Press release
Buffalo Author Named Finalist in Global 2026 International Book Awards for Groundbreaking LGBTQ+ Fiction

Award-winning novel An Italian Adventure by Buffalo author Gaia B. Amman, named a 2026 International Book Award Finalist
The International Book Awards, now in its 23rd year, is one of the world's premier mainstream independent book award programs. Amman's recognition as a Finalist places them among an elite tier of global writers, proving the explosive market demand for authentic, diverse indie voices.
Set against the vivid backdrop of a strictly gendered 1980s Italy, An Italian Adventure explores the universal pursuit of happiness from a rare nonbinary perspective. The narrative seamlessly weaves deep historical nostalgia with modern themes of radical self-reliance, the resilience of friendship, romance, and the profound beauty of found families. Amman's work was also recently featured in the prestigious Kirkus Reviews magazine, further solidifying the book's critical acclaim.
"To see a nonbinary, independent, culturally specific story recognized by industry judges on a global stage is an incredible honor," says Amman. "This fictionalized memoir is a labor of love dedicated to the timeless importance of inclusive representation in literature. This win belongs to our entire community."
Amman, a former tenured professor of Biology and chairperson at D'Youville University, is now a professional author, bilingual voice actor, and dedicated content creator. As a cis-female nonbinary immigrant from Italy, Amman brings an unparalleled, authentic layer of nuance to their storytelling, capturing the complex intersection of cross-cultural identity and gender expression.
An Italian Adventure serves as the foundational first volume of The Italian Saga. The series is actively building major momentum this summer, with the third installment, Forget Nico, scheduled for release on July 7, 2026, followed closely by the fourth volume, S(ex)-O-S, in September 2026. The first three volumes were all recommended by Kirkus Reviews and featured in different issues of the magazine.
"Luminously messy, awkward, and fun, just like adolescence itself..." Kirkus Reviews
An Italian Adventure is currently available in hardcover, paperback, audiobook, and e-book formats across all major global retailers, including Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Google Play, and PayHip.
For interview requests, review copies, or further information, please contact
gaia@gaiabmman.net
Gaia B Amman
Buffalo, NY 14201
gaia@gaiabamman.net
716-3611653
https://gaiabamman.net/
About the Author: Gaia B. Amman, Ph.D., is an award-winning author, a former professor of biology, senior editor at McGraw-Hill, and a molecular oncology researcher based in Buffalo, New York. Born and raised in Italy, they capture the intricate social landscapes of Europe through a contemporary, inclusive lens. They are the creator of The Italian Saga, a multi-volume literary series exploring identity, romance, and resilience. Discover more of their work and upcoming releases at https://gaiabamman.net/
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