AuthorsDen: Reviews at a Glance

Recent Reviews for Joanna M Leone

Julia's and Gus' Table (Short Story) - 10/5/2009 7:28:26 PM
Dear Joanna, Great food, a little nostalgia, factual history and romance--can't beat that combination!! Great read!! Micki

Julia's and Gus' Table (Short Story) - 10/3/2009 5:50:23 AM
From: Stephen De Francesco vito.francesco.att.net To: Joanna M. Leone JMaria165.hotmail.com "Nice story,how romantic. Stephen DeFrancesco North Haven, CT

Italian American Cory Pesaturo (Short Story) - 9/13/2009 7:05:16 AM
A nicely written warmly told story Joanna. Quite a conincidence for me as I practiced the accordian from age 9 to age 12. 30 minute home lessons and one a week group lessons. But finally got tired of it. But your story is more than the actual accordian, but a love of what you do. I liked your 'wrap up' of the story about 'if I could sketch', as it made the image of the father giving the accordion to his son strong and memorable. You wove in some good history as well. I didn't know that accordians came backin the '90s. Keep up the good writting.

Italian American Cory Pesaturo (Short Story) - 9/12/2009 7:49:02 PM
Dear Joanna, This was a lovely story. I enjoyed it very much. I remember when I was twelve I wanted a piano--I got an accordian which I was terrible at and ended up with a guitar--an instrument I never mastered but taught enough to my oldest daughter that she is proficient at it. And she got the piano!! Great, enjoyable story. she can play by ear and read music and is quite a talented songwriter. So my musical lack was enough to activate her talent. Micki Peluso

Italian American Cory Pesaturo (Short Story) - 9/10/2009 4:27:46 PM
A beautiful story and another examnple of why we are proud to be Italian. The last line of the story says "songs which he played by ear." It sounds like he plays his music from his heart! Nice job Joanna.

Italian American Cory Pesaturo (Short Story) - 9/10/2009 2:02:47 PM
Great story!!!

Italian American Love and Devotion (Short Story) - 9/8/2009 7:26:08 PM
From one Italian to another. Bravissima!

Sundays From Norwalk to Portchester (Short Story) - 8/27/2009 7:19:59 PM
Dear Joanna, wonderful post!! I can hear Dean Martin singing "Volare", one of my favs, even now as i read this--loved the song and him. You bring back great memories. All the best, Micki

The Italian American Reads a Letter From 1946 (Short Story) - 8/24/2009 3:12:16 PM
To:JMaria165.hotmail.com From: Sergio Roffo Hi Joanna, I loved reading your story. I was born in San Donato. In fact, my mother was Donata Tramontozzi before she became a Roffo to Pasquale. I go back all the time, Its Italy's best kept secret. You can google me and find mi Bio somewhere. www.SergioRoffo.com From: Sergio Roffo Scituate, MA

The Italian American Bedroom La Camera da Letto (Bedroom at Nonna's house) (Short Story) - 8/22/2009 8:24:55 AM
To:JMaria165.hotmail.com From: Terry, Boston MA (North End) Hi Joanna--- My husband, Jim used to fly back from NY with bags of crusty Italian bread whenever he could fit it into a business trip. Hilarious to go through security with bags of bread. My Mom used to send me pasta by UPS. I live just a few blocks from the North End. I grew up in Newton, Massachusetts in the village of Nonantum. Nonantum has tremendous ties to San Donato. Two of my Aunts married Leones. (My mom had 8 sisters and 2 brothers.) In 2001, the Jackson Homestead (a small historic museum in Newton) had an exhibit "the Women of Nonantum" and many pieces of my Nona's crocheted handiwork was on display. Nonantum and San Donato have an official Friendship Decree between them. I did not know that until recently. I'm proud because I am a woman of Nonatum myself, having been raised across the street from my Nona and my cousins and my Grand Aunt who was the neighborhood Malorcha expert. BTW, I'm the only one of my generation who continued the tradition of lace crochet. Nona always checked my crochet and my embroidery. I think she was very particular about my work, always checking the back of the embroidery to make sure it was as neat as the front, because she sensed that I would love handwork as much as she. I'm teaching my grandkids because my daughters weren't interested. I relate to your stories and love reading them so much. We were raised with so many of the same traditions, the best of which is that "Family is Everything." From, Terry-Boston MA (North End)

The Italian American in San Donato, Italy (Short Story) - 8/22/2009 7:53:00 AM
To:JMaria165.hotmail.com From TD Hi Joanna My husband loves living near the North End. He would eat pasta every night of the week if he could. Actually he usually finds a way. He is not Italian, but has happily become Italian by desire and osmosis. He's learned to hug everyone in sight and to take an hour to say good bye when the gathering is over. I remember bringing him over to Nona's house and introducing him as my boyfriend many years ago. She talked to him, asked him a few questions, and offered him pasta and beans which happened to be on the stove that day. Nona always had a huge pot of something wonderful cooking on her wood burning stove. Anything from chicken soup to polenta could be the choice of the day. No one went home hungry from Nona's house. The next time I saw her she talked to me about my boyfriend. She had a few questions about him but the "important" question finally came. "Is he Italian?" "Umm, No, Nona." .....She paused a moment and commented in her kindest way, "Oh well, he's a nice boy anyway!" That was Nona, always accepting. She treated him as if he were Italian for the rest of her life and my husband loved her back. Nona and all of the Women of Nonantum hung rosary beads out the window on the night before our wedding so the weather would be good for the celebration. That year, it rained or drizzled 26 of the 30 days in June. But the sun shone brightly on our wedding day. Thanks Nona.-From TD, Boston, MA

Italian American Love and Devotion (Short Story) - 8/12/2009 10:03:31 AM
I hope the readers of my story can relate to the devotion and love that we, as Italians, have for our family and our heritage. They are intertwined and unseparatable. I wanted to tell a part of our family's history and give the reader a taste of what those brave and loving family members did in those early years.

Italian American Summer (Short Story) - 8/6/2009 1:43:09 PM
Well, Joanna, that painted a very clear and colorful picture! I'm sure I know now what it was like at your house on one of those Sundays. I think I could even smell, taste, and feel much of it, especially the hot baked ziti on a hot summer Sunday! And all I can say is, I sure wish I had been one of your friends back then! What meals!

Italian American Love and Devotion (Short Story) - 7/29/2009 7:17:21 PM
Joanna, What a charming story!! I hope you are putting these together in an Italian slice of life collection!!I think it will really sell. Good luck and love, Micki

Italian American Love and Devotion (Short Story) - 7/28/2009 5:07:09 PM
Ottimo!

Italian American Continuation of From the Window in Italy. (Short Story) - 7/16/2009 5:37:45 PM
Great story. You have il regalo!--BH.

Joanna Leone's Italian American Summer Pasta Salad (Short Story) - 7/8/2009 11:20:54 AM
Joanna, that is so odd. I just had the most disgusting pasta salad that my mother made LOL. I also just sent my book cover to Jeannine, so I think the magazine will be out soon. I really do! I have a new authorsden page. I deleted the old. Take care:)

Italian American Rainy Day (Short Story) - 7/3/2009 1:01:03 AM
Excellent ideas.Thank you for sharing it.Its always important for a person to be close to his or her soulmate no matter what day it is,what time it is or what weather it is.You know something,a man can recite his poem underneath an umbrella with his woman being next to him.Also a man can bring a small little radio and find a very romantic place in the park like a shade underneath a bridge.They can just slow dance to a love song from the likes of Alicia Keys,Barry White,John Legend,etc.That would be nice and it would show a woman that he really loves her

Italian American Journey to the Barbados (Short Story) - 7/3/2009 12:39:01 AM
Hi Joanna,I really enjoy reading this story.To quote a McDonalds commercial,I am loving it.When I expressed and revealed my traditions,it took me back to memory lane in my childhood as I reminsce about my family dancing to calypso and socca in my home.To be honest with you,I was hungry when I read the foods in the story lol.Its always important for a person to go back to their roots.Like the old saying goes,in order for a person to know where he or she is going,then they have to go back and know where they came from.I had a blast going back to memory lane.When I talked about my Carribean traditions,my grandmother and my mother,it makes me feel proud of the type of person that I was and the type of person I am right now.Thank you :-) EDWIN

Italian American Rainy Day (Short Story) - 6/26/2009 10:00:15 AM
Great ideas, Joanna! Lin

Italian American Rainy Day (Short Story) - 6/24/2009 6:55:58 PM
Joanna-- Well said!! I was feeling a bit down until I heard you were single lol. I want you to rewrite this when you've been married for say fifty years--like me. It's great tips but it's hard to accomplish as life often gets in the way in so many ways. All we can do is keep trying. Micki Peluso

Italian American Rainy Day (Short Story) - 6/24/2009 8:51:46 AM
Great tips now just need to do them lol fee

Italian American Rainy Day (Short Story) - 6/24/2009 5:41:10 AM
Great advice, Joanna. It's been raining here for 5 days....we've all had enough. Just may take your advice on a couple of these ideas. Anna

Italian American Walk to the Garden of Love (Short Story) - 6/9/2009 12:41:52 PM
Beautiful write! Lin

Italian American Walk to the Garden of Love (Short Story) - 6/8/2009 2:42:50 PM
I was lucky to be the daughter of Bruno and Marie. Their love and marriage set a very high bar, which I always admired. My father was by my mother's side every minute of the day and exceeded his vows..."for better or worse, in sickness and in health." Although she is no longer with us her spirit lives within all her children, grandchildren, and especially my dad.

The Italian American Man in October Uomini, fogli ed il vento di ottobre (Poetry) - 10/25/2009 6:58:43 PM
There are many moving moments in pose you have touched upon them all .. Eugene Willams

Sounds of Italy (Poetry) - 10/17/2009 7:51:01 PM
Let's go! Arrevidenci

Tribute to Fishermen (Poetry) - 9/15/2009 10:26:57 AM
I loved the way you captivated the fishernans work in poetic song. Another Winner! Many Bleesing My Italian Friend, John Michael

Italian American Rose (Poetry) - 9/10/2009 10:08:51 AM
Well done! You ARE a rose! Amen

Italian American Rosa -Italian version (Poetry) - 8/27/2009 9:52:42 AM
Knowing French and some Spanish, I get bits and pieces of this, Joanna. It does sound lovely though. Thank you. Love and best wishes, Regis

Italian American Rosa -Italian version (Poetry) - 7/23/2009 7:07:27 PM
Dear Joanna, As lovely as the Italian language is, I would love to read this in English. I can only grasp a bit of the Italian. Thanks, Micki Peluso

Tribute to Fishermen (Poetry) - 7/23/2009 7:01:52 AM
Loved it! Wonderful trbiute to a fisherman's soul. Great visuals. Anna

Italian American Rosa -Italian version (Poetry) - 7/20/2009 5:22:42 PM
now i know why my father said to learn Italian ...

Italian American Rosa -Italian version (Poetry) - 7/20/2009 9:40:36 AM
Dear Joanne, This is a lovely poem. I wonder who doesn't need your love. La vita e l'amore. Avanti. Please translate this lovely poem. Love Emile

Italian American Rose (Poetry) - 7/17/2009 2:03:49 PM
THOUGHTS OF ONE OF HIS CREATIONS THAT HE USES TO REMIND US OF HIS LOVE THAT ALWAYS THERE...NO MATTER WHAT THE WEATHER. BLESSINGS AND THANKS FOR SHARING. JOYCE * HIS INSPIRATIONS

The Italian American Christmas Poem 'Twas the Night Before Christmas (Poetry) - 7/15/2009 9:21:38 PM
Hi Joanna This is priceless! Thank you so much. Cheers! Liz

Italian American Sisters (Poetry) - 7/15/2009 9:19:33 PM
Hi Joanna I always wished I'd had siblings. Sounds like a marvellous family. Be well, Liz

Cobblestone Roads That Lead You Home (Poetry) - 7/15/2009 9:16:44 PM
Hi Joanna By any chance, are you an artist as well as a writer? This is sooooo beautiful. Thank you, Liz

Tribute to Fishermen (Poetry) - 7/15/2009 9:14:16 PM
Hi Joanna I'm not mad about the ocean, except to look at it and I hate fishing. But I do love the poem - your paint a beautiful picture. Be well, Liz

Sounds of Italy (Poetry) - 7/9/2009 5:10:21 AM
Lovely poem, How I long to be in Italy once more also. Much peace, love, and light, Amber "V"

Sounds of Italy (Poetry) - 7/8/2009 4:50:50 PM
Beautiful poem by Dee,I enjoy reading it and I hope she one day goes to Italy.Thank you for sharing this poem from her Joanna,take care EDWIN

Sounds of Italy (Poetry) - 7/6/2009 8:20:26 PM
I do believe I can share in her sentiments as I would love to go at least once to have come full circle and an opportunity to visit with relatives I only know names.... Be always safe, Karen

Sounds of Italy (Poetry) - 7/6/2009 5:30:16 PM
Ahh, what a sweet poem--makes me want to go to Italy too , also makes me want that blue-eyeed man. :) Must be northern Italy where they really are blue-eyed italian men. Micki Peluso

Sounds of Italy (Poetry) - 7/6/2009 11:53:23 AM
Very nicely done and makes me want to go to Italy as well... Fee

Sounds of Italy (Poetry) - 7/6/2009 9:14:54 AM
VIVID IMAGERY IN THIS LOVELY WORK THAT EXPOSES THE WRITERS HEARTFELT DESIRE TO SEE HER FOREFATHERS LAND. ENJOYED. THANKS FOR SHARING AND BLESSINGS. JOYCE

Sounds of Italy (Poetry) - 7/6/2009 9:09:28 AM
Beautiful, nostalgic write! I understand her feelings of longing! Lovely poem. Anna

Italian American Hearts (Poetry) - 6/26/2009 10:06:25 AM
You put your heart and soul in this one. God bless you! LOL Giovanni

Italian American Tribute to Veterans (Poetry) - 6/3/2009 11:35:02 AM
We owe a tremendous and awesome debt of honor to all our war veterans throughout the ages who put themselves in harm's way to defend the Homeland. God bless America ! And kudos to you Joanna Peter

Omaggio ai pescatori (Poetry) - 5/23/2009 1:46:30 PM
Ciao Ciao ! Fishermen do a great and dangerous job. And the greatest of them all was Peter..:) Peter

Omaggio ai pescatori (Poetry) - 5/20/2009 7:32:23 PM
Dear Joanna, What a wonderful and thoughtful thing to do--thanks, even though I can't read a word, I have read it in english. Hmm . . . I think. Micki Peluso