Wish You Were Italian: An If Only novel: Rae, Kristin: 9781619632868: Books: Amazon.com

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Wish You Were Italian: An If Only novel Paperback – May 6, 2014

by Kristin Rae (Author)

45 ratings

Part of: If Only (8 books)

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Enjoy Wish You Were Italian and the other standalone titles in Bloomsbury's contemporary If Only romance line centered around an impossible problem: you always want what you can't have!

The summer before senior year of high school. It's supposed to be one of the biggest summers of her life, but Pippa is headed to an art program she has no interest in. The one saving grace is it's in Italy. And when the opportunity strikes, she decides to ditch the program and travel Italy accomplishing her own list of goals. Things like swimming in the Mediterranean Sea, eating a whole pizza in one sitting…and falling in love with an Italian boy!

As she explores the famous cities of Rome and Pompeii, Pippa finds herself falling for two boys: a local guy she knows is nothing but trouble and a cute American archaeology student who keeps disappearing and reappearing at the strangest moments. Will Pippa find her true love before her parents find out the truth about her summer program?

Reading age

12 - 17 years
Print length

352 pages
Language

English
Grade level

7 - 9
Dimensions

5.52 x 0.91 x 8.25 inches
Publisher

Bloomsbury USA Childrens
Publication date

May 6, 2014
ISBN-10

1619632861
ISBN-13

978-1619632868
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Jen Malone
189
Paperback
69 offers from $1.08
Amy Finnegan
63
Paperback
32 offers from $1.74

Editorial Reviews

Review

“A charming and addictive read. Devour this delicious treat like a double scoop of gelato.” ―Lindsey Leavitt, author of Going Vintage and Sean Griswold's Head

“Enjoyable--an ideal beach read.” ―Kirkus Reviews

“This breezy, envy-inducing romance opens the If Only series.” ―Publishers Weekly

“Rae's debut novel is a breezy, fluffy summer read full of dreamy romance.” ―Booklist

“Readers may enjoy the international setting and details about Italian culture and travel in this innocent romance.” ―School Library Journal

About the Author

Kristin Rae was born and raised in Texas though her accent would suggest otherwise. She's addicted to books, music, movies, crafty things, and chocolate. A former figure skating coach, LEGO merchandiser, and photographer, she's now happy to create stories while pretending to ignore the carton of gelato in the freezer. Kristin lives in Houston with her husband and their two boxers.

www.kristincreative.blogspot.com

Product details

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Bloomsbury USA Childrens (May 6, 2014)
Language ‏ : ‎ English
Paperback ‏ : ‎ 352 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1619632861
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1619632868
Reading age ‏ : ‎ 12 - 17 years
Grade level ‏ : ‎ 7 - 9
Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 11.2 ounces
Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.52 x 0.91 x 8.25 inches

Best Sellers Rank: #1,579,593 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #1,318 in Children's Europe Books
- #4,044 in Teen & Young Adult Friendship Fiction
- #7,937 in Teen & Young Adult Contemporary Romance

Customer Reviews:
45 ratings

About the author

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Kristin Rae

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Lover of books, music, crafty things, and chocolate. I write YA fiction and am represented by Marietta Zacker of the Gallt & Zacker Literary Agency. Author of WISH YOU WERE ITALIAN, and WHAT YOU ALWAYS WANTED from Bloomsbury.

Customer reviews

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4 star		23%
3 star		4%
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Top reviews from the United States

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I'm ready to book my trip to Italy today! Sweet YA romance.

Reviewed in the United States on May 18, 2014

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I loved this story, and now I am totally ready to book my ticket to Italy. Pippa is being forced to spend the summer in Florence, Italy, studying Italian art. Bummer, right? Although my 17 year-old self would have died and gone to heaven if my parents had set this up for me, Pippa is totally upset. She doesn't want to study art. She loves photography. She wanted to spend the summer with her friend at home, so as she arrives in Italy she is not overcome with happiness for her predicament. On a whim, with a few days to spare before her summer class begins Pippa decides to take the extra money her father sent with her and go see the parts of Italy she really wants to see. This decision lands her sharing a table with an American boy who is in Italy to participate in some archeological digs. They spent a few great hours together, then parted ways, never to see each other again. But Darren keeps popping up. When Pippa decides to skip her summer program to spend her days in Cinque Terre with a newly formed Italian acquaintance (without telling her parents ... yikes!), she runs into Darren again. The two never manage to exchange contact information, making each meeting seem like some sort of divine destiny. This is a romance ... yes. But it is so much more. This is a story of the beauty of Italy. I can't express enough just how much this book made me want to drop everything and head to this beautiful country. It reminded me in some ways of Wanderlove, another book that made me want to head off on a travel adventure. In some ways this story could be seen as a journey for Pippa to discover how to stand up for the things that she found important. But, for me this was a story of romance ... total and complete romance. It wasn't just the romance of Pippa with Darren ... or Bruno (maybe). It was the romance of history and architecture and landscapes and all things Italian. I loved it. So much. If I read this as a YA I am sure it would have risen to be an absolute favorite because its story encapsulates all that I dreamed of as a youth. This is sweet. So. So. Sweet. Viva Italia!!! Four stars!

2 people found this helpful

Plain and simple: I loved this book!

Reviewed in the United States on May 12, 2014

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This story provided one of the best times I've ever had reading a book. Pippa is a very realistic teenager with a great heart, an awesome personality, and the universal need to find her place in the world. For Pippa, that place happened to be Italy -- where her adventures were amped up on every new page. All of the characters felt very real to me, and I loved the story itself, but the true romance in this book happens when the reader falls in love with Italy! The setting was stunning. The personalities of the Italians and the cultural details . . . wow. I've been to Italy twice and the author nailed it. In fact, she made it all sound even better than I remember, so now I feel like I need to go back to better see things through Pippa's eyes. And I just went there last summer!

The chemistry between Pippa and her two suitors was ridiculously fantastic. I found myself saying, "Dang, I'd fall for him too!" about both guys at certain points. Well, at EVERY point with one of the guys, but I won't say which one.

Stephanie Faris

This book takes you across Italy...from the comfort of your home!

Reviewed in the United States on February 4, 2016

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I'm just going to say it--Europe is huge in YA and middle grade fiction. There's no book that captures exactly why like Wish You Were Italian. The book features an American teen whose parents send her overseas to school for the summer. But instead of sticking her in a classroom, the author has her going rogue. She never even shows up at school at all, instead choosing to travel across Italy, meeting a cute boy (or two) along the way. Such a fun read, whether you're a teen or an adult!

Adorable read with Italy as a backdrop!

Reviewed in the United States on March 8, 2015

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Adorable read. Sometimes you just need to swoon and sigh and I did. Many times. Also, I want to visit Italy. Definitely on my goal list!

I love stories like this and can't wait to read what she writes next!!

I recommend this.

Reviewed in the United States on December 10, 2014

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This is a cute, clean romance about two Americans who meet in Italy. I felt that Pippa seemed older than 17 in some ways and I wondered why the author chose that particular age for her. I would read other books by this author.

Very cute YA travel romance

Reviewed in the United States on February 26, 2018

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This is such a great story about a young adult spending her summer in Italy. I would recommend to anyone Teen and up who likes a story about travel that is very light on the drama, which is definitely my preference.

Reviewed in the United States on April 4, 2016

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This story was absolutely adorable in every way. Well-crafted characters, unique plot, beautifully written. Loved it!

Reviewed in the United States on May 18, 2016

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One of my favorite books of 2016!!! This would be a great summer read or book club read. This book will make you wish for gelato, cute boys and a trip to Italy

Top reviews from other countries

Shawnhehe

Summer romance at its best! ❤️

Reviewed in India on June 7, 2017

Verified Purchase

A perfect summer romance novel! Couldn't get enough of it and wish to read its sequel someday! It's a perfect mixture of drama,romance and adventure! Wish to live a life like Pippa!!

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