Book Review: Taylor Street Chicago's Little Italy

Although I do not usually review books, I wanted to share this one. Too often, Italians and Italian-Americans are seen in a negative light. In truth, they have contributed the best of their intellect, talent, faith, sweat, tears, and blood to this country. While the book I review is not an in-depth scholarly investigation of the Italian-American experience, it is a glimpse into the quotidian life experiences so many have shared. Taylor Street is a thank you to forebearers and a gift to descendants of the Italian immigrants who embarked on the American Adventure a century ago. It is the story of family--my grandparents, aunts and uncles. As Nancy Stone writes in Black Sheep and Kissing Cousins, it is the family story that shapes our lives, often unconsciously but always deeply.

Arcadia Publishing’s newest “Images of America” title, Taylor Street: Chicago’s Little Italy by Kathy Catrambone and Ellen Shubart, has added dignity and insight to the Italian immigrant story. The authors carefully demonstrate the strengths and values that Italian immigrants possessed and imbued in their American descendents. These particular characteristics have contributed greatly to American life—hard work, pursuit of educational excellence, religious faith, and devotion to family and country. Each trait is lovingly demonstrated in this book using photographs that record the Italian-American story in the Tri-Taylor Street section of Chicago. A strong sense of place, coupled with the Italian strength of character, form the basis from which many draw their heritage. Taylor Street lovingly manifests one reason why.