Author explores the romance and sensuality of present day Rome, its people, their stories, interwoven with threads of ancient Roman history and customs. He puts you there.
Professional Reviews
Ciao From Roma is a Home Run
This book hits the mark in many ways. Author Jerry Ellis who lives part of the year in Rome and part in Alabama gracefully captures the flavor of life in Rome, and, in particular, his favorite neighborhood, Trastevere. The book written in a simple easy-to-read voice transports the reader into the world of modern day Rome by carefully crafted vignettes from his life in the Eternal City. What is especially noteworthy about this book is how the author weaves the world of ancient Rome into the city it is today. His depiction of people that he has met over the years whether walking down a street or sitting next to him at his favorite cafe, Quando in Roma, and their shared experiences are striking. There are sayings at the head of each chapter by his friend, poet/philospher Paolo Canova that are very insightful. I hope the author writes a sequel.
I know this author, I know his love of Rome.
Jerry Ellis has been a great friend for many years (we may have been young together, but it's too hard to remember!), and I've followed his life and his work with interest and envy--the latter in a good way. This is a wonderfully "gentle" travel memoir, a take on Rome that I believe will become a classic on traveling to, and visiting, that immortal city. It's poetic, and welcoming, and "small" in the way an intimate dinner is--which is to say, not insignificant at all, but unforgettable. You won't find out what bus stops where, but you will discover that person or moment or corner or event that could only happen in the beloved city he's traveled to once or twice a year for 20 years. How indelible is it? Even if you haven't been to Rome, or don't think you'll ever get there, the city is evoked fully in Jerry's words. Read it and you are there after all. John Bensink
Ciao From Roma!
I really loved Ciao From Roma...what a wonderful book! I am a big fan of Jerry Ellis and have thoroughly enjoyed all of his books; however, in my opinion, Ciao From Roma! is his best work yet. Mr. Ellis is a superb storyteller who takes the reader with him every step of the way. I was saddened when the book came to a close, feeling as though I was saying goodbye to my new friends in the Eternal City of Love. I am already looking forward to Mr. Ellis's next adventure!Ellen Hardin
