Wednesday, February 26 at 5:30PM - 7:00PM. Readers' Books - 130 East Napa Street, Sonoma (CA). Janet Constantino will read from "Becoming Mariella", a coming-of-age story of a young Sicilian woman escaping the pressure of family and tradition. The inspiration for Mariella's story came from Janet's love for all things Sicilian and Italian and her own struggle to find and follow her path in the world.

At the novel's heart is the need for the courage to break free, overcome obstacles, and dare to live true to one's self. Mariella, having graduated university in 2000, is desperate to escape Sicily. Her controlling and envious mother, Yolanda, has different plans. She pressures Mariella to become engaged to Matteo, the scion of a wealthy, powerful family and Mariella's college sweetheart.