Growing Up Italian-American: The Memoirs of Ferdinand Visco & The Stories of Two Immigrant Italian Families — Heritage Edition

MAKES A GREAT GIFT “A wonderful book that deserves a spot in every Italian-American’s library. More than a memoir, Dr. Visco has written a complete guide to being an Italian-American.” Johnson Reviews This reader-friendly illustrated book explores Italian-American history, tradition, and culture. It features Italian proverbs, a glossary of Italian-American words, and family recipes. Learn what every Italian-American should know: Why did our immigrant ancestors leave Italy in the early 1900s? What hardships did our ancestors endure during their voyage to America? What does “Chi lascia la via vecchia per la nuova, sa quel che lascia, ma non sa quel che trova” mean? What were our ancestors’ first impressions of New York City? How were immigrants processed at Ellis Island? What is the origin of the word “WOP? What were the requirements for naturalization in the early 1900s? What was life like for Italian-Americans in the early 1900s and during WW II? What is the meaning of “The Birds of Passage,” “Il Mezzogiorno,” “Il Campanilismo,” and “La Mano Nera?” What are the differences between being an Italian and being an Italian-American? What did many Italian immigrants believe were the antidotes to anti-Italian prejudice and discrimination? Why do Italians eat lentils on New Year’s Day, and what do they do when they say, “Via il vecchio, benvenuto al nuovo?” What is the Feast of the Giglio? What is La Tavola di San Giuseppe and what are “Lucky Beans?” What is the Divine Comedy all about, and what is its significance? Who is Pulcinella, and who was Farfariello? Who were Giuseppe Garibaldi, Antonio Meucci, Joe Petrosino, Amadeo Giannini, Generoso Pope, and Mother Cabrini? What is the story behind the song “Caruso?” Why does Lady Liberty appear to have an Italian heritage? How do you play the game “Morra?” What should be your response if someone tells you, “In Bocca al Lupo?” What is the difference between an American and an Italian bar? Why do Italians give out candy-coated almonds at weddings? What do the expressions, “Le Voglie,” “Vai Studi’ e Vai Legge’,” “Non fa’ la brutta figura,” “La vecchiaia e’ una carogna, ma per chi non ci arriva e’ una vergogna,” and “Natale con i tuoi, Pasqua con chi vuoi,” mean? What is “C’e’ La Luna Mezzo Mare,” all about? What is an Italian Football Wedding? What is the word donuts spelled backwards? What do Mare Nostrum, Pax Romana, and SPQR mean? What is the real reason why the Roman Legions were so powerful? What phrase in the Declaration of Independence was suggested by an Italian? What is the significance of the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire, the lynchings of Italian-Americans in New Orleans, and the statue of Columbus in New York City? Who were Sacco and Vanzetti? What is the difference between Sauce and Gravy? What is Italian Folk Medicine, and who are the Benedetti? How do you ward off, diagnose, and treat the “Malocchio?” What did Frank Sinatra say about being an Italian-American? Which Italian saint can help you sell a house, and which one can help you climb up the corporate ladder? What rhyming prayer to St. Anthony is used to find a missing object? What is agita, and what is Brioschi? Who is la Befana? What is Tombola Napoletana? What does Jure Sanguinis mean? What are typical Italian wines, and what are their attributes? What are authentic recipes for Neapolitan Ragu, Polpette, Braciole, and La Tasca (Easter Pie)? Learn the answers to these questions and much more in this illustrated book, which was updated in 2023. Enjoy the stories. Try the recipes.