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The Eight Visits
In The Eight Visits, Roland Merullo, author of 21 novels and 7 books of non-fiction, ventures into uncharted territory. Part memoir, part spiritual musing, part letter to an as-yet-nonexistent grandchild, this book, in Merullo’s own words, is "an exploration of the way the living of life brings us wisdom."
Using eight diverse moments—some tiny, some immense—from his own seven decades on this Earth, along with visits from a mysterious figure that represents the innermost aspects of the learning process, Merullo probes the mechanism of personal growth. From the death of a beloved grandparent, to first love, the making of a career, marriage, travel, the birth of children, and ordinary events in between, both painful and joyous, The Eight Visits traces the trajectory of one life against a background of wondering and What’s the point of it all? What is the purpose? How best to spend the time we’ve been given?
Using eight diverse moments—some tiny, some immense—from his own seven decades on this Earth, along with visits from a mysterious figure that represents the innermost aspects of the learning process, Merullo probes the mechanism of personal growth. From the death of a beloved grandparent, to first love, the making of a career, marriage, travel, the birth of children, and ordinary events in between, both painful and joyous, The Eight Visits traces the trajectory of one life against a background of wondering and What’s the point of it all? What is the purpose? How best to spend the time we’ve been given?
141 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 12, 2026
About the author
Roland Merullo
42 books710 followersROLAND MERULLO is an awarding-winning author of 24 books including 17 works of fiction: Breakfast with Buddha, a nominee for the International IMPAC Dublin Literary Award, now in its 20th printing; The Talk-Funny Girl, a 2012 ALEX Award Winner and named a "Must Read" by the Massachusetts Library Association and the Massachusetts Center for the Book; Vatican Waltz named one of the Best Books of 2013 by Publishers Weekly; Lunch with Buddha selected as one of the Best Books of 2013 by Kirkus Reviews; Revere Beach Boulevard named one of the "Top 100 Essential Books of New England" by the Boston Globe; A Little Love Story chosen as one of "Ten Wonderful Romance Novels" by Good Housekeeping, Revere Beach Elegy winner of the Massachusetts Book Award for nonfiction, and Once Night Falls, selected as a "First Read" by Amazon Editors.
A former writer in residence at North Shore Community College and Miami Dade Colleges, and professor of Creative Writing at Bennington, Amherst and Lesley Colleges, Merullo has been a guest speaker at many literary events and venues and a faculty member at MFA programs and several writers’ conferences. His essays have appeared in numerous publications including the New York Times, Outside Magazine, Yankee Magazine, Newsweek, the Boston Globe, the Philadelphia Inquirer, Boston Magazine, Reader's Digest, Good Housekeeping, and the Chronicle of Higher Education. Merullo's books have been translated into Spanish, Portuguese, Korean, German, Chinese, Turkish, Bulgarian, Croatian, Slovenian, and Czech.
A former writer in residence at North Shore Community College and Miami Dade Colleges, and professor of Creative Writing at Bennington, Amherst and Lesley Colleges, Merullo has been a guest speaker at many literary events and venues and a faculty member at MFA programs and several writers’ conferences. His essays have appeared in numerous publications including the New York Times, Outside Magazine, Yankee Magazine, Newsweek, the Boston Globe, the Philadelphia Inquirer, Boston Magazine, Reader's Digest, Good Housekeeping, and the Chronicle of Higher Education. Merullo's books have been translated into Spanish, Portuguese, Korean, German, Chinese, Turkish, Bulgarian, Croatian, Slovenian, and Czech.
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
May 1, 2026
What are "The Eight Visits"? A combination of a memoir, a little bit of philosophy, and a good dose of life lessons that we all can use. Merullo relates the guiding force that has sustained him through both the good and bad we all encounter in our lives; be it physical or emotional pain, financial stress, and trying to live up to other's expectations.
Who are the target audiences for "The Eight Visits"? His fan readers, of course, but I also think any reader of the fiction book "Theo of Golden" will also enjoy this non-fiction book! Each have a common theme of both celebrating, and overcoming, what life presents to us. It's how we deal with it that makes us who we are. If gifting it, I'd find it appropriate for young adults who have a genuine struggle to get by in today's world, as it will encourage them. I also think any older reader, perhaps at or beyond retirement age, will identify with the reflections Merullo presents.
Who are the target audiences for "The Eight Visits"? His fan readers, of course, but I also think any reader of the fiction book "Theo of Golden" will also enjoy this non-fiction book! Each have a common theme of both celebrating, and overcoming, what life presents to us. It's how we deal with it that makes us who we are. If gifting it, I'd find it appropriate for young adults who have a genuine struggle to get by in today's world, as it will encourage them. I also think any older reader, perhaps at or beyond retirement age, will identify with the reflections Merullo presents.
November 2, 2026
for those humbly seeking the next spiritual step
Roland Merullo has consistently written what I might call guides to spiritual healing and further development. His books speak to essential questions of the questing soul, while being accessible, interesting stories on their own.
Roland Merullo has consistently written what I might call guides to spiritual healing and further development. His books speak to essential questions of the questing soul, while being accessible, interesting stories on their own.
August 17, 2026
Beautiful, moving and thoughtful. I have a lot to think about after reading this tender book.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews