This richly researched, beautifully illustrated volume illuminates an important, overlooked part of American history. From extensive archival materials and interviews with well-known Italian Americans, Maria Laurino strips away stereotypes and nostalgia to tell the complicated, centuries-long story of the true Italian-American experience. Looking beyond the familiar Little Italys and stereotypes fostered by The Godfather and The Sopranos, Laurino reveals surprising, fascinating lives: Italian-Americans working on sugar-cane plantations in Louisiana to those who were lynched in New Orleans; the banker who helped rebuild San Francisco after the great earthquake; families interned as “enemy aliens” in World War II. From anarchist radicals to “Rosie the Riveter” to Nancy Pelosi, Andrew Cuomo, and Bill de Blasio; from traditional artisans to rebel songsters like Frank Sinatra, Dion, Madonna, and Lady Gaga, this book is both exploration and celebration of the rich legacy of Italian-American life. Readers can discover the history chronologically, chapter by chapter, or serendipitously by exploring the trove of supplemental materials. These include interviews, newspaper clippings, period documents, and photographs that bring the history to life.

The Italian/American Experience represents a meaningful attempt to inform Italian Americans about their group's varied experiences in America. This collection of eleven works offers readers an in-depth view of Italian American culture and heritage.

Glimpse of Italian American?s social customs, family life, traditional food and drink, festivals, and more. There are also brief biographies of famous Italian Americans who rose to prominence.

For Italian immigrants and their descendants, moving from "the city" to Long Island was more than a change of address. Even though the move wasn't far geographically, the societal move was large--it signaled that the family had achieved the American Dream, and in turn, elements of Italian values and culture are visible all over the island. Italians helped to build Long Island, whether as laborers or as contractors, such as the Castagnas. They brought their culinary traditions and opened markets, such as the still family-owned Iavarone Brothers Foods and restaurants, including New Hyde Park's Umberto's. Italians' industrialism helped them thrive in fields as diverse as medicine, politics, theater, and winemaking (including the nationally recognized Banfi label). Join author Salvatore J. LaGumina to discover the remarkable contributions and vibrant culture of Italians and Italian-Americans on Long Island.

"CHIAROSCURO" meaning strong contrasts between light and darkness, is a collection of 21 poems that start with the sense of dark thoughts of being in a closed space feeling trapped and dizzy where toxic people with sweet facades force us to stand on the fork of the road (those that should not be chosen) only to confine ourselves and not seek help. Often, in the dark capsule, we forget that not only do we need to repair ourselves but also the guitar, to sing a song and whistle away our problems. But, if we muster the courage and escape to distance ourselves from the negativity, silently the darkness fades and we begin to love and trust ourselves to reach the light. This whole process shows that just before the dawn of light, the darkness is long and we need to fight. The illustrations against each poem engulf and draw the reader into its world of myriad feelings to leave the heart and mind encapsulated with positivity.