What happens when an American studies abroad in Italy — and never quite leaves... In Becoming Italian , Bret Thoman recounts his unexpected journey from his southern American upbringing to a new life in southern Italy, where dialects linger, lunches last for hours, and family is everything. What begins as a study-abroad adventure in Florence — driven by language and ancestry curiosity — slowly becomes something deeper: a transformation of identity. Drawn away from the polished postcard version of Florence and toward the rhythms of the South, Bret finds himself immersed in a culture that is equal parts bewildering and beautiful. Why are lines optional? Why are receipts negotiable? Why are open windows considered life-threatening? And why does everything stop for lunch? Then there is the food — sacred, structured, and fiercely defended. And soccer — discussed with theological seriousness. And the bureaucracy — maddening, theatrical, and somehow survivable. But the story shifts from observation to participation when Bret meets his future wife and is welcomed into a southern Italian family. Through marriage, children, hospital births, cooking lessons from his mother-in-law, and initiation into Italy’s unwritten “Food Rules,” he moves from outsider to insider — sometimes awkwardly, often hilariously. Along the way, he navigates post offices, driver’s licenses, taxes, and the slow choreography of Italian daily life. What begins as culture shock becomes cultural surrender. Eventually, he becomes a citizen — not just legally, but relationally. Becoming Italian is a humorous and heartfelt memoir about identity, belonging, and the quiet ways another culture can change you. It is about the strength of community, the nourishment of shared meals, enduring friendships, and the surprising grace found in slowing down. For anyone who loves Italy, wonders about their roots, or has ever tried to build a life in another country, this story will feel both foreign and familiar. "Fried chicken and sweet tea meet garlic and espresso in a selection of personal reflections and slice of life vignettes that are sure to please." Debby Giusti, USA TODAY Bestselling Author - "As an Italian American, I learned more about my Italian heritage in Thoman's new book than I ever knew! Bret has captured the Italian spirit which resonates throughout my family...!" Madeline Pecora Nugent - "Interesting, touching, funny, and delightfully Italian! I laughed and I cried - both out of joy. Becoming Italian is indeed a Becoming book." Murray Bodo, Author - "An interesting, uncommon, story to tell... Witty truthfulness... Anyone who considers Italy their favorite destination will love it." Bob Walker - "With an eye for the awkward and the ludicrous, it makes for a fun read..." Karl Keating, Bestselling author I began writing this book from my home in Loreto, Italy during the first wave of Covid-19. On March 9, 2020, under Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte, the Italian government was the first in the world to announce a national lockdown. It was a surreal period as we watched the pandemic spread and quickly overtake the country and then the world. As the Covid-19 coronavirus ravaged Italy, I felt a deep desire to somehow respond. I started writing. This book was the result. It is my small tribute to Italy and the Italians. I fell into Italy, thousands of miles away from my home in the American South. The stories that follow are personal, somewhat autobiographical. Yet, I am not the subject of this book. It's about the Italians I met along the way. They taught me about the strength of community, the nourishing benefits of long, lazy meals together, enduring friendships, and what it means to be part of a family. Though my experiences with the Italians are humorous, sometimes awkward, and at times absurd, I hope that the admiration I have for them informs all my stories. Everything recounted here is true to the best of my memory, though my wife - who reviewed and approved every single chapter (some less enthusiastically than others!!) - recalls some differently. I will confess to some embellishment here or there, as it makes good storytelling better. Enjoy the journey! Bret Thoman has a master's degree in Italian from Middlebury College, a BA from the University of Georgia, and a certificate in Franciscan Studies. He has written over ten books and translated more. Bret is an FAA-licensed pilot and has logged over 3,500 hours of flight time. His main job, when not in the throes of a pandemic, is organizing and accompanying tours to Italy. Bret spends his free time reading, sailing a Laser in the Adriatic Sea, hiking in the Apennine Mountains, and wiping noses. He lives in Loreto, Italy with his wife and three school-aged children.