A heartfelt, funny, and faith-filled coming-of-age story about family, tradition, and finding your own way.
 
I Love You Like a Tomato by Marie Giordano is a warm and funny portrait of immigrant family life in midcentury America.
 
In 1950s New Jersey, ChiChi Maggiordino is a spirited Italian-American teenager with a fierce sense of humor and an even fiercer heart. Between her devout grandmother’s superstitions, her family’s endless drama, and her own dreams of independence, ChiChi must learn how to reconcile her heritage with her hopes for the future. Along the way, she discovers that love — messy, loyal, imperfect love — is what holds families together, even when everything else falls apart.
 
ChiChi Maggiordino narrates her own story with a mix of wit, honesty, and heart as she navigates faith, superstition, and the chaos of growing up in an Italian-American household. Giordano captures the rhythm of 1950s life — from kitchen-table gossip to neighborhood feuds — in a voice that’s deeply relatable and full of charm.
 
This novel brims with humanity, humor, and cultural flavor, reminding readers that family isn’t perfect, but it’s always worth fighting for.
 
💖 Why You’ll Love It
Captures the humor and heart of Italian-American family life.
A nostalgic, coming-of-age story told with wit and warmth.
Perfect for fans of Big Stone Gap and Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood.
Beautiful balance of faith, family, and individuality.
Lively characters and authentic 1950s setting.
 
🌟 Perfect For
Readers who love heartfelt, humorous family sagas.
Fans of Adriana Trigiani and Fannie Flagg.
Book clubs exploring themes of tradition, identity, and love.
Anyone who enjoys nostalgic, culturally rich coming-of-age stories.
❤️ Fans Also Liked
If you enjoyed I Love You Like a Tomato, you might also like:
Big Stone Gap by Adriana Trigiani — small-town life, Italian roots, and strong women.
The Book of Bright Ideas by Sandra Kring — sisterhood, small-town secrets, and growing up.
Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood by Rebecca Wells — Southern charm, friendship, and family drama.