Vodka, Tears and Lenin's Angel: My Adventures in the Wild and Wooly Fsu (Former Soviet Union)

This book was fantastic--I couldn't put it down. It's funny, moving, intriguing, and well written. I learned so much through the writer's insight into Russian culture, people and politics. Gould's personal viewpoint made me feel as though I were experiencing her travels with her. Her stories cover so many aspects of Russia that you're sure to learn something you didn't know before. I recommend this book very highly.

This was a great book! Each chapter seems to tell its own separate story and yet the author weaves it all together with a captivating narrative. I love books where you can be entertained while learning about new cultures as well as the history and politics of a place. I really enjoyed this book because while I laughed at some stories, cringed at others and overall was totally entralled and caught up in the the author's experiences, I also learned so much about the Soviet Union, its breakdown and how it affected the country and the people. Buy it, read it, enjoy it.

I found this book to be a highly readable, insightful exploration of Russia in a crazy time of transition. Gould brings the place, the time, and the people alive in a clear and entertaining way.

Absolutely loved it and enjoyed it! Great writing, fascinating experiences. This book sparked my interest in Russian history and people. Thank you!

My husand (a scientist from Moscow who came to the US in 1991) and I found this one of the most truthful books about Russia we have read (the other book we really like is "Comrade Criminal"). Forget all the junk you read in the New York Times and hear on CNN. Real life in Russia today is as she describes. This formerly great country is only a few steps from being a clone of Nigeria. . .