Praise for the contemporary Italian novel “Finding Leda”:
“Addictive, candid, hilarious!”—Renni Acre, author“SO HARD to put down! Some really good insight and tips for life. FANTASTIC!”—S. Byrde, author“Leda is a smart, strong character who is learning not to be afraid of being herself. Beautifully and truthfully written. ”—A. Friedli, librarian
Italy, the 1990s. What does it take to be happy?
… truthfully written. ”—A. Friedli, librarian
Italy, the 1990s. What does it take to be happy?
Not a man, like nineteen-year-old Leda Balni was led to believe.
Leda wants to become a genetic engineer.
Leda wants to sing in a band.
Leda wants to figure out what the hell is happiness and how to get it.
But once she does, will there be room for love?
Vespa adventures, college exams, 1990s rock, philosophy, science, and chemistry—both the inorganic and the sizzling kind—in gorgeous Milan, Padua, and Garda Lake will inspire women of all ages to be their strong and brave true selves.
If you are looking for entertainment and solid life advice—this is it.
Pick up this page turner today!
The book, which can be read as self-standing, is the fifth novel in “The Italian Saga”.
Author Interview:
You are a scientist and a college professor. What made you start writing novels?
My life was unusual, and after making all possible mistakes, I have found happiness in unexpected ways. After a lifetime of hearing “You should write a book about this!” I did, and my story turned into a whole series.
So, are the books based on your life?
Yes, they are. Although the novels are fictionalized to protect the privacy of people around me.
Who would enjoy this novel?
Anyone searching for their own way, travelers, wanderers, and people who enjoy witty realistic fiction and foreign cultures.
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Finding Leda: The Science of Happiness (Italian College novel 1, The Italian Saga)
By Gaia B. Amman
5 out of 5 stars
I loved reading the story Finding Leda: The Science of Happiness (Italian College novel 1, The Italian Saga) by Gaia B. Amman. I have read several of the books in this series and have found them to be entertaining and addictive to read. I love the character of Leda and always enjoy reading about her life and experiences. I find that my emotions went up and down along with hers in this story. Leda is going to college and between that, wanting to join a band, and a volleyball team, she doesn’t seem to have time for romance. Then chemistry and attraction starts and Leda wonders if he is the one? Read this book to find out the full story. Leda’s world includes her education, friends, and her search for happiness. I also enjoy reading about the additional characters that interact with Leda. This is a story that has moments that made me laugh and others that had me wondering what Leda would do next. This is another wonderful story to read in an amazing series. I highly recommend reading it.
This is the fifth book in the Italian saga, and can be a standalone read, but I have loved following Leda as she’s grown up. I love the setting in landscapes of Italy, including Milan, Padua, and Garda Lake, but I also love the introduction of new and old characters and how Leda’s relationships with them are still so complicated, even as she starts her biotechnology major in college. I related to Leda so much in this book, being an undergrad university student myself. Leda is such a layered female character who’s learning about life and love as she goes along. There’s some gorgeous writing in this one. I enjoyed this more than previous books in this series.
Finding Leda: The Science of Happiness is book 1 in the Italian College series by Gaia B Amman which is a young adult story. This follows Leda in her college years, and it will put you on an emotional rollercoaster. She does not have time for romance but then Sergio comes back around, what will happen between these two characters? I love these books since I started reading this series, I can’t wait to read more. They are entertaining and will hook you into the story from the first few pages . You cannot go wrong reading this book!
Finding Leda: The Science of Happiness (Italian College novel 1, The Italian Saga)
by Gaia B Amman
I absolutely loved reading this book. In this book Leda is in college and trying to find out what truly makes her happy. She is trying new things and is making sure she keeps up with her studies. Sergio has come back into the picture and Leda is trying to find balance so she doesn’t lose herself, what will happen if anything between these two? The things that her and her friends go through at this age is very relatable and I couldn’t help but be pulled into this story. The author’s writing is exceptional and keeps me wanting more. I have loved every book that I have read by this author and this one is no different. I had a very hard time putting this book down because I needed to know what was going to happen. I have enjoyed watching Leda grow up and all the people that have come and gone from her life. I can’t wait to read the next one. I highly recommend this book
Finding Leda by Gaia B. Amman was a great story! This one has probably so far been my favorite story about Leda I’ve read so far! It had a great story line, great characters, and some great imagery and quotes! I immensely enjoyed reading this one. I feel like Leda is finally starting to find herself a little bit more in this novel. I highly recommend this novel! I would definitely recommend starting this series from the beginning though!
Finding Leda; the Science of Happiness (Italian College Novel 1, The Italian Saga) by Gaia B Amman
5-Stars
Finding Leda; the Science of Happiness (Italian College Novel 1, The Italian Saga) by Gaia B Amman was an excellent book! I thoroughly enjoyed following Leda as she moved into her years in college. It took ne back to my own college days! I loved seeing g her character blossom in this novel after so much happened with her in the last. I felt that she discovered more about herself than she realized was there in this book. I also found the description of college during that time fascinating. I remember my mom taking classes along a similar schedule but things are so different these days on college campuses. Leda truly is amazing and I absolutely love her character. This is easily a 5-star novel.
Finding Leda: The Science of Happiness (Italian College novel 1, The Italian Saga)
by Gaia B Amman
4 of 5 Stars
In the heart of Milan in 2000, Leda Balni is nineteen and hoping to graduate in genetic engineering. Having read Gaia B Amman’s previous series of her fictionalised account of her own childhood and having read about her school years I was pleased to catch up with Leda and I was not disappointed.
Leda is pondering her happiness along with her feelings as she enjoys her independence, her learning and her rock band. Does she really have time for falling in love and surely she’s to clever for her feelings to be for Sergio, as although he is handsome in a smouldering way he is also unreliable, brooding, and a pothead.
The author manages to capture the thoughts and feelings of a nineteen year old which make Leda so realistic and relatable as a character. She is able to touch on raw emotions and write with such honesty as well as give good life advice. The book is both a great read with an exciting storyline and an independent, feisty and clever heroine at its heart and is also an empowering read. I also felt completely immersed in the wonderful Italian setting due to the authors detailed descriptions, I felt I was in the heart of Milan along with Leda. I look forward to continuing Leda’s adventures with her in future books.
Finding Leda: The Science of Happiness is listed as book 1 in the Italian College series by Gaia B Amman. However, it is a continuation of the Italian Saga and should be read in order. I am very invested in this series and want to know what happens. I am even more intrigued because it is based on a true story. This book was my favorite so far of the series, but I am so mad with the ending. Total Cliffhanger! Amman really knows how to keep readers hooked and coming back for more, because I am in search of the next book in the series. I love that this series addresses taboo but real topics youth have to deal with. It doesn’t matter if American or Italian, in this case. Its all the same. Love, heartache, finding your purpose, deciding your major, evolving friendships, loss, on and on.
This book continues following Leda, and she is now an “adult.” I feel she has really matured throughout the series and we have kind of watched her grow up at this point. She is on a quest of self discovery and aims to “Find Leda.” She is creating a list of rules to live by, which are pretty great for someone in college. She is struggling to not fall into her old habits, and wants to live for herself for once, not for some boy. But this particular boy is making that very very hard. Sergio is back in the picture- remember, the intense pothead of her Ange days. He is grown up and still has that same pull on her, and its taking a lot of energy to avoid him. They are both playing the game this time though.
Finding Leda: The Science of Happiness is the first book in the Italian College series part of The Italian Saga by Gaia B Amman. This time Leda is in college and trying to find herself. She is smart, funny, and realistic. She is pulled in many directions. Does she follow her heart and Sergio or stay focused on her studies? This is a fantastic book, part of The Italian Saga series, which takes you from Leda’s childhood on. Leda is an amazing character because she is relatable and realistic. She deals with issues any female today comes across. She also is human and makes mistakes and has to figure out how to correct herself. I look forward to reading more of Leda’s adventures and see where her life continues to take her.
Finding Leda: The Science of Happiness (Italian College novel 1, The Italian Saga) by Gaia B. Amman
4 Stars!!!!
This is the second book by this author I have read and I again was not able to put it down. This book moves on from high school and moves onto college. The author has a very unique way to bring the reader into the Leda’s world as it starts to evolve. I really liked how the author was able to make this story realistic.
Leda really is such a great character and this book is a very good example of youth and how we all have to really find ourselves. There is so much of a mix of emotions and dramas happening to Leda. This makes her so realistic and makes it so one can see themselves within the character. This really is a continuance of a coming of age story. We all have to find ourselves and throughout our lives we might have to reconnect and find ourselves again. This story is just a great read and I will definitely read more from this author and this series.
This author once again has shown what an extraordinary way with words she has. She continues to captivate me with the stories she creates and this one is no different. She creates brilliant characters and storylines every time, she brings you along on the journey and makes you feel as though you are there alongside the characters living out their story! I loved following Leda’s journey in this read maybe even more than her previous journey’s in the other books. I can’t wait to see where Leda’s journey goes next!
Finding Leda is a fantastic young adult, coming-of-age story by Gaia B. Amman. Having read the 2 books which told of Leda Balni’s story in high school in 1990’s Italy, it was great to then catch up with Leda a few years later at college. To fully understand Leda and her past I’d suggest you read Forget Nico and Sex-O-S before reading this book.
Having had a hard time at high school, being a bit different from her friends in that she was serious about studying and enjoyed literature, and also suffering from an eating disorder, it was great to see Leda still full of fight and spirit.
I really enjoyed being taken on the journey that is the next few years of Leda’s life, this time at college. Having had poor experiences with men previously, Leda was not looking for love at college and yet she found it in a place she would never have thought. Her adversary from school who she referred to as Evil Centi is at the same university (only he is 2 years ahead) and when he offers to help her with Chemistry, let’s just say that chemistry of a different type starts to flow.
If you enjoy great story with a good deal of angst thrown in then I’m sure you would love to read Leda’s story. I for one look forward to seeing what Leda gets up to next.
Finding Leda; the Science of Happiness (Italian College Novel 1, The Italian Saga) by Gaia B Amman. I love this series and each book gets better than the next. This is the continuing story of Leda Balni who is in college studying Engineering and trying to navigate the world of boys, books and friends. Throw love in there and she’s got her hands full. Sergio has captured her heart and she doesn’t like it because she doesn’t have time for that nonsense. She wants to focus on Engineering, volleyball and a band. Sergio has taken over her brain and she doesn’t know what to do with it. Is love really necessary? I have loved getting to know Leda and her friends and all the fun they have. These books will make you laugh, cry and get angry. I recommend reading the first books to know what is going on but you can read this as a standalone. I can’t wait for the next book!
Finding Leda: The Science of Happiness by Gaia B. Amman is a fantastic book in a wonderful coming of age series! While the book is part of a larger series, it stands well on its own. You can read this book before any other, and still have a grasp of what’s going on with the story line. I love to read books by Gaia B. Amman. She is a wonderful, witty, and insightful author.
Finding Leda: The Science of Happiness is the first book in the Italian College series, part of Gaia B. Amman’s The Italian Saga. The saga follows Leda from childhood to adulthood, through relationships and friendships, studies and travels as she grows up.
In Finding Leda, we see Leda starting college to study Biotech. Determined to move on from a bad relationship, Leda welcomes a fresh start. Her social group at college is determined more by her carpool group and choice of seat on the first day than anything else, leading to an interesting mismatched group. She gets a blast from the past when she finds that Claudio, a boy she went to middle school with, is now two years ahead of her and, somehow, less evil than she remembered.
In this series, I particularly like the characters who are always there, in the background. Boyfriends come and go, but people like Starry, Leda’s mum, and Lexi, her best friend, are always ready to come back on the scene when Leda needs them. It’s interesting seeing their relationships develop.
Another thing I particularly like in this book is seeing Leda muddling her way through the sciences, as someone who had previously mostly studied literature. Having already read some of the later books, when Leda seems pretty confident as a scientist, seeing her struggling to get to grips with a whole host of ideas and processes is interesting (and not just because I learnt a lot about science on the way!)
For me, this is a four star book. I’m enjoying the series, and would recommend it to fans of coming-of-age stories that span a long duration (I feel like I bring up Adrian Mole every time I review one of Amman’s books but seriously, if you liked Adrian Mole and feel like Adrian could have been a bit more female and Italian, you’ll love this).
Finding Leda: The Science of Happiness (Italian College novel 1, The Italian Saga) by Gaia B. Amman is a YA NA story and is full of the usual drama and angst, emotions and adjusting to life in college. As with the other books in this series it is a fiction of the author’s life set in Italy. Through all the highs and lows Leda is trying to find her place in the world and what she wants to do with the rest of her life. There are a lot of different things going on and a lot of different topics to deal with that others may have a few issues with but as usual Gaia doesn’t hold back and nothing is off the table.
Amman continues to be such a compelling author. I am really enjoying reading the Italian saga and following Leda. This book was another enjoyable adventure and I truly found each page to be compelling. Amman is very gifted and I look forward to reading more in the series.
This is the 1st book in the Italian College series. I really enjoyed this series so far and after reading the books about Leda’s life through her teenage years and all the things she went through its nice that this series follows on.
Leda is now in college studying genetic engineering and trying to find out what makes her truelly happy. Is it her studying? Her band? Or does she need that special someone to make her truelly happy.
Her history tells her no. That she doesnt need a relationship and the added distraction of a man in her life. However there is one guy she cant shake from her mind. Could he be the one or is she setting herself up for heartbreak yet again.
Finding Leda: The Science of Happiness (Italian College novel 1, The Italian Saga) by Gaia B. Amman. Let me start with you can read this as a stand-alone but I highly recommend previous books to get a much fuller picture. One of my favorite things about this set of books by this author is we’ve followed Leda through so many stages of life. Each one brings her to new challenges and I’ve enjoyed watch this character grow. The author does a wonderful job of writing a story that keeps you wanting more and coming back to make sure you don’t miss a bit. It’s well written and paced nicely never feeling rushed or lacking anything. I’m definitely looking forward to even more. Four stars and highly recommended.
Finding Leda: The Science of Happiness (Italian College novel 1, The Italian Saga) by Gaia B Amman is absolutely mesmerizing. I have enjoyed following this series and learning more and more about Leda. Watching her grow from a teenager to an adult has been a wonderful experience, truly. Leda is a strong young woman realistic, vibrant, and beautiful. Gaia B Amman is constantly touching subjects that people rarely want to touch, and I think that is why this series is definitely a stand-out among YA books. Follow Leda along as she conquers college and romance, if you can conquer romance, that is. I highly recommend this series!