Do you remember the first story you ever read, and the impact it had on you?
The first story I ever read was Corazón ( Heart) by Italian author Edmundo de Amici, a novelist, journalist and poet. I was a very young child when I read this book and to this date, I can affirm that it marked my life forever.
The novel is written in a diary form as told by Enrico Bottini, an 11-year-old primary school student in Turin with an upper class background who is surrounded by classmates of working class origin. The entire chronological setting corresponds to the third-grade season of 1881-82 (Enrico says it has been four years since death of Victor Emmanuel II, king of Italy, and the succession by Umberto I.
Enrico's parents and older sister Silvia interact with him as written in his diary. As well as his teacher who assigns him with homework that deals with several different stories of children throughout the Italian states who should be seen as role models – these stories are then given in the book as Enrico comes upon reading them. Every story revolves around a different moral value, the most prominent of which are helping those in need, having great love and respect for family and friends, and patriotism. These are called 'The Monthly Stories' and appear at the end of every school month.
The entire book was a footprint for love, respect, and gratitude between spouses, parents and children, siblings, obligation to help those in need, and unconditional love for one's country.
What are you working on next?
There are several topics that are of paramount importance to me.
I gravitate to science/ medical subjects of current relevance such as,
Antibiotic - resistance infections; education, prevention, management and treatment
Integrative medicine
The role of mainstream antibiotics, diet, stress and lifestyle to manage digestive conditions such as IBS, SIBO, IBD.
Misuse and abuse of Florida Baker Act Law by male relatives, and male law enforcement authorities on women and its correlation with PTSD, depression and panic attacks. ( you might read chapter 20 of my published book for some information on this topic)
Sexual abuse of female minors, psychological and emotional abuse of women by spouses and partners and their devastating physical and emotional consequences. In the era of the #me too movement, there is much more to uncover that the tip of the iceberg on women's abuse at the hands of men.
Read more of this interview.