Wish You Were Italian by Kristin Rae is a fun sort of book. You see, this book is not exactly one that is destined to make a best book ever list or really hit deep. However, it is one of those books that’s great when you need something that is not a heavy read. So, in essence, it is a really decent summer read. Yes, even decent five years after it had released. I think people who cannot get enough books with Americans who go abroad will certainly enjoy Wish You Were Italian.

Pippa is the starring point of view character for Wish You Were Italian. She’s a rising senior who has been forced to go to Italy for the summer to study galleries in Florence. Such a struggle. Life is so hard. I’ll admit for me it was really annoying reading her anger about being forced to go to Italy because that is such an opportunity that so few people get.

No one in my social circle of friends growing up went abroad just because their parents wanted them to study. Anyways, Pippa ditches out on her program and instead ends up living with an Italian family in Cinque Terre. Also, she meets two boys – one Italian and one American – and she has some summer romances. Meanwhile, she’s keeping the secret of ditching her program for her friends.

As I said, this is not at all an earth shattering book. It’s not going to change lives. It is, however, fun. It is a mostly quick read. Plus, you can’t beat reading about the Italy setting. For me, that was the most interesting piece. On the whole, I found this book to be okay but ultimately forgettable. However, if you’re craving some YA romance set in Italy, Wish You Were Italian has you covered.