Being a first generation Italian American, I had the privilege of growing up surrounded by bountiful vegetable and fruit gardens.  Some of my most vivid childhood memories are encompassed by the fragrant fig trees, the hearty tomato vines, and the abundant zucchini flowers that grew in the gardens of my family; the gardens allowed for me to not only appreciate the land, but it also allowed for me to appreciate my heritage, particularly my grand-mother.  The gardens that my grand-mother has so meticulously cultivated in both her North Jersey and her Jersey shore home provide her with a …

If you are lucky enough to have had a wedding planner or an unlimited budget, I can see how planning a wedding could be an enchanting, harmonious experience. However, if you are like me, or like half of the people that I know that are or about to be married, it is probably one of the most stressful times in one's life.  I have found that it's not so much the daunting task of making thousands of decisions for the capacity of one day, or the insignificant squabbles that occur between you and your significant other, or even your dwindling bank account that is most stressful. It is the impossible…

As a high school English teacher, I have become accustomed to the wave of sighs and moans from students while introducing a new novel, particularly summer reading.  However, it is what follows the disgruntled adolescent faces and deep sighs that I find to be most gratifying: when they ask me, "Can you help me find a book that you think I will like?"  One of my favorite tasks is to recommend books to students, family, and friends.  Because, even though I acknowledge that not everyone enjoys reading the way that I do (gasp), I cannot think of a person who does not have the inherent desire to …