Too Much Tuscan Sun: Confessions of a Chianti Tour Guide (Insiders' Guides) by Dario Castagno, Robert Rodi Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of Too Much Tuscan Sun: Confessions of a Chianti Tour Guide (Insiders' Guides)
Book Review: I wish I had loved it, but................
Summary: 1 Stars
The title really caught my eye. I loved the Mayes book, and was hoping for perhaps the 'other side'. Plus, having travelled alot in Tuscany, I looked forward to the tidbits and warm sunshiny exploits. The writing was sadly not compelling, and although I did read it through to the end ("maybe the next chapter will have the gem...") I never found the good parts. It says to me that, even with the potential of great content, the storytellers skills need to be masterful to have a home run. It's not in this book, sorry to say.Book Review: Fast, easy read. Very funny.
Summary: 5 Stars
Maybe you have to know Dario to understand the quips and subtleties of this fun and easy-to-read jaunt through Tuscany. In contrast to some of the reviews and as a paying customer of Dario, I found absolutely no insult in any of his anecdotes. Rather, many chuckles at the foibles and eccentricities of fellow travelers. Plus, many remembrances of unique experiences he offers as a guide when we visit his corner of the world. This book is very funny and a great, quick read. A definite must-read for any Tuscan enthusiast.Book Review: Tuscany Overdone? This proves it.
Summary: 3 Stars
We have enjoyed vacations in Tuscany for nine years...a total of over 30 weeks staying in the same villa near Certaldo. For the past four years we have worked like contadini for the olive harvest. Naturally, this book's title had some appeal. Having heard the adventures of several of our friends who have traveled to Italy, I can well understand how Dario had met his share of jerks. So why not chronicle their foibles? Of course, future "jerks" probably are reading publications other than this one, so they no doubt will not learn from it. So it boils down to Dario getting some frustrations off of his chest, at the same time telling the reader what a laid-back, well-informed guy he is. And at the same time, selling books and olive oil (check out the web site). What visitors to Tuscany really should be reading is Iris Origo and other tales of WWII. But I truly enjoyed the 2 hours it took to read this book.Book Review: Don't waste your time or money
Summary: 1 Stars
This book had the potential to be so much better. Unfortunately, it feels like it was only written to take advantage of Ms. Mayes' fame. Her books aren't favorites of mine, but at least she's sincere in her admiration of Italy and the Italians, and she can create a sweet turn of phrase occasionally.
Don't look for good writing in this book - you won't find any. Castagno favors taking cheap shots at people who have paid him to be their guide. Just what we all want to do, right? Pay some guy to make fun of us, and read about what fools we are.
I found his tales of juvenile delinquency (breaking into houses in the countryside and treating them as his own) more than a little off putting. He writes about it quite cavalierly, claiming boredom and having a good time with friends. In America, we call that breaking and entering - and people usually go to jail for it!
I really disliked this book, and recommend that you look elsewhere for insights into the tour guide business!
Book Review: Easy to read, easy to laugh easy to cry
Summary: 5 Stars
What else can you desire from an easy read like Too Much Tuscan Sun ? Its well written, funny and makes you shed tears towards the end.
I thought it was "delizioso"