A (Not So) Lonely Planet: Italy is the crazy, sexy, fun-filled Eurotrip-esque romp that most women dream of but will probably never experience. Because let’s be real, ladies — most of us don’t have the balls (or figa) to let ourselves actually have THIS. MUCH. FUN.
You guys, this book had me laughing my ass off. Quite honestly, A (Not So) Lonely Planet: Italy by Karina Kennedy is proably my favorite read of the past year. It’s that fantastic.
Okay, where do I start? So many things to love about this travel comedy, which follows writer Marina Taylor on her solo adventure around Italy to 1) research “Italian Women of Influence” and 2) “Date Like a Man.” Along the way, Marina meets colorful characters and gets herself into some hilariously laugh-out-loud awkward situations.
You remember Becky Brandon née Bloomwood of the Shopaholic series? That’s Marina. You’ll be cringing at the debacles she finds herself in, then eagerly turning the page to see what happens next.
Of course, many of these deblaces involve sex. European sex.
If you’re a bit prudish, consider yourself forewarned. You’re going to be reading about a lot of sex, a lot of orgasms. A lot of figa talk. (You’ll learn what that means, if you haven’t figured it out already.) A (Not So) Lonely Planet: Italy is steamy as hell, in all the right ways and as befits the escapades of 24-year-old woman trying to “date like a man” in Italy.
Brava, honey. Do it for all of us. [Side note: I traveled around Italy after college; my adventures were nowhere near as exciting as Marina’s. womp, womp)
For those of you looking for more than sexcapades, rest assured that author Kennedy delivers there, too. As one would expect with any novel about Italy, there’s mouth-watering descriptions of food and talk of gorgeous landscapes. There’s also a glamarous Italian villa and a totally hot French-Italian photographer. There’s also a decent amount of history in the story since Marina is technically on a research trip for her book. (Note: the history behind Wonder Woman is pretty fascinating.)
One of the best parts of A (Not So) Lonely Planet: Italy is all the people Marina meets on her adventures; each character brings tons of charm, humor, and eccentricity to the story. Numerous travel buddies enter and exit throughout the novel, but Yang is my favorite. I love how she ends every overly direct sentence with “mate.” You’ll be cracking up every five seconds when she’s around.
Pick up A (Not So) Lonely Planet: Italy for a bunch of laughs, a vicarious trip to Italy, and some damn good ideas about what to do with sexy Italian men who might stumble across your path.
And, be sure to check back in for my book-inspired recipe: Creamy Tomato Pasta.
Special thanks to Kaye Publicity for sending me a complimentary copy of A (Not So) Lonely Planet: Italy. All opinions expressed in this review are my own, and I was not compensated in any way for this review or for any other promotion/publicity I’ve done related to this book.
I’m guessing there was a lot of food inspiration in this book! 😋😋
SO MUCH!!! It was difficult to choose what to make. 🙂
GRAZIE for this awesome review of Marina’s grand adventure through Italy. I’m so glad you enjoyed it. I hope she inspires adventurous travelers the way you inspire us in the kitchen!!
Thanks, Karina! I was ready to jump aboard a plane to Italy after reading Marina’s story. It’s just so good!