Review: Wish You Were Italian by Kristin Rae

Add to Goodreads

Title: Wish You Were Italian
Author: Kristin Rae
Publisher: Bloomsbury
Pub. Date: May 6, 2014
Genre: YA
Rec. Age Level: 12+

Pippa is dreading the summer art program her parents are making her participate in, an extension of their dreams rather than her own. The only redeeming factor is that the program is in Italy, a country steeped in history, culture, and romance. It isn't until Pippa decides to take her trip into her own hands - ditching the art program and striking off on her own - that the summer starts looking up. She's taken in by an Italian family that gives her a place to live and a job in their family cafe and sets out to accomplish a list of goals: swim in the Mediterranean, eat plenty of gelato, and fall in love with an Italian. But love is never predictable and Pippa may have to leave Italy without fulfilling her goal of falling for a boy of Italy.

It's been a long time since I've read a book that was purely a pleasure read and I enjoyed every moment of it! I picked this one up to de-stress and distract myself from the craziness of school and work and was incredibly happy with my choice. I hate using the term fluffy to describe books because I feel like there's a negative connotation with that label, so I'll say this debut from Rae is like... gelato, refreshing, sweet, and quickly devoured.

I've never been to Italy - or anywhere out of the country - but this novel completely called out to the romantic wanderlust that occasionally plagues me. Not only does Pippa explore a gorgeous country rich with amazing history and good food, she meets wonderful people and is romanced by two gorgeous guys. I'm a sucker for cute, romantic travel movies a la Chasing Liberty (with Mandy Moore), so, for me, the plot of WISH YOU WERE ITALIAN was perfect.

I'll definitely be looking for more from Kristin Rae and reading the rest of the If Only line from Bloomsbury!