348. Family History and the Search for Meaning with Stephen Riggio

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Nov 4, 2024

In this insightful conversation, Stephen Riggio, former CEO of Barnes & Noble and a champion of Sicilian literature, shares his transformative journey through family history and personal grief. He discusses the power of literature to connect cultures and the importance of storytelling in understanding one's identity. Riggio reflects on his Italian roots and how rediscovering his heritage became a healing process. He also touches on disability advocacy, emphasizing community support and the vibrant accomplishments of his daughter.

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Early Love of Reading

Stephen Riggio's older brother, a voracious reader, instilled a love of books in him at a young age.
This began with "Brave New World" when Riggio was just ten, followed by Vonnegut, Kafka, and classic adventure novels.

ANECDOTE

Reconnecting with Italian

Riggio's grandmother read to him from Italian newspapers, sparking an early interest in the language.
After the loss of their daughter, he and his wife began studying Italian together as a way to move forward.

ANECDOTE

Discovering Sicilian Avengers

Riggio's Italian teacher introduced him to "Sicilian Avengers," a historical epic novel.
Discovering there was no English translation, he embarked on the audacious project of translating it himself.

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Stephen Riggio is a visionary leader and former CEO of Barnes & Noble, where he played a crucial role in its transformation into the largest bookselling chain in the United States. His extensive career in the book industry, spanning over four decades, includes pioneering work in e-commerce and publishing. Beyond corporate endeavors, Riggio is deeply engaged in philanthropy, working with organizations like the National Book Foundation and the National Down Syndrome Society. In recent years, Riggio has turned his focus to translating and promoting classic Sicilian literature, especially the "Sicilian Avengers" series.

Episode Summary:

Greg hosts Stephen Riggio, former Barnes & Noble CEO, as they explore the transformative power of literature and the significance of connecting with one's heritage. Riggio shares his journey in translating "Sicilian Avengers," a historical epic rooted in his Sicilian ancestry, and how this project intertwined with personal tragedy and discovery. The conversation covers themes of intergenerational legacy, resilience, and finding purpose through challenging times.

Key Takeaways:

Legacy of Literature: Books are powerful portals that connect us to different cultures and eras, enriching our understanding and empathy.
Intergenerational Connection: Exploring family history can provide insights into personal identity and resilience, bridging the past and future.
Personal Healing: Transforming personal tragedy into purpose by engaging in meaningful projects like translating significant literary works.
Cultural Appreciation: The translation of "Sicilian Avengers" unveils the diverse and multicultural history of Sicily, challenging common stereotypes.
Future Endeavors: Taking on translation as an epic adventure, paralleling personal journeys of self-discovery and cultural preservation.

Notable Quotes:

"Books are more than paper and ink. They are a portal through which we can experience places and times and people we otherwise wouldn't." – Greg McKeown
"Raising a child with a disability is a challenge... our deepest wish is that this book didn't exist. However, our daughter's presence in it is undeniable." – Stephen Riggio
"It gives me a great deal of satisfaction to know that I've arrived here... It was my destiny." – Stephen Riggio
"The best historical fiction... is that people would prefer to be given a compelling narrative that is rooted in history." – Stephen Riggio

Resources:

Stephen's book: "Sicilian Avengers"

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