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memphisholli's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
4.0
kcrouth's review against another edition
4.0
"See You in the Piazza" is a fascinating and exciting tour to many of the places in Italy that don't show up in the guidebooks. Ms. Mayes and her husband (and sometimes family) drive, read, and eat their way from the top of Italy's mountain ranges to the southern tip of Sicily. Many of the seemingly endless amazing meals are shared in the form of recipes given by the chefs. Because of Ms. Mayes notoriety, she shares with us many special glimpses into the places and people along the way. By sharing her experiences in this wonderfully written account we are able to experience many places, people, and food that we could not on our own. In our upcoming trips to Italia, we plan to add to our itinerary some of the places visited in this book. Our trip will be richer for it. A couple quotes that really stuck with me:
Mayes, Piazza, p.332
Author reflecting on a trip to Italia w/ friends from the US (author lives 1/2 time in Cortona, 1/2 time in Hillsborough NC)
"A discovery for me: A new context deepens friendship. At home, we have our dinner parties, walks, fund-raisers, birthday parties, etc. Traveling together moves us out of preconception. Though some travel only to confirm their held convictions, this group is ready to be amazed. Seeing what is new gives our friendships new grounds. We'll be reliving Puglia for years."
Mayes, Piazza, p.406 epilogue
"The greatest gift of travel: the steep learning curve. Second best: how your vision refreshes and you see with infant eyes. Third: memory. How the places seen will layer into life as time moves on."
Mayes, Piazza, p.332
Author reflecting on a trip to Italia w/ friends from the US (author lives 1/2 time in Cortona, 1/2 time in Hillsborough NC)
"A discovery for me: A new context deepens friendship. At home, we have our dinner parties, walks, fund-raisers, birthday parties, etc. Traveling together moves us out of preconception. Though some travel only to confirm their held convictions, this group is ready to be amazed. Seeing what is new gives our friendships new grounds. We'll be reliving Puglia for years."
Mayes, Piazza, p.406 epilogue
"The greatest gift of travel: the steep learning curve. Second best: how your vision refreshes and you see with infant eyes. Third: memory. How the places seen will layer into life as time moves on."
jenlaughs's review against another edition
3.0
The writing is lush and delicious, but it was one location and meal and description after another. Only read half.
gbliss's review against another edition
1.0
I just couldn't.
I got about a hundred pages into it and had had more than enough by then.
This is the most self-indulgent display of wealth and priviledge I have read since the last book of Frances Mayes I read.
Rather than See You in the Piazza, this should be called I Will Show You My Five Star Hotel and Restaurant Receipts in the Piazza.
This reads as a thinly veiled way to make a bunch of tres riche jaunts with husband and grandson tax deductable.
I got about a hundred pages into it and had had more than enough by then.
This is the most self-indulgent display of wealth and priviledge I have read since the last book of Frances Mayes I read.
Rather than See You in the Piazza, this should be called I Will Show You My Five Star Hotel and Restaurant Receipts in the Piazza.
This reads as a thinly veiled way to make a bunch of tres riche jaunts with husband and grandson tax deductable.
karenleagermain's review against another edition
3.0
Thank you to Crown Publishing for providing me with a copy of Frances Mayes’ latest book, See You in the Piazza, in exchange for an honest review.
See You in the Piazza, follows renowned travel writer Frances Mayes, as she tours the different regions of Italy. Mayes and her husband are American, but they own a second home in Italy and have fallen in love with the country. Mayes and her husband set off on a series of trips to discover and report on the best restaurants and landmarks in each region. On certain segments of their journey, which spanned over a year, they were joined by friends and other family members. The result is a love letter to Italy.
Mayes has a gift for lush imagery, especially her sensory descriptions of food and wine. Do not read while hungry! Mayes and her husband are definitely foodies and experiencing Italian cuisine is a huge focus of their travels. Although they do not shy away from experiencing local dives, the bulk of their dining is done at amazing five-star restaurants. I love to eat and experience incredible cuisine, but I seriously don’t know how they manage so many intense meals. As someone who has not yet (emphasis on “yet”) visited Italy, I was surprised by the regional differences in food and the variety of ingredients that encompass Italian cuisine. For those who love to cook, Mayes has included many recipes from the restaurants featured in her book.
Admittedly, See You in the Piazza was a slow read for me. I read it in small chunks and it took a few months to complete. it is long and written as a travel diary, which did not captivate my interest. It jumps between Mayes’ masterful writing and the vibe of having a neighbor tell you every tedious aspect of their last vacation. I love travel writing and I know that Mayes’ is respected in her field, but despite her gorgeous descriptions, I not sure that her style speaks to me.
I read an advanced readers copy, but I imagine that the published version will likely include photographs and maps, which would greatly add to the enjoyment of the book.
See You in the Piazza is a great pick for those who adore Italy or who have an upcoming trip in the works. Mayes provides much inspiration for places to visit and experience. It definitely made me wish that I could just jump on a plane and head to Italy!
Like my review? Check out my blog!
See You in the Piazza, follows renowned travel writer Frances Mayes, as she tours the different regions of Italy. Mayes and her husband are American, but they own a second home in Italy and have fallen in love with the country. Mayes and her husband set off on a series of trips to discover and report on the best restaurants and landmarks in each region. On certain segments of their journey, which spanned over a year, they were joined by friends and other family members. The result is a love letter to Italy.
Mayes has a gift for lush imagery, especially her sensory descriptions of food and wine. Do not read while hungry! Mayes and her husband are definitely foodies and experiencing Italian cuisine is a huge focus of their travels. Although they do not shy away from experiencing local dives, the bulk of their dining is done at amazing five-star restaurants. I love to eat and experience incredible cuisine, but I seriously don’t know how they manage so many intense meals. As someone who has not yet (emphasis on “yet”) visited Italy, I was surprised by the regional differences in food and the variety of ingredients that encompass Italian cuisine. For those who love to cook, Mayes has included many recipes from the restaurants featured in her book.
Admittedly, See You in the Piazza was a slow read for me. I read it in small chunks and it took a few months to complete. it is long and written as a travel diary, which did not captivate my interest. It jumps between Mayes’ masterful writing and the vibe of having a neighbor tell you every tedious aspect of their last vacation. I love travel writing and I know that Mayes’ is respected in her field, but despite her gorgeous descriptions, I not sure that her style speaks to me.
I read an advanced readers copy, but I imagine that the published version will likely include photographs and maps, which would greatly add to the enjoyment of the book.
See You in the Piazza is a great pick for those who adore Italy or who have an upcoming trip in the works. Mayes provides much inspiration for places to visit and experience. It definitely made me wish that I could just jump on a plane and head to Italy!
Like my review? Check out my blog!
micht15's review against another edition
2.0
This is a perfectly good reference book (recommendations for food, etc). Unfortunately I presumed it was a novel so was disappointed and DNF.
zosia1995's review against another edition
4.0
Reading this book feels like I’m eating, drinking and exploring my way through Italy. I’ve been to many of the towns already but have more to visit and so much more to eat and drink.
kmack1230's review against another edition
1.0
Couldn't continue past page 50, definitely not the book for me.
katekate_reads_'s review against another edition
DNF. See You in the Piazza was not the book for me. I thought it would be Travel essays of the author’s experiences and didn’t realize it was really more of a guidebook - details of the restaurants, museums and other sites in each city.
If you’ve been to Italy or are planning a trip there, this could be a great addition to more traditional guidebooks. As an armchair traveler looking for more of a story, this wasn’t for me and I did not finish.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
If you’ve been to Italy or are planning a trip there, this could be a great addition to more traditional guidebooks. As an armchair traveler looking for more of a story, this wasn’t for me and I did not finish.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
trm's review against another edition
informative
slow-paced
3.75
I listened to the audio book which I enjoyed. However, I think I may need it in text format so I could go back and plan my next holiday!