Non reader

Hi All!

I failed to read this book for a couple of reasons. 1. I couldn't find it in my quick search of the local library and LDS bookstore. 2. I didn't have time for more searching due to the home improvement projects that we have been doing. Therefore, I can see that I've really missed out, and I will have to find the book soon, and read it. Interestingly enough, I started reading "A Girl Named Zippy" right before it was announced as being the next book. I look forward to the reviews on that one. Have a great day!

Karen B.

A Train to Potevka--K Smith

Dear "Ladies of the Club" (also one of my favorite books),

I finished and posted on time . . . well . . . close! :) I enjoyed this book as much for its insights into Russian culture as I did for its spy/romance/missionary aspects. (Thanks for choosing it, Gina.) I teach Russian history as part of my World Geography curriculum and it continues to frustrate me that individual Russian citizens don't seem to realize how much good they could do by working together and helping each other. I know that part of the grit-your-teeth, don't-look-right-or-left, life-will-always-be-hard attitude comes from the harshness of the Russian climate and the vastness of its landscape, but it certainly contrasts with the American spirit of optimism. I was so pleased with the few individuals who were willing to risk to help M. Ramsdell. In a country where for centuries "standing out" or "speaking your mind" could mean death or torture, I am not sure we Americans really understand how much in "survival mode" these people were/are.

I was also frustrated with the power of the Russian mafia. "Democracy" in Russia is a shaky proposition at best. Really the one best and brightest hope is the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It is only by changing hearts and minds, by changing how people see themselves and their purpose in life that any lasting, significant change will take place in Russia. Without the gospel, it is too easy to slide back into the desire/need for a totalitarian/authoritarian government to "make" everyone do what is necessary for the good of society.

One last comment . . . I wondered how Ramsdell's first wife felt about the love of his life. He didn't say anything bad about her, in fact he didn't say much about her at all. The only comment I really picked up on was that his son was a good student because of the influence of the first wife. But, I knew a sister in my old ward in Centerville, UT who was married to a spy. The marriage ended in divorce in part because of the stress on the family of a husband who thrived on the clandestine, life-threatening life of a spy. The dissolution of Ramsdell's marriage was a story that I know he didn't want to go into, but I would really be interested in hearing his first wife's side. (Just a thought.)

--Karen

Train wreck

Hello ladies,

I was unable to read the book for this month; I got to it too late this time. I do have the next book ready for me, though, so I look forward to posting on that one.

Thanks for your understanding!

Danielle

Train to Potevka - Katie

I will admit, during the first few pages of this book I was thinking to myself "this guy really isn't a writer." And, technically, he's not. He is, however, a storyteller. Once I got used to the writing, I was thoroughly drawn into his story. And the jumps in the story that bugged me at first, became part of what made him a good storyteller. Who doesn't, in the middle of telling a story, jump into some back story to better explain the current story? I do. And to Mike's credit, sometimes I don't even make it back to my original story.

Maybe it's because I'm a child/teen of the 80's, but I am intrigued by everything KGB, USSR, etc. And I wanted to be one of the first missionaries to Russia that I took a Russian class at BYU after hearing a talk given by M. Russell Ballard (of of the LDS apostles) prior to Russia opening to LDS missionaries, where he "suggested" that "if you want to be called to Russia, learn Russian. Alas, it didn't work. That said, I liked (with a touch of envy) the part of the book *SPOILER ALERT* where Mike meets the missionaries and is so overjoyed. And I was touched to see Mike's love and compassion for the Soviets - our former "enemies." However, it was quite sad to see the distrust that the citizens had toward everyone - even their neighbors.

Although this book is categorized as "fiction," we know it really happened, right? I am amazed at Mike's strength and willpower. Of course, I don't know what I would really do in his situation, but after major injuries and no food for days? I'm dying to find out how that package really made it to the safe house in Potevka.

This is the first "spy" novel I've read where the hero kneels down in prayer to his Heavenly Father - in that occupation, shouldn't they all? ;-)

And the young boy who helped get Mike and the missionaries into McDonald's? Didn't Mike (see how I'm on a first name basis with the author?) say this boy's story was "another story?" Where is that other story? I want to know it. And a word about McDonald's - I'm telling you, even in France, McDo's (as they call it, pronounced "McDough") is always teeming with people. And, everything I go to France, my friends take me there... like it's a big treat.

Thanks, Gina. I'm glad I read this one.