the end you feel like you are a part of Sonia's family (another cousin maybe) and you will be sad that you don't get to hang out with them anymore when you turn the last page. I can't recommend it enough.

Mary has written a realistic love story without making us endure sex scenes, which in my opinion, are better left in privacy. She gives enough genealogy to help explain why some things are as they are. I'll read her future books!!

I loved Mrs. Simonsen's book The Second Date and would recommend it to anyone who likes a dishy love story. Growing up around many an Italian family, I have to wonder if Mrs. Simonsen has a bit of Italian blood in her veins? The writing is intelligent, witty and most importantly- visual. The characters jump right out at you, and you can see the events as they occur. To me that is the essence of a good writer.
Give it a read and you too will enjoy the talent Mrs. Simonsen has to offer.

"The Second Date' is a lot of fun, very readable, humorous and an absorbing story of a fun and vibrant group of Italian-Americans.

Sonia Amundsen is a likable and feisty heroine, who is starting to think she isn't going to find her perfect man. It's not a predictable path to love and I really I loved the romance.

"The Second Date" is an engaging picture of a close knit and vibrant group of friends and family in a community that has its share of fun, food, chaos and craziness. I found it a fascinating peek into the complexities and pressures of their lives and romances. It has depth and insight into the things in our pasts, our lives and families that make us who we are, with warmth, humour and realism.

While searching for books at an indoor market in Arizona, I came across "The Second Date." I was so happy to meet Mary while she was promoting her book. As she told me about the story, I couldn't believe it. It was like my childhood growing up in an Italian neighborhood in Paterson, New Jersey, attending Catholic School in the 60's, and all the family drama. I LOVED IT !!!

A wonderful story about how two seemingly opposite families come together and grow throughout the years. The story focuses on young Sonia who, at almost 30, is still not married, much to her mother's horror. The Second Date details her courtship with the charming Nick Santangelo and shows just how true love can conquer the worst of mistakes, as well as obnoxious family members.

Whether you're Italian or not, you're sure to love this novel. It's full of sweet stories, family togetherness and a lot of laughs. Ms. Simonsen's style of writing puts you in mind of a documentary, but you experience none of the disassociation you experience while reading one. And while that may not make any sense to anyone other than myself, I do believe her unique writing style is the biggest charm hidden within this novel.

Winsome and entertaining. A love story mothers can share with their daughters. A delightful look into the lives of a typical Italian American family of several generations. Simonsen has a nice light touch to her writing in this story which will appeal to anyone of any age.