What book better reflects fatherly love and Italian creative genius than does Pinocchio? The book was written by a Florentine named Carlo Lorenzini (whose pen name was Carlo Collodi) in 1883. The infinite patience and love of Collodi’s sympathetic father figure Geppetto is perhaps paralleled only by another famous dad named St. Joseph. St. Joseph is the Patron Saint of Workers and of the nation of Italy – both of which could use some serious divine intervention right now. I know that you have all seen the Disney movie version, but if you haven’t yet, read the original book. A timeless classic.