Enough Love: Essays of Resilience and Triumph from a Female Romanian Air Force Pilot

When I saw that my gym pal, Rodika, had written and published a book, I immediately ordered a copy on Amazon. Before Covid, I regularly saw Rodika at the gym for evening exercise classes. More than just nodding acquaintances, we usually chatted genially before class or while leaving the building after class. I didn’t know much about her, but we still shared a few stories and laughs. Her light accent gave away her Romanian roots, and her devotion to her husband Adrian was always apparent. Adrian was often in our class, but perhaps more often, he would do his own workout elsewhere in the fitness center before meeting up with Rodika at the end of class. The book arrived within a day or two, and I thumbed through it, reading a few paragraphs here and there. Though I pledged to read it right away, I parked it on my tower of books where it languished for too many months. When I finally read Enough Love, Rodika Ponici moved from being somewhere between an acquaintance and a friend to being firmly cast in the role of friend and confidant. Over the span of 225 pages, Rodika lays her heart bare, revealing her aspirations, strengths, foibles, and accomplishments. I even learned when she lost her virginity, and it didn’t feel like “TMI.” What this woman has endured and accomplished is astounding! When we met about a dozen years ago, she had a pronounced accent – but she learned English as an adult, earned a college degree in the US, and has penned her own compelling memoir. I feel so proud to call this amazing woman, wife, mother, Air Force pilot, and kind-hearted human being my friend! Reading her inspirational story is time well spent. As the title suggests, this is a love story, but it’s also the story of dogged determination. Every setback is an opportunity for Rodika to dig deep and show her resilience, always with the loving but never smothering support of her beloved husband, Adi. I started the book thinking I would enjoy a friend’s story of her life so far, and I ended it humbled with admiration.

I had the honor of meeting Rodika Ponici before reading her account of life in communist Romania and beyond. I read her memoir afterward, and am happy to say that it captures her innate hopefulness, resilience and fearlessness. Few of us, having been brought up in such a depressing world, would have the strength to leave a life of relative privilege for one of freedom but also sacrifice, hardship and uncertainty. "Enough Love" is a true-to-life story that shows that love, ultimately, can overcome even the worst of human existence. Her story leaves one hopeful that each of us can meet the challenges we face in our own lives. Hollywood could not create a better story - and I hope that it will take Rodika's account and create a film version of her life.

A beautiful tale of love, resilience and optimism is exactly what is needed today. And it is not a fiction novel - it is the life of a Romanian air force pilot not afraid to take a chance and leave a communist country to try and make a new life and home in the “promised land”. If you would rather read a fiction tale, don’t - it will surprise how much more real life is better than whatever someone’s imagination can come up with. It is also extremely refreshing to see such a beautiful take on human relationships, family, and how important it is ( even though it is sometimes extremely difficult and requiring personal sacrifice) to put your loved ones first. Rejoice! There is hope! looking forward to a sequel - should the author have it in mind!-:)

I bought this book because my inner pilot wanted to know about becoming a pilot in communist romania. But the book hits on so many levels! There's the historically significant "first" of being the first communist Romania female class of pilots, the selection process, the barriers and challenges, the personal and system struggles of military officers, like meager pay and cafeteria food - wrapped up in the challenge of trying to see her fiancee, graduate pilot school, live together, pay bills... There's the first person account of experiencing the revolution which toppled 44 years of communist opression, the confusion of fighting a ghost enemy attack, of losing comrades to tragic fog of war... There's the immigration saga, of leaving all she knew for another country, starting over from zero, and achieving the Ammerican immigrant dream of success and prosperity through hard work and sacrifice. Rodika went from a hand built little muddy house with an outhouse and no running water, to a typical American house with multiple bathrooms, electricity, bedrooms, kitchen, and flushing toilets :) - something she'd never have imagined growing up in the Romanian communist system. Throughout all, one constant is Adi. What would make an incredible companion book to this is if Adi also wrote a book. Rodika, make him write a book! So, I highly recommend this book.

Are you struggling to find love and happiness in your relationships? If so, "Enough Love" is a must-read. The book is well-structured, providing clear and easy-to-follow guidance on identifying and overcoming the behaviors that may be preventing you from finding true love and happiness.What sets "Enough Love" apart is its emphasis on developing a positive relationship with oneself as the foundation for building satisfying relationships with others. Through thought-provoking exercises and empowering advice, the book provides readers with a safe space to reflect on their relationships and develop new habits and behaviors that can lead to more fulfilling connections with others.Ponici's engaging and relatable writing style makes the book a pleasure to read, while the practical advice and strategies are incredibly insightful and applicable. Whether you're looking to improve your current relationships or attract new ones, "Enough Love" is a valuable resource for anyone seeking to develop greater self-love and self-worth.Overall, this well-written and insightful book is a great addition to any personal growth bookshelf.

“Enough Love” is a true story that proves true love, determination and hard work always prevail.I was impressed by the accuracy and the high level of details of the events presented, myself being a witness to most of them.This book also portrays how life was in romanian society before, during & after the Revolution.The book itself is really well written. It was an easy read where everything flowed naturally and kept you on your toes waiting for what’s next.I cannot wait to read Rodika’s next book.

A true story of resilience, love, strength, sacrifice and determination to achieve your dreams: both the Romanian Dream and the American Dream!