FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:   Elissa Ruffino (NIAF) 202/939-3106 or elissa@niaf.org

Piero Rivolta spoke about his life and how he came to write his latest novel, “Journey Beyond 2012: A Novel,” an evocative story about how the Mayan apocalyptic prophesy affects the lives of three characters, during the launch of NIAF’s Victoria J. Mastrobuono Speaker’s Series. The reception and book talk was held on May 3, 2012.

“The world needs more poets. We tend to reason too much and it confuses people,” Rivolta, a poet himself, explained to the more than 40 guests at the Foundation’s headquarters. “Everything is under discussion in this world today.”

After an overview of his book and the meaning of the Mayan calendar’s predictions, he concluded that the Earth’s movement will be part of an astronomical alignment on December 21, 2012, as the astrological calendar moves from the sign of Pisces into the Age of Aquarius. “Communications between people will change…,” he said. “I think this is good.”

During the reception, more than 40 guests enjoyed Italian food specialties including caponata, polpettine, barbabietole, arancini, and an assortment of salumi and formaggi, catered by Casa Nonna, www.casanonna.com. The Italian delicacies were paired with red and white wines from Sicily and Campania as well as Peroni Nastro Azzurro Italian beer.

As part of the evening’s festivities, NIAF raffled a set of four Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli’s latest CDs. Longtime NIAF supporter and host of Antennea Italia, Pino Cicala, was the winner. Additionally, the first 12 guests to arrive at the event received a complimentary signed copy of Rivolta’s book.

The evening concluded with Rivolta signing books and conversing with the guests.

About the author
Poet, novelist, designer, real estate developer, manufacturer, yacht builder and philanthropist, Rivolta was born in Desio, Italy, in 1941. After receiving his doctorate in mechanical engineering from the Milan Polytechnic University, he became the world’s youngest CEO of car manufacturing firm, IsoRivolta. Based in Sarasota, Fla., Rivolta now owns two companies, Rivolta Yachts and Tivoli Homes. He is the author of three other novels and several collections of poetry. For more information, visit www.pierorivolta.net.