|
A weeklong seminar about the history of Italian food brings Janine Fiori and six other chefs to an oceanfront resort on the East End of Long Island. |
|
Book Club Discussion Questions Below |
|
“The variety of recipes is impressive.” “Con Amore combines the main ingredients of Italian history and geography with a large dollop of romance—and even a pinch of intrigue … 37 original recipes are woven into the narrative. It is difficult to read them without wanting to put the book down, head for the store for ingredients and then hurry to the kitchen with baking pans in hand. The variety of recipes is impressive.” Kathleen Beasley, In Buona Salute Magazine |
|
A romance novel by Italian American author Janice Therese Mancuso |
|
About Con Amore |
|
Book Club Discussion Questions 1. Janine is able “to put aside unresolved issues and not let them stand in the way” of what she has to do. Do you think that’s possible? 2. What are some of your favorite dishes on the menu at Janine’s cafe? 3. The first five chapters of Con Amore describe various events in Janine’s life. From her reactions to these events, what characteristics describe Janine? 4. Why does Janine have immediate conflicts after seeing James? 5. Chef Buonappi is retiring because the food business is in his blood, but not in his heart. Have you ever felt that you must continue, even though your heart says otherwise? 6. Do you think the chefs provided a good cross-section of personalities? 7. What was your initial reaction to Donatella and her treatment of Janine? Did your opinion change as the story unfolded? 8. What did you think of Stoney Creek Vineyard? 9. Do you think James’ words and actions are believable? 10. How are Janine and Tovina similar? How are they different? 11. Why do you think Detective Domandare made Janine feel uncomfortable? 12. What did you think about the conversation between Janine and Stefano at the Oyster Bar? Were you surprised by their actions in the limousine? 13. What do you think of Marco’s (various) circumstances? Select one and discuss what you would do. 14. Did you find a connection in the conversation between Janine and Chef Buonappi and the ship on the horizon? 15. Did you agree with Chef Buonappi’s choice of his protégé? Why? If not, who would you have selected and why? 16. Did you find the lectures on the history of Italy interesting? What did you enjoy the most? The least? 17. What should Janine do next? 18. Of all the characters, besides Janine, who was your favorite and why? 19. Are you planning to or have you made any recipes from Con Amore? What are some of your favorites and why? 20. Were the maps helpful in providing a point of reference in the story? 21. How would you best describe Con Amore? Is it a romance novel, a culinary novel, an Italian American novel, or something else? |
|
Janice Therese Mancuso |
|
All photographs ©2004-2006 JTM ©2011 Janice Therese Mancuso |
|
Recipe for |
|
Recipe for |