For about five years, Connie Sancetta, Italian American Cultural Foundation president and WRHS Council on Italian American History chairperson, has been hosting a small group of people who meet to discuss Italian and Italian American literature. The group gathers at Connie’s home on a Saturday afternoon, about three or four times a year, and all read a selection made by Connie or suggested by another member. Connie says that no study questions are distributed and readers are encouraged to avoid searching for interpretations on the web. Each individual’s own perspective of the literature makes for more interesting discussion.

The group has read and discussed quite a list of books, including “Oration on the Dignity of Man” by Giovanni Pico della Mirandolo, “Fortunate Pilgrim” by Mario Puzo, “The Prince” by Niccolo Machiavelli, and “Pinocchio” by Carlo Collodi. They have also read the play “Six Characters in Search of an Author” and watched two movies, “Bread and Chocolate” and “Cavalleria Rusticana.” “Bread and Wine” by Ignazio Silone is the next book for a gathering in March.

Connie said the idea to host a literature discussion group came about while brainstorming ideas for a new, low cost activity for the IACF with member Dan Cicora. Dan’s own love of reading Italian literature, particularly from the Renaissance period, prompted him to make the suggestion. While at first open only to IACF members, it is now open to everyone and anyone. Contact Connie Sancetta at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 440-247-1618 if you would like to join a group to talk about Italian and Italian American “letteratura.”