Gaia B. Amman

*A humorous coming of age tale of friendship, sisterhood, and family drama set against the gorgeous backdrop of northern Italy* Recommended for fans of Jandy Nelson, John Green, Neil Gaiman and Sherman Alexie. Italy, the late 80s. Leda is a bookish ten-year-old tomboy. Her life turns upside down when shady Nico moves to the North from Sicily. Determined not to let the bully ruin her life, Leda is dragged through a tornado of adventures that will transform both kids in the face of first crushes, weird adults, and family drama. This humorous and insightful coming of age tale will show you the Italy you never imagined, an exhilarating mix of sensuality, religion and superstition set against the gorgeous backdrop of the serene countryside, the Alps, and the enchanting Island of Sardinia. Recommended for ages 13 and above. Some swearwords, mostly in Italian. The book is the first in a series following the same characters throughout their life. *Praise for An Italian Adventure* -Insightful and funny, I loved it!- -Paul Schwartzmeyer, author of the Traitor Patriot series -Touching and skillful, a masterful execution.- -Neil Daniel, author of the Obeahman's Dagger -I could not stop reading and can't wait for more!-- Amy Joslyn, librarian and children's literacy advocate

It Will All Make (Less) Sense When You Grow Up

An Italian Adventure

"I'll Give you the Sun" meets "Lola and the Boy Next Door"...in Italy. Swoon laugh and cry with this irresistible, insightful, Italian YA romance. Italy, the 90s. Teen bookish tomboy Leda is torn between handsome, loyal Alex and her long-term feelings for childhood friend Nico, who's dark and unreliable. While Leda navigates through puberty, her parents' separation, and high school, her friendships develop in unpredictable ways. Both sweet Alex and hurtful Nico are hiding secrets that she will have to unravel to make sense of her own feelings and the infuriating, sizzling chemistry with her old friend turned enemy... As always, Amman's unique mix of humor and empathy makes it impossible to stop reading, as she skillfully intertwines the stories of many teens struggling with loneliness, angst and, of course, love. Her vivid descriptions of Cinque Terre, Sardinia, and the Alps can only add to the irresistible charm of this intriguing romance.

Falling for the Wrong Italian

Forget Nico

Stand by Me meets the Goonies...in Italy. ITALY, 1990. twelve-year-old LEDA is a bookworm and a tomboy. As her world splits into girls and boys, she can't seem to fit anywhere. On the background of the 14th FIFA soccer world cup, Leda embarks on a new series of side-splitting-laughter adventures dealing with hormones, periods, zesty boys, and her own fears in what will be the best summer of her life. The guy to win her nerdy heart will be the most unlikely one... Set against the gorgeous backdrop of Sardinia, the Dolomites, and Tuscany, this humorous yet insightful journey through first love, friendship, and first kisses will leave you breathless, marveling at the customs of a country most people think they know. "Let me start off by saying this book was amazing! The author has a unique writing style. She transports you back in time to when you were younger. She tells things like they are and isn't afraid to talk about certain subjects. This book is great for teens as it speaks with experience about what thoughts enter their heads, but also great for adults who may have forgotten what teens have to go through." Tori Hoffert

An Italian Summer

Out of the Nest

"She is a cancer researcher. Italian, twenty-five, determined. Then arrogant Amar kisses her... ...and Leda is furious yet intrigued. Is it sabotage or does the jerk have a heart? Epigenetics, gene silencing, passion, and friendship—Leda is one of many graduate students, scrambling to make a difference in the race for the cure. Is work all that matters? Flora is engaged to the wrong man, Emin is a player, Makoto is in love with his experiments, and gorgeous Iul is smitten with unrequited feelings—not to mention exasperating Amar. All of them are in the hands of temperamental bosses, funding agencies, and the United-States Immigration Services. Does anyone ever find love? Results? Funding? Will Leda? You’ll adore this riveting novel because it’s like Grey’s Anatomy in cancer research: funny, emotional, and extremely relatable with soothing pearls of wisdom for the single and paired. Get it now." --

And Other Singularities

Singles

Colleen Hoover meets Jandy Nelson in this emotional coming of age story.Italy, the mid-90s. Fifteen-year-old bookish, tomboy Leda is dating the bad boy of her dreams. Is it love? Is she ready for her first time? Leda discovers at her own expenses that life is not a fairy tale and she finds her own way to make sense of darkness, love, and friendship...Authentic, emotional, and gripping, this novel denounces the hypocrisy of a society that would rather see pregnant teens than having an honest conversation about sex. Breathtaking Italy with its fascinating culture adds to the charm of this addictive, empowering novel about a girl trying to make it on her own, no matter what."Sex to me was mysterious and omnipresent, just like God. Several of my friends were no virgins, definitely including Nico. The biology and anatomy of the act had been unraveled for me in school with all the pain embarrassment could bring. The many books I surrounded myself with had answered any residual question but one: when was the right time? Was there a moment in your life when this cumbersome question mark turned into an exclamation?" Praise for Sex-O-S"I've really enjoyed reading this series. I could totally relate to Leda despite being an adult, and a guy." Amazon customer"Really enjoyed this final book. Amman nicely tied up her four book series, which culminated in Leda growing into the kind of young woman I would want my daughter to be. As a character, Lee was always endearing but in the end, she displayed convincing self-confidence and a (gradually found) comfort in her own skin." Nandista

Gaia B. Amman

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