Bella Figura: How to Live, Love, and Eat the Italian Way
N**R
Completely misleading title
This book has very little to do with how to live, love and eat the Italian way. It is one woman's memoirs of a year spent in Florence and the men and women she met. If you are interested in one woman's memoirs, then this book may be fine, although I did not find her life very interesting. I also did not find her to be a particularly engaging or humorous writer. From the title, I expected the emphasis to be on insights into the Italian way of life, particularly for women. There are very few insights that you would not get reading a book on the Italian diet, or a good Italian cookbook that stresses a healthy way of life with a few personal anecdotes. Very disappointing.
D**B
Lifts my spirit
I have read this book twice now and it never disappoints. At my lowest point when I feel all of the feelings the author felt when she first arrived in Florence yet I live in the United States, this book is makes me smile, makes me feel encouraged and gives me hope. Somehow the author is living the life I envision for myself in the not so far future. An excellent read.Bravo!!
D**T
Not So Bella
Clearly the rushed second book of a two-book deal. The author does not deliver on the promise of the title. The story devolves quickly into a kind of 13-year old version of sex in the city -- this time the city is Florence, and the "girl" is really a woman in her late 30s who acts like some kind of brain addled child where men are concerned and is somehow NOT too embarrassed to share the details. Do you want to know how to live La Bella Figura? Save your money and go to Florence. Or watch travel videos. I suggest Rick Steves. Do NOT buy this truly terrible book.
S**N
Sumptuous
Such a sumptuous and inviting tale. I usually can’t complete books, as they lose momentum as they progress. This book does not sag for even a moment - every line is chock full of warmth and vitalityI just finished it and I’m going to read it a second time starting right nowI wish the author had written more booksEdit: I have read it three more times now. And also have the audible. I listen to it when I'm performing mundane tasks, like scrubbing the grout between tiles, and instantly life appears more bewitching. I can't wait for Kamin's future scribbled tales. I'll be first in line. I've become a new and revised woman, since entering into her world. I'm living much more Bella Figura, than ever before
D**G
Learning to Live Bella Figura
This was an enjoyable book. The last few pages on how to incorporate bella figura from home was a sweet treat.I'm giving this book 4 stars only because I wish authors who use terms and phrases in a different language would include an English translation. I had to google many of the terms and expressions which was a pain and interrupted the flow of reading. Other than that, definitely recommend this book and will be trying to live my life more Bella Figura.
C**L
Lovely read. I read it twice!
I was expecting a how to book on living la Bella figura. This little gem is so much more. The author weaves her lessons in a week told tale, part memoir, part how to, part travel journal. My husband and I eloped in Florence and I have beautiful memories. The author does a great job describing the essence of the town. Definitely add to your list!
H**R
Really draws you in!
This is a wonderful book and will make you want to move to Florence immediately! Her journey really resonated with me and I like that she did not gloss over her mistakes but shows you all the facets.
M**D
Transport Yourself to Itality!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book! Enough to write a review which I have never done before it was so enjoyable. After this terrible year it was such a wonderful transporting experience to read about how to enjoy life to the fullest. The writer really takes you into the sights, tastes and experiences of living daily life in Italy. I felt like I was trailing along with her! It really made me question parts of my life and how I am living it. Besides the recipes she includes there is definately food for thought as well!
M**O
Very Enjoyable read and many insights to the Italian way of life and living.
I just loved this book. Kamin Mohammidi’s book Bella Figure is a wonderful read. This is an autobiographical account of Kamin’s transition to being in a top position in London to arriving in Florence courtesy of a friend and how she coped with no job, being unable to speak Italian, leaning how to cook Italian food and how to live the Italian life. For those that are unaware Italians embrace the “slow life”. ( This means taking time to really pay attention to every aspect of their lives whether it be food, art, general beauty or just life in general.) It was so interesting and entertaining to see how Kamin managed under these circumstances.This book will entertain and educate especially those who wish to lead a less stressful life and wish to embrace the Italian way of life, something I think that we all could do well to emulate. It is a very “readable” book and I thoroughly enjoyed it. All the way through Kamin is learning and we, too, can learn along the way. There are some recipes in it also to introduce us to Italian dishes that are featured in the narrative. I have tried some of these and they are very good but not too difficult to do.It’s been a long time since I last read a book that was so enjoyable, interesting, entertaining and educational. I read just one chapter at a time....it would be easy to read more than that in one go but I wanted to extend the enjoyment. I sent a copy to a family member and she, also, has enjoyed the book immensely
K**A
A lovely place to lose yourself in thought and Italian Food
I loved this book. It is definitely a story but also has a number of messages but only if you want to hear them. If you just want an interesting read which paints a wonderful picture of life in Florence and Tuscany then you will have a lovely read but equally if you want a book which encourages you think about how you are living your life then it does a great job too. Additionally you get some great recipes!
L**A
Disappointing.
I found this book rather shallow & disappointing. I had expected it to be more about the Italian way of life & less about the author herself. It was very superficial read.
N**R
A Beautiful and Joyful Read
Kamin has a wonderful style to her writing as she evokes a glorious vision of Florence and Tuscany. Her journey into a new and joyful way of living is an inspiration. If you’ve ever dreamed of Italy and how to live as an Italian this is the book for you. Consider following her gorgeous Instagram feed for a visual feast, too!
A**T
Great morale booster! Inspiring
I really enjoyed this book. Kamin expresses herself very well. I have adopted her diet and lifestyle! I am currently living in France under very similar circumstances, (apart from meeting the nice and interesting men) and it cheered me up no end!
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