​The Italian Book Club of Philadelphia

Want to explore new voices in Italian contemporary narrative, but you don't know the language?
There’s an entire world of literature out there,
Explore it with Manuela Coppola.

Free and Open to AISPhila members    
​Books and Discussion will be in English, via Zoom.
If interested, please write to info@aisphila.org
 2023 Program
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September 28 at 6:00 PM : Domenico Starnone, The House on Via Gemito   NEW DATE!!
October 19 at 6:00 PM: Helena Janeczek, The Girl with the Leika
November 16 at 6:00 PM  : Valeria Parrella, Almarina
December 21at 6:00 PM : Igiaba Scego, The Color Line
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​Want to explore new voices in Italian contemporary narrative, but you don't know the language?
There’s an entire world of literature out there, if you just look beyond what was written in your native tongue.
Major works in other languages are being translated into English all the time, meaning that there’s no time like the present for you to enjoy books from places like Italy.
If you're a AISPhila Member and you’re looking to get your literary passport stamped, here a destination to start you off - the new Italian Book Club Of Philly, organized by the America-Italy Society Of Philadelphia and conducted by Manuela Coppola, via Zoom.

Every month, we'll read and discuss (in English) a contemporary Italian novel, translated into English, and we'll choose books easy to buy on Amazon.
Past events
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Thursday, May 25 at 12:30 p.m.  
​Maura Malfatto interviewing via Skype Italian author  Gianrico Carofiglio.

Gianrico Carofiglio is a novelist and former anti-Mafia judge in the Italian city of Bari. His debut novel, Involuntary Witness, published in 2002 and translated into English in 2005 by Patrick Creagh, ... Wikipedia

                              Event open only to our advanced students and members.
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​RULES OF THE ITALIAN BOOK CLUB OF PHILADELPHIA
  1. Meetings for members and students of AISP.
  2. Dates: every last Thursday of even months from 5.45 pm to 7.15 pm at AISP, 1420 Walnut Street, room 310, Philadelphia or in local Caffe's.
  3. Discussion starts at 6.00 pm sharp!
  4. It is not a scholar lecture. We value social and bonding experiences.
  5. Everyone should have completely read the book before the meeting.
  6. NO more than 2 consecutive absences are allowed.
  7. The Italian Book Club of Philadelphia offers an opportunity to learn. Consider it an enjoyable form of continuing education.
  8. Title selection policy. An exploration of different genres, authors, and times.
  9. Criteria for selection of titles: 1) books that stretch your mind, or “take you places you haven’t been before,” and 2) warrant collaborative discussion.
  10. Discussions to be spontaneous and inclusive.
  11. Follow our newly created Goodreads Group “the Italian Book Club of Philadelphia”  to share your comments and spark discussion. Be an advocate for reading more literature in translation!
  12. Have fun engaging in the process of shared exploration. And be careful. Group grope can be addictive!
During meetings
  • Come with one question & one passage to discuss
  • Share “What was your reading experience?” more than if you liked it or not.
  • Use your statements as provocative questions to stimulate discussion.
  • Share your reactions to the book. Is the author evoking a cerebral response, making you think, or is she/he evoking a visceral response? Does your response emanate from your head or from your guts?
  • Share your thoughts on the  language, the translation if read in two languages, narrative voice, character development, plot development, author’s vision/intent, mood and setting.
Guidelines freely taken from"Ten Tips for Starting and Running a Successful Book Club, by Rachel Jacobsohn, Author of The Reading Group Handbook, (Hyperion, revised edition, April, 1998)
The America-Italy Society of Philadelphia promotes friendship and cultural understanding between ​the Republic of Italy and the United States of America