Rating: 
Summary: Enjoyable but not the best of the genre
Review: I am a fan of travel writing in general and I was interested in see a book on Rome, rather than the more common Tuscany, which was immediately a point in its favor. Some chapters I really enjoyed, while others were only so-so. I liked reading about Roman couples having their wedding pictures taken in front of the Coliseum, the allure of Roman women (though I would have liked a feminine perspective on the appeal of Roman men), why Roman shops often don't have change, and even how Romans do their laundry. The chapter on soccer didn't interest me at all and I felt some chapters could have done with more anecdotes rather than just descriptions.
It's not a linear story, the chapters jump around a bit. I'm not even sure what Epstein does for a living, though I think his wife is a therapist. Some of his comments about theAmerican way of life and it's political correctness and attitude do not apply to all parts of the US, so some of his comparisons should have been San Franciscans vs. Romans rather than Americans vs. Italians.
I know other reviewers have complained that he name drops too much, but I didn't think it was excessive. The only person I remember him mentioning he knew was former presidential candidate George McGovern. And yes, I do remember that he owns a Mercedes, but then it is a cheaper car in Europe that it is in the US. In any case, most Americans who manage to live abroad for several years past their twenties are usually upper-middle class or beyond (who else can afford it or arrange an appropriate job?)
Overall, I enjoyed it, but I didn't love it. If you like travel writing, you'll probably enjoy it. If you love Rome or are soon planning a trip there, it would be a great read for you.
Rating:
Summary: Enjoyable but not the best of the genre
Review: I am a fan of travel writing in general and I was interested in see a book on Rome, rather than the more common Tuscany, which was immediately a point in its favor. Some chapters I
really enjoyed, while others were only so-so. I liked reading about Roman couples having their wedding pictures taken in front of the Coliseum, the allure of Roman women (though I would have liked a feminine perspective on the appeal of Roman men), why Roman shops often don't have change, and even how Romans do their laundry. The chapter on soccer didn't interest me at all and I felt some chapters could have done with more anecdotes rather than just descriptions.It's not a linear story, the chapters jump around a bit. I'm not even sure what Epstein does for a living, though I think his wife is a therapist. Some of his comments about theAmerican way of life and it's political correctness and attitude do not apply to all parts of the US, so some of his comparisons should have been San Franciscans vs. Romans rather than Americans vs. Italians. I know other reviewers have complained that he name drops too much, but I didn't think it was excessive. The only person I remember him mentioning he knew was former presidential candidate George McGovern. And yes, I do remember that he owns a Mercedes, but then it is a cheaper car in Europe that it is in the US. In any case, most Americans who manage to live abroad for several years past their twenties are usually upper-middle class or beyond (who else can afford it or arrange an appropriate job?) Overall, I enjoyed it, but I didn't love it. If you like travel writing, you'll probably enjoy it. If you love Rome or are soon planning a trip there, it would be a great read for you.
Rating: 
Summary: Great easy read
Review: I am not an English major, so I have no idea of the literary talent of Mr. Epstein. All I know is that I loved the book and finished it in a day and half. I would recommend it to anyone who is into travel essays or Italy.
Rating: 
Summary: Che giramento
Review: I am not sure what the other enthusiastic reviewers read, I can only assume that they work for the publishing company, or were bribed by Mr. Epstein. This collection of anecdotes captures the essence of a rambling high school essay. How fortunate is he to have a sympathetic literary agent such as to allow him to finance his lifestyle with such dreck. One hopes the author keeps digging deeper into Rome only to find perhaps the muse of Pliny, something to bring the writing style to at least a level fit for publishing. For something slightly more intellectual and thought out, read Barzini instead.
Rating: 
Summary: La Dolce Vita
Review: I lived in Italy for a number of years and this book is a ... trip back to so many places, people and daily activities that I found so enjoyable in the first place. It rings true to life and captures the flavor, spirit and color of Roma and her people.
Rating:
Summary: An Insider's View
Review: I read this book having just moved to Rome myself. Epstein's observations about "La Citta Eterna" are accurate and entertaining. If you've ever visited Rome, every chapter will make you smile and nod: maybe you recognize the fierce loyalty of Romans for their soccer teams, or the way Roman women are always so perfectly put together, or perhaps you simply have an appreciation for an incredible city with a fantastic history. Epstein has nicely blended historical perspective with his own adventures. A pleasant read for those who enjoy all things Italian!
Rating:
Summary: An Insider's View
Review: I read this book having just moved to Rome myself. Epstein's observations about "La Citta Eterna" are accurate and entertaining. If you've ever visited Rome, every chapter will make you smile and nod: maybe you recognize the fierce loyalty of Romans for their soccer teams, or the way Roman women are always so perfectly put together, or perhaps you simply have an appreciation for an incredible city with a fantastic history. Epstein has nicely blended historical perspective with his own adventures. A pleasant read for those who enjoy all things Italian!
Rating:
Summary: Some Insights, But You Have to Look for Them
Review: I'm beginning to think that most travel essay books lately are written by wealthy men and women who have decided to sell their expensive homes and quit their well-paying jobs to move with their families to (insert location or around the world/country trip here). This book feels like one of those books. While Epstein gives some insights here and there about places and his observations of the people and daily life, sometimes it drags and it's more about what the Americans in Rome are doing vs. what the Romans do themselves.
Rating:
Summary: How to Avoid Bad Books
Review: If you can handle reading some truly awful writing from the likes of an author who has composed classic [bad] offerings for overweight women such as "How to be Happier Day by Day", "How to Have Love in Your Life", and "Anything is Posiible" (just try not to cringe), this two-hundred plus mind number will be right up your alley. When Mr. Epstein isn't begging for attention when recounting his associations with washed-up American politicians, or his fifteen minutes of obscure fame induced from Oprah's TV bookclub, he offers little more than obvious insights into the workings of this fine city. More attention is placed into the exquisite decorating of his new home (bragging as usual) than to the description of his characteristic Roman neighborhood. The writing is almost unbearable at times, as when this father of the obvious states "She is like the elder daughter we never had, as our twelve-year relationship would have been hard-pressed to produce a twenty-four-year-old offspring". Mr. Hemingway never looked more the genious. It is too bad that Harper Collins is allowing his dream to live in Rome a reality by publishing this mush. (It seems Mr. Epstein has some sympathetic friends in the right places). Mr. Epstein, however, does stress the real fear that this unique city, due to the pushing of market globalization, may some day lose its charactaristic appeal. His heart's in the right place, but his pen is in dire need of a muse that even this city can't offer.
Rating:
Summary: An amazing book!
Review: It`s just whatever you need to know about modern Italy and its inhabitants. By the wideness of the topics and the depth of their discussion the book can be comparable with Luigi Barzini`s classic - though, it`s written by a non-Italian. It`s not only descriptive but also funny - you will love the book!
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