A Celebration of the Italian Language and Literature
Bringing Italy to Life Through Books
At The Art of Loving Italy, we embrace all forms of artistic expression—literature, film, painting, and the beauty of language itself. Books are a powerful bridge to culture, transporting us through time, history, and imagination. That’s why it was such an honor to participate in the San Francisco Book Fair during Italian Culture Week, an event dedicated to celebrating the Italian language and storytelling.
During the fair, I had the privilege of sharing my novel, Dreaming Sophia, a book that embodies my passion for Italy, its art, and its lyrical language. This event wasn’t just about books—it was about how literature allows us to dream, connect with history, and embrace the Italian way of life.
A Celebration of the Italian Language and Literature
The San Francisco Book Fair is a vibrant event that brings together authors, language enthusiasts, and Italophiles who cherish Italy’s rich cultural heritage. Held during Italian Culture Week, the fair highlights the importance of the Italian language and literature as a means of preserving and sharing Italian traditions.
It felt particularly fitting to discuss Dreaming Sophia at this event, as my novel is not only a love letter to Italy but also an invitation for readers to experience its art, language, and history in an immersive way.
During my presentation, I shared some of the key themes of Dreaming Sophia:
Finding Strength Through Art – Just like Italy’s masterpieces endure through time, my protagonist Sophia finds resilience after tragedy through her connection with Italian art and culture.
Believing in Dreams – Dreaming Sophia is about following your passions and trusting that dreams can become reality.
Balancing Fantasy and Reality – The novel blends imagination with history, allowing readers to engage with Italian icons such as Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Sofia Loren in a dreamlike journey through Italy.
Sharing My Journey as La Studentessa Matta
In addition to discussing my book, I had the opportunity to share my journey as La Studentessa Matta—how my love for Italy and the Italian language inspired my writing and my work in language immersion programs. I spoke about my personal experiences living and traveling in Italy, learning the language, and how those moments shaped Dreaming Sophia.
A Special Evening of Italian Passion
This event was not just about presenting a book—it was about celebrating a shared love for Italy. Meeting other enthusiasts of the Italian language and culture was incredibly rewarding. The evening was filled with discussions, laughter, and a collective appreciation for how literature, like cinema and art, connects us to Italy in profound and lasting ways.
Sono molto emozionata! I am so pleased to have had this chance to introduce Dreaming Sophia to a wider audience and to celebrate the power of storytelling as an art form.
Here are a few photos from this wonderful evening spent with others who share my passion for Italy, books, and the beauty of the Italian language!
