Why do you think Terri-Lynne DeFino included the glossary of Jersey Italian slang in this family drama? Did you know any of the terms before you read this book? Which were your favorites? What did you think when you found out who’d been writing the entries all along?
When we first meet Varina Palladino, she has been carefully saving for years to fulfill her dream of a European river cruise. Do you have a similar dream? What were you willing to sacrifice to fund it?
Was it a good idea for Sylvia and Donatella to create the special is your grandfather single? ad to help Varina meet men? What are their secret—or not-so-secret—individual reasons for doing it? What are the unexpected consequences of setting the plan in motion?
The big change in Varina’s social life turns out to be finding a new female friend instead of the boyfriend the ad was intended to catch. What is Ruth’s role in Varina’s life? Does platonic female friendship fulfill her in ways that a new boyfriend might not?
Paulie observes that in his long friendship with the chronically volatile Donatella, “waiting for it to happen—whatever it happened to be—was almost worse than the actual, inevitable event.” Have you had the same experience with a friend or family member? How does the Palladino family cope with Donatella’s periods of instability?
Sylvia tells Donatella: “Just stop all this….Think before you do these things. You can’t feel your way through this world. It just doesn’t work, believe you me.” Is she right? Who else in the book is feeling their way through the world?
Once Sylvia has met John, her lonely life changes: “Sylvia was happy. Not just happy; blissfully so. Cliché as it was, there was no other words to describe the heady feeling of being loved, of belonging.” How does Sylvia’s very late-in-life romance change the dynamic of the Palladino family as well as her own life? Do you know anyone who has experienced a similar December-December love?
Does what we learn about Sylvia’s past as a mother that cast her relationship with her children and grandchildren—especially Donatella—in a different light? How does that revelation affect our understanding of Sylvia’s choices?
In the book’s final chapter, Vincent observes “If being a Palladino had taught him anything in his short life, it was that normal didn’t exist.” Do you agree? In what ways is the Palladino family normal or not normal?
The title of this book is Varina Palladino’s Jersey Italian Love Story, but the romances in the book don’t actually involve Varina. Why do you think Terri-Lynne DeFino chose that title? Discuss all the different kinds of love and love stories that are woven into this novel.
Towards the end of the story, Paulie thinks, “the way ahead was going to be long and fraught, but it would be beautiful.” Do things turn out that way? What do you think happens to the characters in this book in the years after it ends?
Always Captivating Terry Inspiring and romantic Thanks Regards from the French countryside Always welcome here Delicious wine and cheese Roses and forests M❤️ WhatsApp 009613680555 M. Chreih Residence Parc et Bargoin 1A Place Landouzy 63400 Chamalieres France
Thank you so much. Teachers are excited about our meeting on May 18. I will let you know soon where. Time usually is 4:30 as we still have some working teachers. PS your mom is joining us, so maybe we will drive together wherever we meet. Thanks so much for making time for us. Love ya, Fran
I got scared! I thought there was going to be a conflict. I just found out it’s the same day Gracie graduates from grad school! But her graduation is at Radio City at 10 am, so we’ll be good. She’s not even sure if she wants to walk. Just don’t make it any earlier than 4:30. ❤
I grew up in West Haven/New Haven, Connecticut with a large Italian family and got a big kick out of reading all the Italian words I knew growing up! Not to mention that I loved the entire story and all the characters. It was like going home.
I found one inconsistency in the ebook on page 368 where Pauline tells Gabriella “I don’t know what I’d have done without your brother, he’s a rock.” But Dante is her father, not her brother, right? Or am I confused? Not a criticism, because I loved the book, just something I noticed.
Yup! It got past every edit round, and there were a lot of them. I found it after we went to print. It’s been corrected in ebook, and will be correct for the paperback coming out in January, but the hard cover and the audiobook will forever have the flaw! Ah, well.
I just finished VPJILS. Loved it. Paulie was my favorite character. One question. Were there hints that Paulie was not Vincent’s father: his coloring was not like either family, and the question of his size for a 34 week baby?
Hi, Carol! So glad you loved it. Paulie is my favorite character, too. Sylvia is a close second.
The hints about Vincent’s actual paternity were accidental, at first. When I got to the last chapters, I noticed. Ha! I let them stand because it made sense, and it added another layer to this family dynamic/love story. Believe it or not, many readers don’t notice that bit of question, and that’s fine. It’s fun when someone notices. So thanks! If there is another story here, it’s Vincent’s, many years after this story ends. I honestly don’t know for sure if Paulie is his biological father–it’s the question that matters more than the answer. In the end, biological or not, Paulie is his dad. Period.
I thought for sure the ex boyfriend was going to be the father. But Paulie being the sweetheart is Vincent’s father without question. Even if it’s not blood.
From one Italian Jersey girl from Paterson to another, Bravo! I can’t tell you how much I enjoyed reading this and your words and explanations are right on. It brought me back to the hood and my childhood…Christmas Eve and the 7 fishes, loud voices trying to speak over everyone, zeppole’s at Blessed Sacrament’s bizarre, etc…your characters are authentic! I think you should write a sequel…would love to read the evolution of all of them…I will be reading/watching for more of your Jersey Girl stuff! Thank you!
Blessed Sacrament in Paterson?
Thank you so much. 🙂 I love hearing from a sister Jersey Girl. The bizarre was the highlight of summer for many, many years. My parents were heavily involved, and dad was the basketball booth guy! Ah, fun times. Thanks for sending me back in time for a few minutes.
The Bar Harbor Retirement Home for Famous Writers (And Their Muses) features Paterson of the 1950s, if that’s at all interesting to you. Not as fun and light as Varina, for sure, but lots of old Paterson. 🙂
Yes! Remember Sufrite! (sp) Yuck! Blessed Sacrament class of 1971! Grew up in Riverside on Warren St. Will definitely check out Retirement since I’m struggling with that now! Thanks again!
I bet your family knew mine. I went to Blessed Sacrament through second grade–1971. We also lived in Riverside. My grandparents owned Hi-Grade, down by Patsy’s Pizzaria. My maiden name was Galluccio.
I remember Sufrite! Never ate it! But my grandfather did. We lived upstairs, and I can almost conjure the distinct aroma, just sitting here at my computer.
I’m so happy I found this book at my library. As a Jersey Girl it’s exciting to read about my home state. Plus mentions of places I know and have been to! Wonderful book and I even knew most of the curse words even though I have no Italian in me. Loved all the characters, every single one. Even though I wanted to shake some sense into Donatella at times lol When I worked in Fair Lawn in the 70’s I loved eating the best hot dogs in the world at Johnny & Hanges!
Johnny and Hanges!! My family lived very near the original Johnny and Hanges on River Street, and went there ALL THE TIME. Nothing like a dog all the way, right? The River Street location is gone now, but it’s good to get back to the one in Fair Lawn once in a while.
So glad you enjoyed the book! Makes this writer’s heart bubble. 🙂
Modesty Is For Suckers 
How timely! It just so happens I’m going to need discussion questions for this book. It’s almost as if you knew my plans….. 😉
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I’m psychic! ❤
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Always Captivating Terry Inspiring and romantic Thanks Regards from the French countryside Always welcome here Delicious wine and cheese Roses and forests M❤️ WhatsApp 009613680555 M. Chreih Residence Parc et Bargoin 1A Place Landouzy 63400 Chamalieres France
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Thank you so much. Teachers are excited about our meeting on May 18. I will let you know soon where. Time usually is 4:30 as we still have some working teachers. PS your mom is joining us, so maybe we will drive together wherever we meet. Thanks so much for making time for us. Love ya, Fran
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I got scared! I thought there was going to be a conflict. I just found out it’s the same day Gracie graduates from grad school! But her graduation is at Radio City at 10 am, so we’ll be good. She’s not even sure if she wants to walk. Just don’t make it any earlier than 4:30. ❤
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Terri if you need to change we will. Your daughter’s graduati
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It actually works out fine, because then Frank will have off work anyway and can come with me. 🙂
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I grew up in West Haven/New Haven, Connecticut with a large Italian family and got a big kick out of reading all the Italian words I knew growing up! Not to mention that I loved the entire story and all the characters. It was like going home.
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I’m so glad it felt like home to you. Thanks for taking time to tell me. It made my day!
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I found one inconsistency in the ebook on page 368 where Pauline tells Gabriella “I don’t know what I’d have done without your brother, he’s a rock.” But Dante is her father, not her brother, right? Or am I confused? Not a criticism, because I loved the book, just something I noticed.
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Yup! It got past every edit round, and there were a lot of them. I found it after we went to print. It’s been corrected in ebook, and will be correct for the paperback coming out in January, but the hard cover and the audiobook will forever have the flaw! Ah, well.
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It was great, regardless.🥰
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I just finished VPJILS. Loved it. Paulie was my favorite character. One question. Were there hints that Paulie was not Vincent’s father: his coloring was not like either family, and the question of his size for a 34 week baby?
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Hi, Carol! So glad you loved it. Paulie is my favorite character, too. Sylvia is a close second.
The hints about Vincent’s actual paternity were accidental, at first. When I got to the last chapters, I noticed. Ha! I let them stand because it made sense, and it added another layer to this family dynamic/love story. Believe it or not, many readers don’t notice that bit of question, and that’s fine. It’s fun when someone notices. So thanks! If there is another story here, it’s Vincent’s, many years after this story ends. I honestly don’t know for sure if Paulie is his biological father–it’s the question that matters more than the answer. In the end, biological or not, Paulie is his dad. Period.
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I thought for sure the ex boyfriend was going to be the father. But Paulie being the sweetheart is Vincent’s father without question. Even if it’s not blood.
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Absolutely!
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From one Italian Jersey girl from Paterson to another, Bravo! I can’t tell you how much I enjoyed reading this and your words and explanations are right on. It brought me back to the hood and my childhood…Christmas Eve and the 7 fishes, loud voices trying to speak over everyone, zeppole’s at Blessed Sacrament’s bizarre, etc…your characters are authentic! I think you should write a sequel…would love to read the evolution of all of them…I will be reading/watching for more of your Jersey Girl stuff! Thank you!
LikeLike
Blessed Sacrament in Paterson?
Thank you so much. 🙂 I love hearing from a sister Jersey Girl. The bizarre was the highlight of summer for many, many years. My parents were heavily involved, and dad was the basketball booth guy! Ah, fun times. Thanks for sending me back in time for a few minutes.
The Bar Harbor Retirement Home for Famous Writers (And Their Muses) features Paterson of the 1950s, if that’s at all interesting to you. Not as fun and light as Varina, for sure, but lots of old Paterson. 🙂
LikeLike
Yes! Remember Sufrite! (sp) Yuck! Blessed Sacrament class of 1971! Grew up in Riverside on Warren St. Will definitely check out Retirement since I’m struggling with that now! Thanks again!
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I bet your family knew mine. I went to Blessed Sacrament through second grade–1971. We also lived in Riverside. My grandparents owned Hi-Grade, down by Patsy’s Pizzaria. My maiden name was Galluccio.
I remember Sufrite! Never ate it! But my grandfather did. We lived upstairs, and I can almost conjure the distinct aroma, just sitting here at my computer.
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I’m so happy I found this book at my library. As a Jersey Girl it’s exciting to read about my home state. Plus mentions of places I know and have been to! Wonderful book and I even knew most of the curse words even though I have no Italian in me. Loved all the characters, every single one. Even though I wanted to shake some sense into Donatella at times lol
When I worked in Fair Lawn in the 70’s I loved eating the best hot dogs in the world at Johnny & Hanges!
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Johnny and Hanges!! My family lived very near the original Johnny and Hanges on River Street, and went there ALL THE TIME. Nothing like a dog all the way, right? The River Street location is gone now, but it’s good to get back to the one in Fair Lawn once in a while.
So glad you enjoyed the book! Makes this writer’s heart bubble. 🙂
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