This author business is not for the faint of heart. One day you’re up, the next you’re convinced your book is the worst. And then you get news that lifts you, cheerleader-atop-a-pyramid high, and it feels so good.
I actually teared up reading the review of Come on Down! in La Nostra Voce this week. (Yes, I am a total softie/sap.) It meant so much coming from a newspaper written for the Italian Sons and Daughters of America.
You never really know how people who aren’t related to you will feel about your portrayal of Italianness. (Hell, sometimes you never know how your own family will feel about your writing!) Italians seem like we are all very similar, yet our family stories can differ wildly.
When I was a traffic reporter in LA decades ago, I used to talk about my mom on the air occasionally, and once I got such a hate-filled letter from a fellow Italian. She told me I was a disgrace to all Italians and said other mean things, I don’t recall, but the disgrace part stuck with me. Ken and Barkley, whose show it was, said they didn’t want her as a listener anymore anyway and ended up making me laugh about it…but you never forget words like that. They sting.
So, when you get a review from someone in your “tribe,” and it’s glowing, well it makes your entire month. So, please pardon me for sharing this bit of review joy, but I really can’t help myself. It’s not a call from Conan O’ Brien, or Jimmy Kimmel, but it means just as much…maybe more. Thank you La Nostra Voce’s book reviewer, Pamela Dorazio Dean and Editor, John Deike.
I also had a great time helping raise money for the AAUW, American Association of University Women. I got to talk about it on WBVP Radio with Scott Tady, who is always a joy to hang out with. Last Saturday, the AAUW held their annual Kitchen Tour. I didn’t get to tour any kitchens, but I fed people, donated $$, met some very cool women, and sold books, so…mission accomplished!
I am also excited to be on the Italian Show on WPIC 790, Sunday, October 18th. I’ll be hanging out with Joe Naples and Butch Nichols. I’m bringing food, my light up Jesus, and will be ready to swap stories of growing up Italian. Can’t wait!
3 Comments
Petrea Burchard
October 9, 2026 at 9:57 amI agree with Jerry! She’d be so proud.
I grew up in a WASPy-liberal family and our nextdoor neighbors were Italian. Well—the dad was Italian and the mom was a WASPy-liberal. Joe celebrated his heritage and shared it with pride. He was the most popular teacher in our high school. He loved his students, tough-loved them when necessary. For me, he was the guide I didn’t have at home. He died last month at age 95. Loved, and missed.
Julia Shure
October 9, 2026 at 9:48 amCongrats on the great review, Fran. I’m happy to see that you are still out there promoting your book.
Jeremiah/Jerry Kitchel
October 9, 2026 at 8:46 amFran, your Mom would be so proud of you. She would glow over your loving ability to give voice to her story, your family’s traditions, and the richness of Italian culture.