Books: The Appointment by Herta Müller

Today Romania is a Republic and enjoys a good relationship with many countries, the United States being one of them. But this was not always the case.

There was a time when Romania was ruled by a ruthless and oppressive dictator, Nicolae Ceaușescu. He is no longer with us.

One can imagine all the Romanians were likely dancing in the streets the day of his execution. It was also Christmas Day so they would have been celebrating anyway.

Image Credit: "Bloody Christmas": Christmas in Romania, 1989: romaniadacia.wordpress.com

● Herta Müller received a Nobel Prize for Literature.

● Born in Romania, she lived during the Ceaușescu regime. She escaped. Her novel “The Appointment” incorporates some of her own personal experiences.   The story is about a young Romanian woman who has an appointment that she must keep.

The story begins :

“I’ve been summoned. Thursday, at ten sharp.”

The story ends :

“The trick is not to go mad.”

● The lines in between paint a clear picture of what life was like in Communist Romania.

It's a quick read.  About 200 pages.

* * *

Content also appears at my partner blog: Joie de Vivre Magazine

Four (4) Books by Jude Deveraux to Add to Your Reading List

Jude Deveraux is an American author who has been publishing books since 1980.  Many of her books have been on The New York Times Best Seller list.  I personally fancy her historical romance novels set in medieval England; specifically her books about the Montgomery men and the women they loved. 

The first novel by Ms. Deveraux that I read was about Gavin and Judith Montgomery. He stood tall like a tower over her and was ruggedly handsome; and she was just a pretty little thing, on the outside, that is. But once she got him to realize that she had no intention of becoming an adornment for his arm nor a little toy to be used for his amusement, they began to see eye-to-eye. Even if he did have to lift her up so that she could look him straight in the eye. Gavin not only loved and cherished her, but he had the utmost respect and admiration for her strong character and will. Their initially unhappy union turned into wedded bliss and their happiness was so wondrous that even the servants were happy that the master and the missus were finally getting along. The name of the first Deveraux book I read is The Velvet Promise. 

After being introduced to Gavin Montgomery, I just had to know what his brothers were like. I followed it up by reading Highland Velvet, Velvet Song, and Velvet Angel ~ the love stories of Gavin's brothers, the other Montgomery men ~ Stephen Montgomery, Raine Montgomery, and Miles Montgomery. 

These four books together are called The Velvet Montgomery Annals Quadrilogy. The primary theme of each book is the age-old truth: “Love conquers all.” Corny. But if you enjoy reading passionate historical romance, you'll love these books!

Jude Deveraux books on audiobooksnow.com

Publishers Weekly Books by Jude Deveraux and Complete Book Reviews

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Review of Ayumi’s Violin by Mariko Tatsumoto (Reblog)

This post is from the blog of a dear friend who writes book reviews. She chooses books in a variety of different categories: from animal stories to tutorials, fiction and non-fiction. When I really want to indulge myself, I read a children's book or I listen to music or do both. I particularly enjoy the violin. 

I appreciate books for children that address cultural diversity and that encourage children to become interested in music. That's why I chose this specific post to reblog.  Also this is a "coming to America" story.  It makes me feel so blessed that I was born in America and that no matter what others might say about my country ... this is truly a land of opportunity!

Review of Ayumi’s Violin by Mariko Tatsumoto: 

"Ayumi, a biracial love child, an outcast in Japan, had to face post WW2 prejudice when sent to live in America after her mother died. She had never met her father ..."