An Italian Journey ~ A Harvest of Revelations in the Olive Groves of Tuscany ~ A Pretty Girl

If you are a cyclist, then you might enjoy this book more than I did. The author's focus was mainly on how he traversed the Tuscan Hills. I also did not care for the way he subtlety interjected his political viewpoints ( Republican), on farming subsidies. Overall, I would not recommend this book. Not about the Italy I know and love.

What a great book..purchased the audio and so sorry I did. The reader is awful to say the least. He actually ruined the book so I just read it instead. No refluction in his voice his pronunciation of the Italian is almost laughable. I recommend the book just not the sudio...

A good beach book. Take it and leave it on the sand. I was expecting a fun, intertaining book about Italy and its beauty, charm and great hospitality. What I got was a lesson in the way olives are picked, and the search for why the people and the country are so amazing.
I did feel for the writer when he had to return to the States and live his life!

This was a very engaging, delightful trip through Tuscany. It was a personal and spiritual journey to solve the mystery or the motivation for the warm, hospitable, simple Italian lifestyle, the path lead him to the spiritual foundation of Italy. The benefits of keeping our food and lifestyles simple and pure came through clearly. I will be reading this book again and highly recommend it.

I am so mesmerized about The Italian Journey. Each description take me to a place in Italy that makes my mind go to a comfort zone.......
Would recommend this for any one who has been there, or wants to know about Italy before visiting there.............Just wonderful!!!!!!!!

This has to be one of the best books I have ever read. I love Mr. Shaw's way of telling the true story. You feel as though your right where he always is. I have Italian roots and this just makes them come alive even more.

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

James Ernest Shaw's An Italian Journey was a real treat. I can't imagine riding across town much less across Tuscany. He painted a vivid picture of the landscape, people and lifestyle.I admire his dedication to actualy live like a native instead of a tourist. He really makes me want to try to experience life in a different way. I also appreciated his reliance on Christ and trusting His guidance. I liked the times he reflects back to his past to explain who he is today. Thank you!

I loved this book. Having spent time in Tuscany, I love his descriptions of the land, people, food. It is so true Italy is a beautiful place but the love and depth of the Italians is so on the money.

The book is an excellent read and I recommend it to anyone who wants to read about one person's love of Italy and its people. Mr. Shaw comes across as a genuine human being who gives the reader an honest account of his amazing 7 week adventure in Tuscany. Clearly, it took a lot of courage for someone residing in America with his family to prepare for and actually travel through Tuscany alone by bike, with "grace" and his GPS as his only guide. However, the most important aspect of this book is not the factual account of his story or his personal insight as to what he loves about Italy and the Italian people. The most important part, in my opinion, is the fact that Mr. Shaw, in the last part of his book, has even more courage to express his opinion about what he believes lies at the foundation of the spiritual beauty of Italy and the Italian culture. It should come as no surprise to the reader, who has significant experience with the Italian culture, as to the material in which this foundation was made and has been maintained for centuries. Several shortsighted reviewers of Mr. Shaw's book ignore the last part of the book or are put-off by Mr. Shaw's opinions therein. Really? Read the whole book with an open eye and discover the self-evident truth about the Italians. If you don't believe it, that's alright; you're entitled to your own opinion, but don't criticize his book because you simply disagree without any semblance of thoughtful examination or you lack the ability to even consider someone else's opinions. Travel to Italy and really live (not in a hotel room) with its people for an extended period of time. Although Italy has its share of big problems like practically every other place in this world, the Italian people (in general and for the most part), are spiritually remarkable and they live according to that Spirit. That Spirit is reflected in Mr. Shaw's book and is everwhere in Italy if you only have the courage to truly examine what you see there. That Spirit was also evident in the late 1800s and early to mid 1900s when millions of honest, skilled and hard working Italian immigrants came to America and helped build America into a great nation. La dolce vita!

I really enjoyed touring the Tuscany area with James. We have many relatives that live there and have visited them often. He gave us a tour we haven't had the privilege of taking, visiting the olive farms and enjoying the families he picked olives for. What a trip he had on that little fold up bicycle.

I purchased this book for my the store Kindle hoping it would be another in a series of books describing a lifestyle change by moving to Italy.

While the author does describe his involvement in the olive harvesting process the book is more about his life-changing event that results in his profound spiritual adoption of Roman Catholic teachings.

If that is what a reader is looking for then I highly recommend this book, if the reader wants to know about traveling,working and living in Italy, there are many other books available.

Great read for both farmers, philosophers, theologians and lovers of Italy and Italians. Wendell Berry would embrace the organic and custodial aspects of farming. If you love Pope Frank, you will love the conclusions of this book.

Interesting to read about his experiences in Tuscany working on the farms and interacting with people there. However...way too much about his opinion regarding religion. This part was very disappointing to me.

Absolutely loved loved loved this book! Brought back memories of the trip I took there in 2014. Stayed in a villa on a vineyard in Tuscany (San Genarro). Highly recommend An Italian Journey for reminiscing.

James Ernest Shaw has written eloquently about his own Odyssey. Travelling across the Tuscan hills by bicycle is itself no mean feat, arriving at a strange farm with limited Italian and meeting olive picking targets and building a dry stone wall tested his mettle still further - but he was on a voyage of discovery about what makes Italians and thus Italy such a wonderful place - and he has made from his travels a wise and thought-provoking book - I enjoyed it very much.

I so enjoyed reading this beautifully written book about James Shaw's love affair with Italy and its people. I have known Jim for years and realized his talents in film and photography but never knew his talent flowed over into a very powerful use of language. I would, and have, recommended this to many people who enjoy stories that speak to the heart and soul of who we are.

A wonderful experience to share with Mr. Shaw. As he bikes his way thru the region, he somehow transports us with him on his adventure to find the clues as to what makes the Italian culture so appealing to many of us. Experiencing life in Tuscany among the olive groves, he also truly appreciates the uniqueness of the people he encounters. And with that, examines his own life, sharing it with his readers. His artistic soul is sensitive not only to the beauty of the setting, but also to the human heart. A wonderful and thought provoking read!

James Ernest Shaw's love of Italy and the Italian people so warmed my heart and soul. The "why" of who the Italian people are is so clearly written,coming straight from his heart to mine. His feeling about the faith and the following of the greatest commandment of all sums up the basis of the Italian spirit. Thanks be to God for Shaw's insightfulness. L.Aberdeen

To read James Shaws "An Italian Journey" is to embark on a journey of your own. Jim has the creative ability to transport us as we read of his journey in a way that makes one feel like the experience was ours.
I read this the first time while I sat by my mothers hospital bed and while reading I saw the grace that surrounds us every day, things we take for granted and saw the joy of recognizing them.
I have since recommended this book to several friends and family.

Absolutely loved the story that James Shaw wrote, true to his soul. While others thought he went too religious, I felt it was the right touch. This is his story and he wrote it with his feelings. It certainly made me want to explore the Tuscany region of Italy.

This book transported me back to two happy experiences. One was growing up on a farm with my Italian grandma; the other was spending a summer in Tuscany. Right away I was able to connect with the author and enjoy the adventure of searching for the secret of what makes Italians so marvelous. James Shaw's divided his adventures into engaging chapters that nicely incorporate quotes and beautiful illustration. Reading this book made my heart glow with appreciation for Italians, the land, and life in general.

The parts of book that dealt with the author's travels and experiences in Italy were very interesting and well written, but the excessive tangents and two pointless chapters at the end about his religious experiences and distain for modernized farming ruined what could have been a five-star book.

I've been to Italy twice and, like the author, I've fallen in love with Italy and the Italian people. I enjoyed reading about the author's experiences working in the olive groves and his interaction with the people. I did not enjoy reading about his religious opinions. Evolution vs. Creation - really? Better the author had stayed with harvesting olives and learning Italian.

Great book detailing how friendly and welcoming the Italian people are even to strangers. It is a journey through Tuscany as the author works in the olive groves. If you have ever been to Italy or plan to go this book is so detailed that you are right on the journey with the author. Will read again for sure.

Whilst I enjoyed the interesting and at times entertaining travel tale, I was quickly skipping chunks once I came across the never ending religious journey and sometime preaching tone of the author. This is a shame as the bones of the book had great promise. A lighter touch on the personal philosophical journey of the author would have been more acceptable to a wider reading public.

I was deeply disappointed in this book. It is not, in fact, a book about touring and enjoying exoeriences in Italy, particularly Tuscany. It is s thinly veiled ( and truly not well written, very sappy) about this author's religious and highly conservative social views. If that's what you want, have at it, that is your choice. That said, I feel it is disrespectfully and falsely marketed. At less than halfway through I became disinterested and bored. At 60% I was done and felt I wasted $9.99.

Refreshing to read a story about someone who wasn't renovating an an old farmhouse. Liked the
Christian viewpoint regarding Italians and their Catholic ways of doing things. A great non-biased book with some interesting conclusions

I like James Shaw's view of Tuscany. It's very different from other books about Tuscany. He seeks to find the root of why so many people fall in love with the country and the people that make it unique. A good read!

I got this free for my kindle and I always enjoy travel stories. The book is paced as the author paced his farming methods in Italy, slow and deliberate. I read about his biking, exploring places on foot and about the farms that he worked on. A mixture of back-to-the-small-farm movement, sprinkled with faith and surrounded by the breathtaking countryside.

The book was enjoyable until I got near the end. In the first 3/4 of the book, the author's faith was sprinkled among the story to add some depth of flavor. But then as he went home, the cap of the saltshaker was unscrewed and the salt was poured out. I am also a person of faith and enjoyed the earlier parts, but it just got too preachy at the end. Maybe a few pages would have been okay, but a few chapters worth was too much for me. He did answer in that ending, the question of what makes Italians the way they are in his own way, but I had to search through my skimming at the end to find it. It was an unsatisfying ending to the journey.

I read this during a five week stay in Tuscany, with something of the same goals in mind. I loved most of the book, but could have done without the heavy religious content. While I respect the author's opinions and found it interesting, so much of the content involved religious issues. At least, if I'd known about this aspect, I could have made a choice as to whether I was interested or not. So I skimmed to the end.

Memoir of Shaw, in his 60's, who decides to go to Italy and bicycle from Tuscan farm to Tuscan farm to help bring in the grape and olive harvest. His goal is to sit at the tables of these Italian farmers, learn their language, their way of life, and what makes them the special people they are. I loved this book! It made me want to get on a plane and fly off to Tuscany immediately (but NOT to bicycle from place to place!). Part travelogue, part memoir, part cultural study, just a wonderful book! [**FOR THOSE WHO OBJECTED TO THE "GOD STUFF" - if you only read books about things you like, holding views you hold, etc., you would have a rather short reading list and would miss opportunities to expand your understanding. I have read many books that contained language or violence or such that I don't personally practice, but that didn't keep me from enjoying (and even recommending) the books. Lighten up!**]

The reader of An Italian Journey is in for a special treat as they follow the author throughout his journey to small olive farms in Tuscany. As his mode of transportation, James Ernest Shaw chose to use a bicycle on which he pulled a 50 lb. trailer. What an excellent way to experience the land and people of Italy. Before you finish reading the book, you will have no doubt of James' love for God, his relationship with Christ, and his love for the land that God created. This is one of those books you will want to read twice.

I failed to read past the first few pages of very positive reviews shown in the Kindle store on the Kindle itself. Won't do that again. The Author took what would have been an enjoyable story off his travels as a WWOOF in Tuscany and turned it into a lesson in how to be a religious (righteous) person (like him). Wish I could get a refund.

I was very intrigued by all the decriptions of Tuscany and its beautiful countryside. I was disappointed by the long winded religious dissertations of the author. I was more interested in the Tuscany experience, rather than the religious experience.

Poorly written book in which the author takes his preconceived notions and goes on to "prove" them. He actually gets to know few locals, has a "moment" because a truck driver does not beep his horn at him. Author is false in telling locals what he really thinks. He has no impact on the lives of those he meets and when he can't find anything to say reverts to irrelevant religious themes. Author seems to not understand that he only saw a small part of a very regional country, he thinks all Italians are similar. He should have spent time in other parts of Italy. The authors religious themes come out of fear after an auto accident, not uncommon, he should have realized this. He never makes actual connections to people. Author did not spent enough time in Italy to know that when Italians were not allowed to divorce they moved on and lived with other people and had children with someone other than their spouse. The main problem with the book is he was not involved with local people, never made connections, or got to know anyone except on the most shallow level.

I enjoyed the half of the book dealing with his travels. Very fun read on his travels on his bike and the experiences with people.

I tired of the God preaching and skipped those parts of the book though.

Andy

There were some interesting aspects but I got sick of the author's propensity to suddenly go delving into his religious thoughts which really put me off. In fact, I became so frustrated with the lengthy discussions on religion that I deleted it from my kindle before I had finished it. It might be OK if you are into this sort of thing but I am not and none of the reviews I read gave any indication that the book contained pages of proselytizing. If I want to be preached to I will do it of my own accord. What a shame as I had enjoyed some of the descriptions of the countryside and buildings.

The book rambles on about the author's religious preferences and political affiliations. None if that is interesting to me. I was more interested in the Italian Journey promised. I won't finish the book, it's a real disappointment.

So, there I am in Tuscany, having paid for this book on my Kindle, thinking it would be a wonderful companion on the trip. For the first couple of chapters, it is, although the simplistic writing hovers at the fifth grade level. But I put up with it because, after all, I'm in Italy! He's in Italy! Then I notice the phrases "thanking the Lord" and "thanking god" start to creep into the narrative. I keep reading...after all, the man explains that he survived a terrible accident in his 30s. Who am I to judge him for turning to religion, although I didn't expect that to be the topic of a travel memoir... Plus, he's biking through Tuscany, working on farms...what a great story...right?

Unfortunately, Mr. Shaw does not seem to share my predilection for refraining from judging others. Here's where it starts to get funky: "Feel good government aid is hard to be against, but the time may be coming when bureaucrats won't [sic] have to see the errors of their ways - that by paying money for kids born out of wedlock, they are encouraging the bastardization of America, of Italy" (loc 1351). I read on, thinking that perhaps this was a minor preachy moment that would pass. Nope. "I was thinking that giving extra money to single mothers discourages marriages, pure and simple. If we as a society dangle the carrot, should we be surprised that so many women take it?" (loc 1356) I keep reading from pure disbelief that this is in a book about "An Italian Journey". And then, he says to Pietro, "I just read that forty percent of the babies born in the United States are to unwed mothers", (loc 1360) RIGHT IN FRONT OF THE OLDER SINGLE MOTHER WHO IS HIS HOST. Wait...it gets better...he congratulates himself for not going further "because it might have hurt Aurora's feelings..." (LOC 1364) Duh, YA THINK?!?!

Needless to say, I've deleted the book. What a disappointment. If I wanted to read about conservative moralistic thinking, I could have paid for something by Ann Coulter.

I have to agree with many other reviews, this book was not primarily about the Italian lifestyle but about religion and biking. The author seemed a little self centered. The Italian life style and people are marvelous, but very little of that is experienced in this book.

I was very intrigued by all the decriptions of Tuscany and its beautiful countryside. I was disappointed by the long winded religious dissertations of the author. I was more interested in the Tuscany experience, rather than the religious experience.

Poorly written book in which the author takes his preconceived notions and goes on to "prove" them. He actually gets to know few locals, has a "moment" because a truck driver does not beep his horn at him. Author is false in telling locals what he really thinks. He has no impact on the lives of those he meets and when he can't find anything to say reverts to irrelevant religious themes. Author seems to not understand that he only saw a small part of a very regional country, he thinks all Italians are similar. He should have spent time in other parts of Italy. The authors religious themes come out of fear after an auto accident, not uncommon, he should have realized this. He never makes actual connections to people. Author did not spent enough time in Italy to know that when Italians were not allowed to divorce they moved on and lived with other people and had children with someone other than their spouse. The main problem with the book is he was not involved with local people, never made connections, or got to know anyone except on the most shallow level.

I enjoyed the half of the book dealing with his travels. Very fun read on his travels on his bike and the experiences with people.

I tired of the God preaching and skipped those parts of the book though.

Andy

There were some interesting aspects but I got sick of the author's propensity to suddenly go delving into his religious thoughts which really put me off. In fact, I became so frustrated with the lengthy discussions on religion that I deleted it from my kindle before I had finished it. It might be OK if you are into this sort of thing but I am not and none of the reviews I read gave any indication that the book contained pages of proselytizing. If I want to be preached to I will do it of my own accord. What a shame as I had enjoyed some of the descriptions of the countryside and buildings.

So, there I am in Tuscany, having paid for this book on my Kindle, thinking it would be a wonderful companion on the trip. For the first couple of chapters, it is, although the simplistic writing hovers at the fifth grade level. But I put up with it because, after all, I'm in Italy! He's in Italy! Then I notice the phrases "thanking the Lord" and "thanking god" start to creep into the narrative. I keep reading...after all, the man explains that he survived a terrible accident in his 30s. Who am I to judge him for turning to religion, although I didn't expect that to be the topic of a travel memoir... Plus, he's biking through Tuscany, working on farms...what a great story...right?

Unfortunately, Mr. Shaw does not seem to share my predilection for refraining from judging others. Here's where it starts to get funky: "Feel good government aid is hard to be against, but the time may be coming when bureaucrats won't [sic] have to see the errors of their ways - that by paying money for kids born out of wedlock, they are encouraging the bastardization of America, of Italy" (loc 1351). I read on, thinking that perhaps this was a minor preachy moment that would pass. Nope. "I was thinking that giving extra money to single mothers discourages marriages, pure and simple. If we as a society dangle the carrot, should we be surprised that so many women take it?" (loc 1356) I keep reading from pure disbelief that this is in a book about "An Italian Journey". And then, he says to Pietro, "I just read that forty percent of the babies born in the United States are to unwed mothers", (loc 1360) RIGHT IN FRONT OF THE OLDER SINGLE MOTHER WHO IS HIS HOST. Wait...it gets better...he congratulates himself for not going further "because it might have hurt Aurora's feelings..." (LOC 1364) Duh, YA THINK?!?!

Needless to say, I've deleted the book. What a disappointment. If I wanted to read about conservative moralistic thinking, I could have paid for something by Ann Coulter.

The book rambles on about the author's religious preferences and political affiliations. None if that is interesting to me. I was more interested in the Italian Journey promised. I won't finish the book, it's a real disappointment.

I have to agree with many other reviews, this book was not primarily about the Italian lifestyle but about religion and biking. The author seemed a little self centered. The Italian life style and people are marvelous, but very little of that is experienced in this book.

I loved this book! Made me feel I was back in Italy although I never worked I was the tourist but did have the pleasure of two farms that I toured and enjoyed delicious meals. And I loved that the writer hit it head on. The people of ITALY know how to live, work, dine, dance and enjoy life no matter the hardships.

I enjoyed this book very much. I have read many books about Italy and Tuscany and this had a different take, one I had not encountered before. I noticed some "sheeple" panning the book for the references to GOD and religion, maybe out of their own fears or ignorance, but there is so much more here (and I am not discounting the spiritual nature of the book). Read to the end and hear the beautiful story of the authors revelations on the people of Italy (after all that was his quest), during WWII and you too will have a better understanding of the people of this beautiful country, you won't be disappointed!

My husband & I have been to Italy twice in the past two years. We visited the Tuscany region and several of the areas written about in the book. I really found myself riding along with you -- of course I would never have made it on a bike but I loved the story. Thank you for the enjoyable reading and getting to know some of the people you stayed with. You made me feel like I met them too. Thank you again!!

There is a bit of Italian, I believe, in everyone's soul and many different ways to discovering and enjoying this special spirit. In AN ITALIAN JOURNEY, James Ernest Shaw takes us along on a voyage, not just into Italy's heart, but his own. Shaw sought to connect with Italians by working side-by-side with them in Tuscan olive fields. But he harvested far more than a seasonal crop. Italy's people are indeed even more marvelous that their land, and Shaw's book is a worthy tribute to them.

If you're planning a trip to Italy, read this so you don't miss out on the Italy that tours never visit. If you're staying at home, just sit back and enjoy the ride. Preferably with a nice Tuscan wine at your side.

The book is interesting and I like his reflections. Sometimes it got a bit too long- maybe a little less reflection? He could come to the same conclusions in way less words. But the picture of Italy, it's countryside & its people was beautiful. His love for Italy shines through each page.

I traveled last year to Europe, 11 countries on europass. It was great for my first trip and perhaps my last who knows. But it would be great to bike although I probably wouldn't be up for it. I could pick olives, had no idea one could do this. I liked Italy and actually traveled more there than anywhere. But my connections were more in Switzerland. I didn't read many books before I went due to time but wish I had. Tis book just encourages me to want to travel back. I did visit many contacts, family and friends in each country but it would be fun to live there a longer time.
I also thought it was interesting how James shared his beliefs and why, not an easy thing to do in a "story" book. Hope it is an encouragement to all who read it believing there is a higher purpose in life.

I wouldn't have purchased this book had I realized it was a treatise on the author's religious beliefs instead of Tuscan journey. A waste of money. And time, although when I realized the plot I stopped reading it. If I wanted to be proselytized I would go to Chick-fil-a.

Did anyone else feel maybe he should have had someone else read for him? My husband and I found his voice to be so incredibly difficult to listen to! It seemed like he needed to clear his throat the entire time (we have only made it through 1/3 of the book...maybe it gets better).

Proselytizing, christian drivel in the guise of a travelogue! Veteran travelogue reader and this is by far the worst experience I've encountered. The title and book description give no hint about the author's agenda. Disgusting!!!!!

A modern day pilgrim's odyssey in Tuscany's olive orchards.
James E. Shaw is a farmer, cyclist and filmmaker, with a youthful curiosity that has taken him on many interesting adventures over his 63 years. This is his account of a solo journey around Tuscany during the autumn olive harvest. His travelogue reflects on modern agriculture in the US and in Italy, while he revels in the glow of the Tuscan landscape and contemplates modern culture through the lens of his own religious awakening.

An Italian Journey reads like a classic road trip with the vehicle as metaphor. To make his journey affordable, he chose a small-wheeled folding bicycle that towed a luggage trailer. While pedaling his heavy load up the steep hills of Tuscany to 6 different farms over 7 weeks, Shaw picks olives for his room and board, breaks bread with his hosts, observes daily life, explores historic villages and shrines, and reflects on family, religion and culture.
His knowledgable insights about traditional farming methods, supplemented with frequent references to organic agriculture icons Rachel Carson, Wendell Berry and Michael Pollan are very astute and worthwhile for anyone who wonders about the future of food.
His interactions with, and observations about the eating traditions and familial dynamics of his Italian hosts were a pleasant surprise and provide entertaining studies in human nature. If you are considering your own pilgrimage to Italy to help with the autumn harvest, or for a bicycle trip, I can recommend this book.

I haven't finished it yet but almost. 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 famililiarity 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 is a fine substitute!

I bought this in a bookstore near where I live. I wish I'd read the reviews. This book does NOT represent what life is like in Italy/Tuscany. It's merely a far-right sermon filled with the author's narrow-minded hubris. There are such people in Italy for certain, but there are also many who do not fit into this rather low-brow mentality (thankfully).

I am a native Tuscan and spend part of each year there. I enjoy reading anything and everything about Italy so I was really excited to get this book on my Kindle.
It was interesting to read about the author's travels with his bike and his personal impressions of the people on the farms although he did not capture the true spirit of the Tuscans but an Americanized version of it.
This is ok as the American love affair with Italy is always charming.
What was not ok, was the personal religious and political interpretations of the author and the explanations of Tuscany and Tuscans within that context.
I am a religious person too. However, I was put off by the author's religious personalization of everything around him. Tuscans (and Italians) are very spiritual but not necessarily religious. In fact, they are famous for being extremely independent thinkers. The author also stated his views on farm subsidies as fact, not opinion.
I found the book very disappointing.

Forget the tour buses and swarms of tourists charging off the ships. Instead, ride a small bike (named friday) from farm to farm meeting the locals, working and living and eating with them, becoming close to the things that matter. This is a story of the land, the food, the wine, and working together in fulfilling a quest of why Italians are the way they are, why the simple things become the most important and the compassion they have in living .
so many of us would love to live this book. Now James has done it for us and allowed us to come along. I like it all, an adventurous journey and a compassionate author. Well Done, Well Done.

I thoroughly enjoyed An Italian Journey! What a charming and wonderful story with such heart and vivid imagery! I found myself picking it up and not wanting to put it down. Perhaps it is my own love of Italy and my dream of living there and James' ability to transport me into my dream or perhaps it is just a wonderful book. Either way, I recommend you see for yourself!

An Italian Journey is an easy read that does take you to Italy. You can feel yourself biking through the fields and hills of Tuscany. The only problem is that you want to book your airline ticket to go. What a wonderful experience to travel with Mr. Shaw on his adventure

It's such a big dissapointment that such a great and fun to read book about Tuscany, Italians, Italian way of life turns to a Christian propaganda in the second half of the book. I truely enjoyed the Tuscany travel of Mr Shaw, and being an owner of a small olive farm, he inspired me a lot about the connection between the land and its people but I would much prefer if he had saved his religious views for another book..

I read this book on a trip to Tuscany so I thoroughly enjoyed the read. I too loved the people, the food, the wine...and the list could go on. I'm returning to Italy in 2016 and will probably pay another visit to the area. I plan check out more writings by Mr. Shaw as I like his style of writing.