Ask Me if I'm Happy

This was a well told story, that I liked even more because it rings true. In my opinion, Italy is a WONDERFUL, BEAUTIFUL place to be. However, it is NOT perfect, as it is portrayed by many other authors. I liked that this author, Kimberly Menozzi, did an astounding job of showing BOTH sides of Italy, the good AND the bad (or not as good). :)I really enjoyed how this story progressed. Once I was into it, I could not stand to put it down! I was up all hours of the night reading! I loved how "Italian" this book felt--I mean, it felt like the author really knew the area well, it wasn't just contrived out of her imagination (which is fine, btw), but I just liked that the descriptions felt real and accurate. I was able to picture myself there, which is the sign of a great book, in my opinion.The characters in the book have many conversations in Italian, which I loved, because it felt authentic to the story. However, since I am not anywhere near proficient in the Italian language, I feel like I missed out on several key exchanges between the characters. Don't get me wrong, MANY, MANY of these conversations were translated, explained, or hinted at, so I could extrapolate what was going on. But I do wish that there would have been a bit more translation, because, as I said, I feel like I missed out on some key exchanges between the characters. But based on what Italian was indeed translated, I feel like I learned a lot of new words and phrases, so that was very cool. (So, really, the problem is probably ME, since I picked up an Italy based book, and don't know Italian!) :)I am definitely looking forward to this authors next book!

Ask Me If I'm Happy revolves around those tiny insignificances in relationships which, if left unattended, grow into insurmountable barriers between lovers, friends, even.I read the first few chapters of this when Kim put them up on the authonomy web site a few years ago, and have always wondered what the whole story would be like.The fact that this novel is set in Italy is such a plus, as it avoids the parochial type of literature which often comes out of the US. In fact, the few small parts of the book set in the US evoke a feeling of claustrophobia and small-mindedness the reader, and the main female lead, Emily Miller, are always happy to escape. Bologna, by stark contrast, is a place where emotions can be given free reign, where to enjoy food, love and passion isn't something to be frowned on, but something to be rejoiced in.Emily and her suitor, Davide Magnani, are perfectly-drawn characters, their behaviours and weaknesses so real they frustrate us, because we want them to understand how perfect they are for each other.It is wonderful to read a book where the focus is the characters' inner lives, and where descriptions of landscape, soundscape, of food, of touch, are counterpoints which emphasise even more the struggles of the soul. Too many contemporary books are forced along at a ridiculous pace which gives the reader no time to savour plot, character, or setting.I found Magnani to be the more simpatico of the two characters, and I don't think that's because I'm a man. I think Emily grated on me occasionally when she became the brash, focused American with no regard for her or Davide's feelings, though I found myself immediately warming to her again when she became, with Italy's and Davide's help, the soft, sensitive woman she was born to be.This is a very good book.