Witness to Disintegration: The Origins of the Canadian Jewish Community

The author shares his experiences of living in provincial USSR prior to the country's collapse. His writings use enough color and detail to help you explore the country along side him. Even when the author describes the living conditions of the Soviet people, you are left feeling that his impressions are real, personal and honest; yet never over-dramatized. Whether the reader is interested in the USSR or not (I was not particularly), you will enjoy the adventure. I was particularly impressed how open the Soviet people were and how welcoming of strangers. I suspect that a visitor to the US would not enjoy such hospitality.

An incredibly witty, lighthearted look at life of Dr. Walter Hixson, in Kazan in the former USSR. Dr. Hixson, a history Professor at the University of Akron, Ohio, spent 10 months living "native" in Kazan and writes about his life there. This book is full of anecdotes, giving the reader a true look through "western" eyes at life in the east. This book is an easy read, hard to put down and one you just don't want to finish....much like Dr. Hixson's lectures on U.S. History!