George Washing Machine, Portables, & Submarine Races, My
Italian-American Life
By Michael Cutillo
Michael Cutillo skillfully shares his family's adventures in America and Il Bel
Paese as
we become familiar with their pronunciation and antics that will remind all of
us of
someone we love. The series of vignettes, which each begin with an Italian
proverb,
keep you engaged, laughing and bring back wonderful memories of Italian-American
childhood and the trips back and forth that are so characteristic of
first-generation
immigrants. The stories connect many immigrants' journey of assimilating into a
new
country while preserving their first love of Italy and the traditions, culture,
values and of
course, food of their origin! The love of family, whether across the ocean, or
just next
door is highlighted in the many stories that Michael Cutillo writes about in his
award
winning book, George Washing Machine, Portables, & Submarine Races, My
Italian-American Life, that he dedicated to his father and other family members.
Book Review written by Lisa Serafini and Alison Vitucci
Christopher
Columbus: THE HERO
Defending Columbus from Modern-Day Revisionism
by
Rafael
In years past, society
overwhelmingly viewed Christopher Columbus as a discoverer,
pioneer, hero, and in modern terms, "cutting edge". Unfortunately, that is not
the case
today due to modern-day revisionists who portray Columbus as a villain and have
consequently misinformed generations. As the author states in the introduction
of the
book, he looks to set the record straight about Columbus, and indeed he does!
Rafael, a
Taino descendent, accomplishes this by writing the book so that you feel he is
having a
zealous conversation with you and is able to refute the inaccurate accounts by
"so-called" modern day scholars by using primary sources in each chapter from
people
who actually knew Columbus and by quoting Columbus' own diary. Chapter by
chapter
Rafael dispels each myth, presenting information from multiple sources and
historical
documents with insights about the time period. After reading this book, it is
clear that
Columbus is indeed a hero and his legacy and the federal holiday should be
preserved
for future generations. For those who look to preserve Columbus' legacy, this
book is a
"must read" so they can educate themselves about the truth about Columbus and
then
re-educate those who have been misinformed.
Book Review written by Lisa Serafini and Alison Vitucci
God’s Messenger
The Astounding Achievements of Mother Cabrini by Nicole Gregory
It comes as no surprise that the Mentoris Project, which seeks to reach today’s
readers
through a series of novels and biographies about the lives of great Italian men
and women who
have changed the world for the better, published Nicole Gregory’s debut novel of
the life
story of our beloved 19th century saint Mother Frances Xavier Cabrini.
The author begins Cabrini’s story as a young girl in the 1860s living in
the northern
Italian village of Sant’Angelo Lodigiano where her family and faith guide
her in what would be a life’s quest to care for the children of Italy and later
Italian
immigrant children in the slums of New York City in the 1890s; providing
shelter, education, and healthcare while spreading Christianity.
Gregory eloquently demonstrates how Cabrini’s passion for missionary
work
becomes a reality due to her great strength and determination as God guides
her throughout the Americas; in spite of the egregious prejudice and
discrimination
experienced towards those of Italian descent at that time in history.
Some Italians back home were equally concerned with these issues
for their fellow Italians living in their newly adopted lands who sought to
free themselves from economic challenges only to face greater challenges in
America.
Mother Cabrini’s courage, dedication, resilience, resolve and
compassion
depicted in this novel is truly an inspiration and exemplifies what it means to
be “Italian”.
This is a “must read” so, pick up the novel, “God’s Messenger:
The Astounding Achievements of Mother Cabrini” written by Nicole Gregory
and learn more about our patron saint of immigrants and her many voyages.
Book Review written by Lisa Serafini and Alison Vitucci
Dixie’s Italians:
Sicilians, Race, and Citizenship
in the Jim Crow Gulf South by Jessica Barbata
Jackson
Professor and author
Jessica Barbata Jackson focuses on life for Italians-Americans in Louisiana,
Mississippi, and Alabama who migrated to the region after their arduous journey
to America in the hopes for a better
life in her first book Dixie’s Italians: Sicilians, Race
and Citizenship in the Jim Crow Gulf South.
They moved to the Jim Crow South during a time in American history when
racial and social injustice
was prevalent in the nation.
Consequently, Italian-Americans in the region found themselves
struggling with where they would find their place in society in their newly
adopted country.
Through case studies, the author takes the reader back in time to
explore how Sicilian children
were forced to attend segregated schools and where attempts were made to deny
Italian-Americans'
civil rights by disenfranchising and lynching those of Italian descent.
In modern history, there is an emphasis on raising awareness on
historical prejudice
and injustice and this book should be read by all Americans to further
understand the historical
context as to how Italian-Americans were egregiously treated in the late
nineteenth
and early twentieth century. Hence,
why President Benjamin Harrison declared
Columbus Day a holiday to acknowledge the Italian-American community for what
should be years to come.