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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question_answer ANECDOTE
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.
question_answer 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.
question_answer 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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Charlie's Monument tells the story of Charlie, a man born with significant physical deformities who becomes the town watchman. Despite facing scorn and ridicule, Charlie perseveres and builds a monument to signify his existence and the lessons he learns about life. The book explores themes of self-worth, perseverance, and the power of love. Charlie eventually wins the respect of his peers and the love of a special woman who sees beyond his physical limitations.
The Sicilian Avengers
Luigi Natoli
Brave New World
Aldous Huxley
Written in 1931 and published in 1932, 'Brave New World' is a dystopian novel set in a futuristic World State where humans are bred in vitro and predestined into a rigid social hierarchy. The novel explores themes of technological advancement, social conditioning, and the loss of individuality and freedom. The story revolves around characters such as Bernard Marx, an Alpha who questions the society, Mustapha Mond, the World Controller, and John, a 'Savage' from a reservation who introduces elements of emotion and individuality into the highly controlled World State. The novel critiques the optimism of technological progress and its potential to create a society that values stability and happiness over humanity and freedom[2][4][5].
The leopard
Giuseppe Tomasi di Lampedusa
The Leopard, originally titled 'Il Gattopardo', is a novel by Giuseppe Tomasi di Lampedusa that explores the transformation of Sicilian society during the Italian unification in the 19th century. The story centers around Don Fabrizio, the Prince of Salina, who represents the old feudal order and witnesses the transition of power from the aristocracy to the new bourgeois class. The novel is set against the backdrop of Giuseppe Garibaldi's invasion of Sicily and the subsequent unification of Italy. It is known for its vivid descriptions of Sicilian life, its complex characters, and its exploration of themes such as mortality, change, and the decline of the aristocracy[2][3][5].
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
The Greg McKeown Podcast 
