Bailey Alexander

With war creating surround sound - gratitude is proving to be a powerful anchor in such turbulent times. We need to keep creating independent thought and cultivating personal, quiet spaces to help us find peace and perspective.

Connection with others, cooking for our beloved and breathing-completely.

Therefore but for the grace of god go I.

“Bailey does it again, with another captivating book of place, people and changing times.

This is a series of interviews with people whom the author got to know whilst living in this, somewhat less visited, region of Italy.

We learn of a region that lost its industry and had to reshape itself. One where local identity has become increasingly important, but where interdependence is a way of life. Creative people, making cheese, fixing cars, living life, express their hopes and fears for the future both individually and as a region.

I finished this book feeling I’ve been introduced to a region rich in artisans; but I was also left thinking about the idea of localism and it’s place in a world that is reshaping global trade and politics.

The authors sensitive questioning brings out the character of these people; and it is both easy to read and thought-provoking. It made me want to spend time in this part of Italy, but also to dig deeper into my local roots and “Campanilismo”.

Another:

“Personal Legends of Piemonte” by Bailey Alexander is a masterful exploration of the region’s rich history, culture, and traditions. Her work is a sensory delight, transporting readers to the rolling hills, charming villages, and bustling markets of Piemonte.

One of the standout conversations and amongst my favorite, is the interview with Fabrizio Garbarino, which offers a unique glimpse into the life and experiences of a local expert. Alexander’s conversation with Garbarino is warm, engaging, and insightful, providing readers with a deeper understanding of the region’s nuances and secrets.

What truly sets this book apart, however, is its evocative prose. Alexander’s writing is so vivid and immersive that readers will find themselves smelling the sweet aroma of freshly picked cherries and tasting the rich flavors of Piemonte’s famous cheeses. The author’s descriptions of the region’s culinary delights are so vivid that it’s almost as if the cherries and cheese are dancing off the pages.

Throughout the book, Alexander weaves together history, folklore, and personal anecdotes to create a rich tapestry of stories and legends. The result is a book that is both informative and entertaining, making it a must for anyone interested in Piemonte and its culture.

Overall, “Personal Legends of Piemonte” is a triumph, and Bailey Alexander is to be commended for crafting a book that is both a love letter to the region and a testament to the power of storytelling. In part, the magic of this work is the seamless translation by Selene Zattra. If you’re looking for a book that will transport you to the heart of Piemonte, look no further. A must read for everyone traveling to Northern Italy, especially in advance of the upcoming Milan and Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games.

If you’re looking for hedonistic tales about living in Paris, bizarre stories about living in Malta, funky stories about living in Bohemia and Venice - if scary trips across the Atlantic are your style - then A European Odyssey; how a boxer’s daughter found grace if for you.

Reviews on Amazon are great and it’s an interesting twist on the travelogue. Forget about travel drama, waiting for planes, dealing with trains and automobiles -

• why not travel in the mind, it’s so much more fun.

Why read my latest, “Personal Legends of Piemonte”? Because you’ll feel like you’re having dinner with a bunch of Italians. Cool, quirky and colorful characters, all from northern Italy.

Intimate interviews and stories, all for you - in English and Italian. So if you’re heading to Italy you can brush up on your Italian.

Falling in love with a city can feel powerful. Like a person, it carries its own personality. Along with its own rhythm, culture and quirks. And what about all those memories.

In my first book, “A European odyssey; how a boxer’s daughter found grace” I wrote about living in many cities. During a nomadic portion of my life they each became home - for one year, or several. I wrote about them in a detailed fashion. I fell in love with some, or not, over and over again.

In my second book, “Personal Legends of Piemonte” the entire book could be construed as a love letter to Italy, in general, and the region of Piemonte, in particular. Powerful emotions, indeed.

Rome was my first love, then after 3 years, she became an unrequited love. After 25 years, the eternal city has become, understandably; my eternal love. The connections, the pull, even the heartbreak when you leave - not entirely different than the first crush. Your first love.

I wonder which city has had that effect on you.

• when they’re still here - in spirit.

Robin De Vick had a studio in Pioneer Square. I’d stop by on my lunch hour or a Saturday afternoon - she’d let me paint. She had rows and rows of these long tables.

Not considered the belle of the ball - until she chose to paint her face- and suddenly Marilyn was right there. A mercurial character, an artist, successful, she left us too young.

About my mother, “i just want to be able to talk like her” and loved how Muv talked about birds. So she made this tablecloth and napkins.

Her hand painted scarves were sold at the savviest stores in Seattle. LA and New York.

Whether on the table or the wall, as Muv said, “she understands color”.

Oh yes, she did, and is, dearly missed.

Excerpt from my first book, “A European Odyssey; how a boxer’s daughter found grace”

Everyone felt the gravity of the announcement. The Pope was dying and I lived just minutes from the epicenter. History’s most well-traveled Pope and first non-Italian to hold the title of Bishop since the sixteenth century was allowing the Eternal City to unify the past and present. Italians won’t react unless they have to do it in a minute. They prefer to turn on a dime after reducing one another to tears. That’s how her non-residents are made to feel; it’s a right of passage. The locals have to experience it so why shouldn’t we? Yet they have the edge, weighed down by history and now it was unfolding in real time. It felt epic. I had to get in on the performance.

Welcome to the secret that needs to be told. You’re invited into the lives of 12 Piemontesi - 12 interviews along with a short story to introduce each one. Wine and cheese makers, herbalists, a famous chef, a bar owner, bureaucrat, teacher and of a car mechanic Luigi; after all, we’re in Italy!

After living in Piemonte for 7 years it began to feel like a pilgrimage. Not one in search of penance or a blessing, but so many life lessons learned! Written in both English and Italian, first half in English, second in Italian.

Find out how they fulfilled their destiny. Find out why Piemonte is now the secret being told