Week 12 Prompt Response

1. Where is the book on the narrative continuum? o   Highly narrative (reads like fiction) ✔   A mix (combines highly narrative moments with periods of fast-paced prose) o   Highly fact based (has few or no narrative moments)

2. What is the subject of the book?  The author's life, largely revolving around his Italian heritage and love of food.

3. What type of book is it? A celebrity memoir

4.  Articulate appeal What is the pacing of the book?  While it reads quickly, Tucci never rushes and guide readers through his story and favorite meals and recipes at a medium pace. Describe the characters of the book. The main characters of the book are Tucci himself, of course, as well as his evolving family throughout his life. Tucci brings real life to his family, especially his mother and Italian-immigrant grandmother in the early parts of the book. Tucci occasionally (self-effacingly) name drops high profile chefs and prominent restaurants, and maintains a rotating cast of friends and service workers throughout. How does the story feel?  Nostalgic, appetizing, curious What is the intent of the author?            Reflect on life and culture What is the focus of the story?  Important food and meals of Tucci's life, how food was a constant part throughout his life. This all surrounds and weaves through stories of his life. Does the language matter? Yes. The story is told in the author's unique voice and language. Is the setting important and well described?  Yes. Tucci takes us from the New York suburbs of his childhood to the rolling countryside of Italy, with stops in New York City and his current London home in between. Are there details and, if so, of what? Yes, Tucci spends a lot of time detailing various meals and recipes in particular. Are there sufficient charts and other graphic materials? Are they useful and clear? The closest thing to this in this book would be the recipes. Yes, they are useful and clear. Does the book stress moments of learning, understanding, or experience? Yes, as Tucci reflects on his life he includes many moments of learning, understanding and experience, especially in relation to food and culture.

5.   Why would a reader enjoy this book (rank appeal)? 1. Learning/Experience                           2. Detail                                        3. Storyline