How Do We Love?

Danielle and her high-spirited, bohemian, very sage grandfather, "Papa," are planning a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Italy when a dramatic medical diagnosis makes the quest to get there urgent. A mysterious box of 1937 photos and letters shows up, and the original plan turns into an epic adventure they never could have imagined. With a rucksack full of playfulness, courage, and luminous pearls of Papa's wisdom, the duo time-travel across this true story, and along the way discover the meaning of life, the truth about love, and the possibility that it all just might be one and the same.

In 2004, Danielle and her high-spirited, bohemian, very sage grandfather, "Papa," are planning a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Italy when a dramatic medical diagnosis makes the quest to get there urgent. A mysterious box of 1937 photos and letters shows up, and the original plan turns into an epic adventure they never could have imagined. With a rucksack full of playfulness, courage, and luminous pearls of Papa's wisdom, the duo time-travel across this true story, from 1937 through 2008: Visiting the magical splendor of eternal Italy; Experiencing the trials and triumphs of a Depression-Era New York; Defying tradition in mid-century Connecticut; and navigating unfamiliar, stormy waters in modern-day Florida. Once aboard, you'll realize you're not merely an observer of the journey, and not just a passenger on the caravan. You are a mighty companion on an inspiring, vibrant pilgrimage that helps explain infinity, compels the importance of listening to and telling other people's stories, and conveys the unending presence and power of unconditional love. Together you reach your destinations, and along the way discover the meaning of life, the truth about love, and the possibility that it all just might be one and the same.

Danielle Landis, Ph.D. and collector of fancy chocolate and pretty rocks, abandoned a comfortable academic career, a university benefits package, and a roomy, fluorescent office cave to become a better servant to the planet. When she is not roaming the globe exploring and learning about the mysteries of life, the universe and everything, you can most likely find her wandering beaches far and wide; imposing vegetarian, outdoor picnics on family and friends; meddling in random public health projects; engaging in a profound misuse of the written language, grammar, oxford commas and other punctuation; questing for new music; or trying not to hurt herself and others in yoga, beach volleyball, or surfing. In between gypsy meanderings across the globe, Danielle rests her feet, does her laundry, and loves her family in Florida, the United States. While she has written numerous, exhilarating academic and scientific page-turners, this is her first creative, non-fiction novel