“I loved An Italian Journey. You are an artist with words. I could see and feel what you had to say and it made me understand more deeply my family roots and traditions. My grandfather, a 20th Century immigrant from Sicily, bought a compound in Massachusetts to bring up his family. It was drilled into me the importance of family and caring for each other. Until I read your book I thought of his mission as fanatical. However, now I understand. Thank you.” ~ Connie Bonanno Archambault
“Hope An Italian Journey becomes a movie—it brought out the best of Italians and helps explain the magic attraction of Italy.” ~ Mike M
"I read An Italian Journey months ago and I'm still thinking about it daily. Beautifully written—spiritually awakening.” ~ Patricia Schofield
“An Italian Journey is the most comforting, amazing, fun book I have ever read.” ~Kathy Jennings
“I read your book cover to cover on my flight to Italy and I LOVED it! You made my two weeks in Italy that much better!!” ~ Jeana Traino
“We have a home in Umbria. An Italian Journey nails it!" ~ Lee Stough
“A great book! A little different than normal, run of the mill travel writing. Gives you a wonderful view of Italian life.” ~ Tracie C
“Reading this brought me back to my few days in Tuscany six summers ago.. beautifully expressed & inspiring! Love the illustrations.” ~ Donna Folendore LeBlanc
“I just finished reading An Italian Journey. I thoroughly enjoyed every page! I have been to Italy two times. I am heading back again in October. Your book captured what I fell in love with each time I visited. Ciao!” ~Marsena Byrne Alley
“This was a wonderful book and I enjoyed James Ernest Shaw’s journey and all the details including the sharing of his faith. Truly awesome!!” ~ Traci Marelli Jurkovic
“A wonderful book, beautifully written!” ~ Josephine Fenu
“I loved this book! It put into words what I have known in my heart about Italy for years. My husband and I met and lived there for two and a half years thirty-six years ago. We have been back twice and continue to be drawn back to Bella Italia!” ~Margaret Walker Curnow
“This book transported me to the land of my dreams …” ~ Connie Francis
“Excellent! I just got home from Italy and enjoyed this book tremendously. It was beautifully written and you can understand why the world loves the Italians. The ending explains why in a wonderful way. This book is also very spiritual which I didn't expect but loved.” ~ An Amazon Reader
“Just loved this book. Saving up to go to Italy.” ~ Mary Dunn
“I just finished reading An Italian Journey on a beach in New Jersey!!! I am Italian and I enjoyed this book so so much. The ending is so rich. Everyone who loves to read should pick this up...... Don't wait!! Caio!!” ~ Monica Petolillo DiGuiseppe
“I have the book and I love it. I was born and raised in Napoli, Italy and loved how it took me back. Grazie mille! What a masterpiece!” Adriana Esposito Reed
“I only just started and already can say the writer is crisp and clear and gives only the important details. You feel like you are right there with him. After having visited Rome and Southern Italy I now want to go to Tuscany and surroundings. The book draws like a magnate. The parts I visited were interesting but touristy whereas Shaw's trip seemed to get right down where the people live. Excuse me while I go finish the book!” ~ Jean Foti
“Now seeking my own Italian Journey. Beautifully written, could absolutely not put the book down. It is the next best thing to being there and now Italy is the first item on my bucket list.” ~ Janner
“The Italian mindset for living. Beautifully written book full of insight and inspiration. It is a true testament to the magnificence of Italy and its people.” ~ Diane M. Palumbo
“I have this beautifully written book on my night stand. I read it over and over. Cannot wait to go this September. Thank you for this lovely journey I can take again and again.” ~ Linda Moroney
“This must be made into a movie!!!!!” Rosalyn Belmont
“So well written. It really makes you think.” ~ Mary Powers
“I was impacted by Mr. Shaw’s spiritual journey while I was in Italy and after. The grace of God plus Italian hospitality is an unbeatable combination.” ~ Mike M
“Love this book!!! Pure pleasure to read!!! Brought back many memories of my past!!!” ~ Maria Lumia
“A favorite of mine. I savor it in bites. Italy is where my heart is!!” ~ Denise Birchell Kilmer
“I am going to reread An Italian Journey and pretend I am there again. Wish I was there now!” ~ Janice Correll
“I just finished reading An Italian Journey. I was in Tuscany two years ago. It brought back memories. Would love to go back and work on the farms. It was a very good read. Would highly recommend it. Thank you.” ~ Michele Mignone Wenz
“Great book.... I lent it to my friends and when I get it back, I’ll read it again.” ~ Terry Talamo
“I'm in the process of reading An Italian Journey and I love it, too. I think it would make a great movie.” ~ Roseann Michelli
“I am now reading An Italian Journey—almost finished and loving it! Surprisingly it is not just about Tuscany but about faith in God as well! This was a pleasant added surprise! Perfect read! Just love it all! I've been to Italy twice, you can never go enough! So much to experience! My family is from there so I feel a connection to this lovely inspiring book!” ~ Vicky Montani
“If you love Italy you will love An Italian Journey. It takes you through the beautiful Tuscan countryside. You will want to get on a flight to Italy tomorrow.” ~ Nadine Fletcher
“I learned to see the world differently. I admire the author for his enthusiasm and love of God, life, love, nature, art and last but not least—family. Also, his appreciation of Italians, the language, the history and culture is astounding. God bless.” ~ Leonarda Safran
“This book portrays Italy beautifully!!!” ~ Piercarla Louis ~ Mestre, Italy
“I am sooooo proud to be of Italian descent. This book is the epitome of the pride, values and ethnicity of Italians. Have their values changed? Yes, somewhat but the heart of who they are remains intact. This book is a true realization of Italy today.” ~ Susan Carlucci Sebastiani
“Just finished An Italian Journey. One of the best I've read about my favorite country.” ~ Alina Pedreguera
“Wonderful book! I've totally enjoyed it.” ~ Marlene Krygowski
“I didn't want the book to ever end. Loved our time in Italy and I relived it reading An Italian Journey. Thank you for sharing.” ~ Toni Bobadilla
“Just finished An Italian Journey this morning. I am so excited to go to Tuscany next year. More now than ever. Thanks for a lovely book.” ~ Margaret Kelly
"One of the best books I’ve ever read!" ~ Sandra Baptiste Corigliano
“Love An Italian Journey! Awesome writer!” ~ Sandra Macleod
“I am currently reading this beautiful book. I was blessed enough to spend a couple of weeks in Tuscany a few years ago, it was the trip of a lifetime. I am reliving that trip through your book! Absolutely love it!” ~ Billie Hilliard
“Loved this book! An enjoyable, beautiful read. I may have to read it again.” ~ Lynne Castagna-Gorey
“The descriptive passages and beautiful mental scenery are most enjoyable. I can visualize the olive trees and the way the olives are harvested, both the old way and the new ways that are creeping in. The interactions between families and the joy of living that Italians display add to the feeling of familiarity as you read along and know you could be included with the author as he rides his bike along to the various farms to extend a helping hand with harvests. If you can't be there, this book is a fine substitute!” ~ Barbara C Hayden
“I'm halfway through An Italian Journey. I am in love with this book.” ~ Lisa Porucznic
“I just got back from spending one month in Sicily with my mom and dad. I read An Italian Journey before I left for Sicily and fell in love. I actually was able to pick olives while I was there, one of the most wonderful experiences of my life!” ~ Maria Conforto
“An Italian Journey never fails to sooth my soul, and re-awake purpose in life!” ~ Sandra Kase
“Shannon, you have to read this book, didn’t want it to end!” ~ Donna Cronin Simmers
“I so enjoyed An Italian Journey. I've been to Italy twice. Reading it made me want to go back again. What a wonderful book. Thank you.” ~ Catherine Zigga
“Reading An Italian Journey is a "Great Experience !" ~ Phyllis Myers
“A TUSCAN DELIGHT. With Italy being my homeland, I thoroughly enjoyed reading about the travels of an American as he works his way around Tuscany picking olives. It was like walking through the rolling hills and quaint little towns. I hope An Italian Journey is made into a movie. It will be a best seller. A beautifully written book that anyone would enjoy reading.” ~ Giovanna DiLauro
“Loved this book!!!!! Wish I wasn't done reading it!!!!!” ~ Cathy Adamo Perri
“Really good reading. This journey he made had the reader right there with him every step of the way! Highly recommended!” ~ Debra Stella
“I am reading An Italian Journey now and loving the book and sketches.” ~ Estelle Cohen Zatz
“I'm going to Italy next year and saw this book. As I started reading it I kept trying to fly through it, getting to the core message and on to the next read. But the further I got, the more the message sank in. Slow down, be present, enjoy the simple moments and take joy in every experience. An Italian Journey taught me how to truly enjoy this country. Thank you.” ~ Mary L Rittweger
“I am ready to read it again! Love it!” ~ Angela Spinavaria Barbaris
“My favorite book!! Brought back so many wonderful memories of my trip!!” ~ Debbie Kawtoski
“I have no incentive for raving about An Italian Journey other than I just enjoyed it so much I want others to discover this wonderful story.” ~ Barbara Winter
“Still reading … taking my time, savoring it all.” ~ Connie Francis
“I am an Italian born who emigrated to the USA in the early sixties. I loved An Italian Journey! I feel compelled to connect with James and break bread with him. Share many wonderful things! I love being Italian with my love for America it is the best combo! I have a deep respect for James.” ~ Annemarie Conestabile
“An Italian Journey is a wonderful story!” ~ Lucy Turner Cronin
“Great book. It makes me want to travel to Italy and do what he did.” ~ Vinnie Coleman
"The book is a treasure!!" ~ Pauline Ashley
“I loved An Italian Journey! Not only did it bring me to the Tuscan countryside, but it also gave my Christian faith a nudge.” ~ Natalie A. Mondella
"My very favorite book!" ~ Virginia Dean
“Reading An Italian Journey now. Wonderful on so many levels!” ~ Jamie Rotondi
“Loving this book! I'm taking my time savoring it!! ~ Andrea Ferris
“I read An Italian Journey several years ago. I loved it so much I gave copies to most of the folks on my Christmas list. The book is unforgettable and inspiring on so many levels!” ~ Ginger M. Warren
“I'm always reading and re-reading An Italian Journey! I never tire of it! So many gentle reminders of life's treasures!” ~ Sandra Kase
“Wonderfully written! I enjoyed every minute reading this book. It made me want to return to Italy and spend more time just exploring." ~ Barbara Pitetti Rich
“If a book can be fabulous, this is the one.” ~ Dot Scott
“Love this book!! It makes me wish I had spent more time getting to know the residents while traveling in Italy this summer.” ~ Dorie
“Thank you so much for writing about the Italian heart!” ~ Michalene F
“Loved An Italian Journey! The last chapter filled my heart with such pride, faith, and love of family. Thank you … Ciao!” ~ Jeanette M
"Lovely book. I highly recommend An Italian Journey. Reading it makes me want to fulfill my lifelong dream!" ~ Carmella DiRienzo