I’m baaack! Remember the Novel Destinations book list for adults? It is very important that we keep our minds stimulated while in the midst of teaching ABCs, potty training, diapers, cooking, cleaning . . . When I was a young mother, I did not realize how important my own education was until I found myself singing all three verses to the Barney song! That is when I knew I needed something else in my head!
I digressed from the Novel Destination reading list for this trip. Since I have adopted children from Russia, I find my self attracted to books about Russian history and culture. I have always regretted that James Michener failed to write about Russia. However, I found something just as good in Edward Rutherfurd’s Russka, The Novel Of Russia.
Russka begins in A.D. 180 and progresses through the cultural and societal history of Russia through 1990. As with Michener, Rutherfurd shows us how the Russian way of thinking evolved. I was especially struck with the introduction, development and rise of Marxism in the early 20th century, and how similar it is to current US affairs.
While journeying through Russia via the novel Russka, you will visualize Russian climate, scenery and daily life. You will come to understand why the Russians have never been completely invaded. You will come to know the Russian character.
While you are enjoying your virtual trip to Russia, I will return to China via Iron & Silk, by Mark Saltman. In my search to find out what this book is about, I have not found much more than this, from Wikipedia (not my favorite source): “It details his journey to China after college to study Chinese wu shu, better known in the west as kung fu, and to teach English.” That is part of the fun of reading from an assigned list; you are led to books you otherwise would not give a chance.
I lived in Russia for 5 years, and am also intrigued by its history. This sounds like an interesting read!