Ultimate Italian Trivia: A Treasure Trove of Fun and Fascinating Facts

Reviewed by William Phenn for Reader Views (10/06)

Mr. Scott Paul Frush has got to have energy beyond a normal human. Besides being President of Frush Financial Services, he is also a well published author. With three other books to his credit (Optimal Investing, Asset Allocation, and Understanding Hedge Funds [coming soon]), he has proven himself a diversified individual. Being from Michigan I am proud to see someone that is noted for something other than the auto industry. Scott received his bachelors from Eastern Michigan University and his masters from Notre Dame. Utilizing his extended financial expertise and his writing skills Mr. Frush is also publisher of the Journal of Asset Allocation a financial advisor magazine. Being a self-proclaimed history buff and Italian culture connoisseur with an avid talent and penchant for writing; Mr. Frush has written this hilariously funny and very informative book called "Ultimate Italian Trivia"

"Ultimate Italian Trivia" is full of everything you wanted to know about Italy, the Italian people and their culture. What is a non-Italian doing writing a book about Italian trivia? Who knows, but he sure has done his homework. Frush has written more than just a trivia book, he has written a non-official reference manual on Italy. He may not include every detail of Italian history, but with the information packed into these 254 pages; you will sound like an expert. Frush takes you from the B.C. (Before Christ) era to the present day and everything in between. Why is the town of Rome, Georgia named after Rome, Italy? It is built on seven hills just like Rome, Italy. Unbelievable facts that are scattered throughout this ingenious book will keep you turning the pages. Had it not been for the Italians, we would still be wiping our noses with our sleeves; read the book to see what the Italians invented. Just a few of the topics Fush touches on are: Art, Music and Architecture, Government Organization and Leadership, Science, Biology and Inventions and many others.

"Ultimate Italian Trivia" is the ultimate book for the Italian wannabe. Impress friends (Italian or not), learn valuable information, acquire an appreciation for another culture and most of all, realize what a great contribution Italians made to the world.

Frush's book, "Ultimate Italian Trivia" is well written, very informative, thoroughly researched and fun to read. The many fine pictures and illustrations were an additional plus and made it even more enjoyable. I enjoyed the book very much and wish Frush luck on his language lessons. "Ultimate Italian Trivia" received my highest A+ rating and deserves a look. Pick it up and see if you don't agree? Magnifico!

I believe this is a great book to have in one's library. I found it to be very entertaining as it helps individuals gain a broader understanding regarding the Italian culture and way of life. It is apparent that the author of this book devoted tremendous amount of hours and energy in researching and writing this book. I applaud his enthusiasm and thank him for taking the time and interest to help a second generation Italian appreciate the beauty and history that Italy has to offer the world.

Ulitmate Italian Trivia is a lot of fun! It is great to use as a trivia game with friends and family by asking the questions out loud and having everyone try to guess the answers. This makes a really nice gift also!

Written by trivia enthusiast and history buff Scott Paul Frush, and featuring a foreword by Chairman Emeritus of the National Italian American Foundation Frank D. Stella, Ultimate Italian Trivia: A Treasure Trove of Fun and Fascinating Facts is a collection of over 1,600 amazing trivia tidbits as educational as they are fascinating. From "What is gnocchi di patate?" (potato dumplings) to "What is Michelangelo's last name?" (Buonarroti) to "For what reason does Italy have scarce mineral deposits and fossil fuels?" (geographically, Italy is too young a continent to have them), the questions range from near-common knowledge to brain-busting obscure. A smattering of black-and-white photographs and additional resources such as a bibliography, the Italian national anthem in English and Italian, a list of Italian publications including where to find them online, thumbnail region profiles and more round out this "must-have" for trivia buffs fascinated by all things Italian.

The _Ultimate Italian Trivia_ by Scott Paul Frush is an exciting and marvelous compilation of everything Italian rolled into one book. It boasts over 1,600 amazing trivia and the book delivers what it promises! Chapters run the gamut from the romantic Italian language, astronomy, economics, the Holy Catholic Church and government to science, sports, travel, the arts and everything in between.

Being of Italian descent, I was immediately drawn to the chapters on "Cuisine & Culinary Contributions" and to "Holidays, Traditions & People". Then, because of my interest in genealogy, "Italian Americans & Immigration" also captured my interest. I must admit though, I began learning what I didn't know almost immediately and then I was hooked on discovering the treasures of this book from its beginning pages!

_The Ultimate Italian Trivia_ will make an excellent addition to your reference library or an ideal gift for anyone interested in Italy and the Italian people and culture. Well done, Bravo!