Italian lessons Fifty things we know about life now

Prolific author Severgnini (Off the Rails, 2019) is known for his thoughtful observations about his home country and his fellow Italians. This current offering consists of 50 lessons Italians have learned about life and living and how to manifest this societal wisdom, especially when facing a global pandemic. His engaging essays explain why everyone should be Italian ("Because the rest of the world looks at you: Italians see you"; "Because we smile in spite of everything.") and revolve around Italy's response to COVID-19. Severgnini incorporates history lessons, quotes from philosophers and statesmen, critiques of art and contemporary culture, and commentary on everything from poetry to preschool to pronouns. He employs sympathetic humor and genial personal anecdotes (he's a university professor, newspaper columnist, and world traveler, among other titles). He addresses world events through comparative national lenses, raising thought-provoking questions. Ranging in tone from didactic to amusing to evocative, these essays are always interesting. Severgnini's ultimate reassuring takeaway for the future? There's hope--especially if you're Italian.