Tale of the White Crow: Coming of Age in Post-Soviet Latvia (ISBN 0944024467)

Vivid, personal description of life in Latvia:
On one level, this book tells the story of a young woman coming of age in any culture. There are delightful descriptions of the ups and downs, the fantasies and cynicism, the longings and the resignation - one can see this young woman in every culture. On another level, however, this book is the story of a very personal triumph. Ms. Melnika describes in vivid detail the difficult reality of those living in Latvia during the past two decades. From the scarcity of goods and services, to the mind-controlling religious cults, to the hedonism that supposedly represents the freedoms of the West, the author encountered them all and portrays her experiences with an honesty of which only the young are capable. Tale of the White Crow is a journal. Some readers may object to the broken English translation, but I found it strangely appropriate. I have only two small criticisms: the journal simply ends - I very much wanted to know what became of the author. Also, there are several photos in the book but no descriptions of what they are of. I would like to have seen photos of the people referred to in the book.

Great look at life in Riga:
Latvia, My favorite country. This book explains the customs and culture better than any travel guide or text book. On one level it exposes how different life in latvia is compared to the USA, and yet on another level it reveals that young girls growing up in Latvia face the exact same social and emotional problems as girls in the USA (and, I suspect, everywhere else). I bought this book for my daughter and found that I enjoyed it just as much as she did as we read it together. The photos capture the essence of the city so well, we enjoyed seeing places we had visited. A great book and I look forward to other books by this author. James Hatsis James1@OconeeAirService.com

Interesting:
I missed my favorite TV show to read this book to it's completion. To those of us who have a vested interest in Latvia, the author gives us a rare glimpse into a native heart. Her account of her involvement with a religious group was especially fascinating as it speaks to all of us who have struggled with doubts about our faith. It is one of those books that make you want to meet the author to talk it all out.