Maria Laurino Books

I read this book and it spoke to me because I too am a child of immigrants that grew up very close to where the author grew up in NJ. It was like she was living my life. Yes, there are many problems that children of immigrants face while trying to navigate between their birth culture and the American way of life. After I was finished, I put the book on the shelf and forgot about it.

Then I went to the town where my mother grew up in Italy. On the drive there, I noticed that this town is the neighbor to the town of the author's family. Having spent time in both towns, I must say that what the author has written about the area is truly insulting. Her characterizations of the area as desolate and sad do a disservice not only to her ancestors, but to mine. The people were kind and warm. Yes, it is not the richest of areas, but why do you think the people left this area to make a better life to begin with? They didn't have a lot of opportunities, but they worked hard to make better lives for themselves. Jsut becasue they needed to leave doesn't mean they didn't love the area to begin with. That is why so many return year after year. I'm not sure what she was expecting, but I'm sorry she was so disappointed. These towns were filled with good people living their everyday lives. I suppose the author feels they should spend their time discussing Italian literature and art in the town square by candlelight.

I am embarassed to think that I once read her words with reverence. I understand that this is a "personal journey," but come on, would it hurt her to be the least bit truthful with the reader?

Male or Female, 1st, 2nd, or 3rd generation this book is a must read. I think I might be a little older than the author having grown up in the late 40's and in the 50's. I also come from New Jersey (Trenton) and initially raised by my grandmother gravitated between the burbs my parents had moved to and the Italian section known as the burg. I basically grew up in both worlds, the old and the new. I never really thought much about who I was, but an experience I encountered in the 1990's with a section of the Navy rattled that foundation resulting in a search for my Italian heritage. Having read "Were you always an Italian?" has helped in making me understand myself. It has shown me that the choice's made and the direction traveled is not unique. A must read for every Italian-American.

You needn't be Italian American or born in New Jersey from Italian parents to appreciate this book.

It's not the nasty mythical underbelly, but about real Italian Americans kvetching over their roots. Many wishing they were born a WASP or a Monarch butterfly.

An extension of John Fante and other first or second generation Italian Americans questioning their ethnicity. Intentionally masking their identities, many reborn as highly educated but ethnically stable members not at all like Tony Soprano.

Were You Always an Italian is a very well written book, which should be no surprise, considering Maria Laurino's background. I enjoyed the personal musings a great deal and was reminded of another book about Italians that I recently thoroughly enjoyed, Eleven Days in August by Amatore Mille.

If you had a situation where you were allowed to choose one of two things,going to the dentist, or reading this book, I would implore you to go to the dentist.
This is at most a twenty page book, the rest is mind killing filler.The book has a leftward slant. That explains the good reviews from the media.the contents, poor Italians come to america,they dont speak the language.Duh.They can only get minial jobs.duh. they are mostly happy doing labor jobs.very few pull out of that attitude.That is about it.part crybaby part slock,my father was born in southern italy. he had twelve bothers and sisters. none of them ever complained about being stuck in some corner as an inferior. They were to busy making the american dream come true. my grandfather worked three jobs, two of which he owned, the other was being a street lamp lighter.all of the children got a good education. most of them became very wealthy.No darkness for them, america was the place to make it If you kept your eye on the ball. this dark shabby book,is a lobotomy. dont waste your time.