When I was in the 7th grade, the international school I went to overseas took a week-long field-trip to Russia. St. Petersburg and Moscow. I wanted so bad to go. My parents said I was too young. Even now, I don’t know if they were right or wrong. Missing an adventure like that. Would I let my children do the same? Maybe they should have volunteered to come too. All I know for sure is that this book was an amazing read. It was eye-opening, to say the least. If you are interested in Russia – or a culture other than your own – read this book. And if you are going to Russia for a few days, please take me with you.

Two of my favorite quotes:

This isn’t a country in transition but some sort of postmodern dictatorship that uses the language and institutions of democratic capitalism for authoritarian ends.

Politics is the ability to use any situation to advance your own status,” Sergey told me with a smile that seemed to mimic Surkov’s (who in turn mimics the KGB men). “How do you define your political views?” I asked him. He looked at me like I was a fool to ask, then smiled: “I’m a liberal . . . it can mean anything!

Buy this book.