About This Book
Love & Gelato follows 17-year-old Lina Emerson as she navigates profound grief after her mother's passing. To honor her mother's last wish, Lina spends the summer in Rome, Italy, before starting college. Initially reluctant and withdrawn, Lina's journey takes an unexpected turn when she finds her mother's old journal. This diary, chronicling her mother's own youthful adventures in Italy, becomes Lina's guide, leading her to explore the vibrant culture, discover new friendships, experience first love, and ultimately unearth surprising family secrets, including the identity of her biological father. The book beautifully blends themes of grief, self-discovery, and the excitement of new experiences, offering a poignant yet hopeful narrative for young adults.
"After her mother dies, Lina travels to Italy where she discovers her mother's journal and sets off on an adventure to unearth her mother's secrets"--
Concepts
Sadness & GriefLove & FamilySelf-Confidence & IdentityCuriosity & WonderResilience & PerseveranceFreedom & IndependenceFriendship & LoyaltyFear & BraveryJoy & GratitudeEmpathy & KindnessDeath of a Loved OneGrowing UpCultural IdentityMaking FriendsFamily & SiblingsMysteryCooking & FoodFriendship & Social
Character Death
Romantic Content
peril_danger
Discussion Prompts
1
How does Lina's grief influence her initial reluctance to embrace Italy?
2
What role does Hadley's journal play in Lina's journey of self-discovery?
3
How does Lina's understanding of 'family' evolve throughout the story?
4
Discuss the different types of love explored in the book: romantic, familial, and self-love.
5
What aspects of Italian culture and setting contribute to Lina's transformation?
External Reviews
NYT Bestseller
Young Adult Paperback
If Your Family Enjoyed This
Reviews
No reviews yet — be the first to share how this book landed with your family.