books
An Italian Affair
Random House
paperback, $12
ISBN 0375724850
hardcover, $22
ISBN 0375420657
Praise for An Italian Affair:
"Sweet, smart. We are smitten from the start."
--O: The Oprah Magazine
"Luscious. . . . Fraser is such a charmer, so smart, honest, observant, incisive and funny, that within a few pages the reader is entirely hers."
--The Washington Post
"A beach book for your brain. . . . A sexy, intellectual read."
--Redbook
"Both a grand travelogue and a thoughtful look at reclaiming independence."
--Conde Nast Traveller
"A deliciously romantic story, made even more captivating by the idea that someone actually experienced it."
--The Times (London)
For more recipes, excerpts, and essays about An Italian Affair, click here.
Here's the description from Barnes & Noble:
Anyone who has ever dreamed of having a romantic encounter while traveling will find much to savor in Laura Fraser's true story. Fraser's travelogue is in no way a superficial or trivial book about a soon-to-be-forgotten fling, however. Writing with great emotional depth and insight, Fraser candidly describes the devastating marriage breakup that became the catalyst for her journey to Italy, and the life-affirming relationship she discovers while trying to simply lose herself. Her trip begins in Florence, a city she knows well, but before long Fraser feels that her time among friends won't allow her to put the necessary distance between herself and the painful memories of her husband. Striking out alone, Fraser finds herself on the island of Ischia, where her affair begins. An intense, beautifully written book that explores sensitive issues with great candor and courage, An Italian Affair is a mesmerizing read, filled with fresh, vivid descriptions of the food, wine, and other pleasures of Ischia.
Losing It: False
Hopes and Fat Profits in the Diet Industry
Random House
paperback, $13.95
ISBN 0452272912
hardcover, $22
ISBN 0525938915
Here's how Kirkus Reviews described it:
"A highly personal and spirited exposé of the diet culture by a journalist who has had ample experience with the pressures to be slender. A recovered bulimic, Fraser...has given up the pursuit of thinness and here urges other women to do likewise....A welcome message for many women."