The Italian Soul
How to Savor the Full Joys of Life
Published on 5. May 2025
Book
Paperback/Softback
192 pages
978-1-64297-072-2 (ISBN)
Description
"This is a book for spiritual seekers and all who want to bring a piece of the Italian way of life into their own homes."
-James Martin, SJ, author of Learning to Pray
Take a pilgrimage of the heart, a journey toward change that will allow you to approach life with a more contemplative stance and recreate a sense of la dolce vita-the sweet life-wherever you may be.
In The Italian Soul, Judith Valente shares personal stories and insights into the Italian way of life that she experienced as she strolled the streets of this charming country. Focusing on the attitudes, traditions, and practices that make the people of Italy role models for experiencing delight amid the demands and distractions of ordinary living, she observed how they
have a deep appreciation for quality and aesthetics,
value taking the time to savor the little moments in life,
show a strong sense of community and make room for leisure and personal care, and
honor their dead and have a deep respect for tradition.
Additionally, it explores the contemplative practices and attitudes that seem to come naturally to a people who have made an art of living and working joyfully. A cross between a travel dispatch and a spirituality guide for seekers who eschew traditional religious practices but yearn for ways to bring more balance, sanity, and a greater sense of the transcendent into their daily lives. The Italian Soul is a book that will change the way you look at life.
-James Martin, SJ, author of Learning to Pray
Take a pilgrimage of the heart, a journey toward change that will allow you to approach life with a more contemplative stance and recreate a sense of la dolce vita-the sweet life-wherever you may be.
In The Italian Soul, Judith Valente shares personal stories and insights into the Italian way of life that she experienced as she strolled the streets of this charming country. Focusing on the attitudes, traditions, and practices that make the people of Italy role models for experiencing delight amid the demands and distractions of ordinary living, she observed how they
have a deep appreciation for quality and aesthetics,
value taking the time to savor the little moments in life,
show a strong sense of community and make room for leisure and personal care, and
honor their dead and have a deep respect for tradition.
Additionally, it explores the contemplative practices and attitudes that seem to come naturally to a people who have made an art of living and working joyfully. A cross between a travel dispatch and a spirituality guide for seekers who eschew traditional religious practices but yearn for ways to bring more balance, sanity, and a greater sense of the transcendent into their daily lives. The Italian Soul is a book that will change the way you look at life.
Reviews / Votes
"The Italian Soul speaks to the growing yearning that I see among so many to live more joyfully and mindfully amid the demands and distractions of daily life and the growing tumult of the world. Judith Valente offers sound wisdom and practical guidance from her many stays in Italy and lessons learned from a people (my own!) who have made an art of living fully. Whenever I visit Italy, I wonder: What is their secret? This is a book for spiritual seekers and all who want to bring a piece of the Italian way of life into their own homes."-James Martin, SJ, author of Learning to Pray, My Life with the Saints, and The Jesuit Guide to (Almost) Everything
"The Italian Soul is a heartfelt guide for those yearning to embrace a more mindful and fulfilling way of living. Judith Valente masterfully captures the essence of the Italian way of life, especially the slow, purposeful rhythms of its small towns. In contrast to the chaotic, fast-paced life of urban metropolises, this book offers a regenerative antidote: a deep dive into the values of connection, quality, and the beauty of local traditions."
-Rita Salvatore, president of Slow Food Abruzzo, and professor at University of Teramo and the American University of Rome
"Italy offers the world a host of timeless treasures, but it is much more. Italy is a way of life. This book shows us how life is lived daily, in small towns and large, and how the traditions and practices that come second nature to our people can help others live more fully and meaningfully, wherever they might be."
-Franco Caramanico, former Minister for Environment and Energy, Abruzzo Regional Government
"With her vivid examples of Italian personalities and places, Judith Valente invites us to an experience of Mediterranean sunshine. This sunshine, however, is from within, and provides light to see in a new way, to open our inner eyes."
-Abbot Jerome Kodell, author of Life Lessons from the Monastery; Don't Trust the Abbot; Is God in Your Top Ten?; and The Catholic Bible Study Handbook
"The Italian Soul beautifully captures why Italy remains the go-to country for people seeking to unclutter their lives and detach from the distractions of daily living that consume so much of our time. Judith Valente perfectly illustrates how the way of life in Italy's charming small towns-like my own, Guardiagrele-offers the world an essential lesson: the importance of nurturing family bonds, cultivating communities through personal connections, and honoring the traditions that bind us together. I am proud that Guardiagrele plays such a pivotal role in this book. I'm confident that readers will find something truly valuable within these pages."
-Flora Bianco, vice mayor of Guardiagrele, Abruzzo, Italy "In The Italian Soul, Judith Valente shows that rich, life-enhancing cultures still exist and that we can tap into their wisdom to strengthen our own. From the centuries-old tradition of chiacchiera-desultory conversation between strangers leaning against the same sun-struck wall-to the practice of fare bella figura-the tradition of looking one's best for the sake of other people-Valente beautifully conveys the intricate web of age-old customs and mutual respect that makes for a fully flourishing society. I love this book."
-Paula Huston, author of The Hermits of Big Sur, Simplifying the Soul, and A Season of Mystery
"This gem of a book will make you long to have more dolce vita in your own life"
-Michael N. McGregor, author of An Island to Myself, The Last Grand Tour, and Pure Act
"Journalist and all-things-Italian enthusiast Valente guides readers into the heart and soul of Italian customs and history in this gentle and informative narrative. A good fit for book-discussion groups and readers who want to reflect on their lives and embrace the best of Italian values, no matter where they live."
-Booklist
More details
Language
English
Place of publication
United States
Publishing group
Red Wheel/Weiser
Product notice
Paperback (trade)
Illustrations
20 b&w photos
Dimensions
Height: 176 mm
Width: 126 mm
Thickness: 14 mm
Weight
177 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-64297-072-2 (9781642970722)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Person
Judith Valente has won numerous awards for her work as a former correspondent for PBS, two NPR stations, The Wall Street Journal, and as the author of several spirituality titles. Her most recent books include How to Live, The Art of Pausing, and How to Be. She has published two poetry collections and is a sought-after retreat guide who leads the annual Benedictine Footprints retreat/pilgrimage to lesser-known parts of Italy. She is also president of the International Thomas Merton Society.