Patriot: Book Review

 

Patriot

By Alexei Navalney

It would have been anniversary of the imprisonment of Alexei if he was still alive (on January 17, 2021) in Russia. He believed in freedoms and democracy for his people. He saw what was going on around him as he was growing up in communism in his country. 

The Russian people noticed the small changes in freedoms because of the change in government by Gorbachev and the ousting of the government. The rise of Yeltsin and corruption. and then unfortunately, Putin. 

Alexei became a lawyer and saw the corruption in the government and how it affected him, his family, and the Russian people’s lives. He wanted to help make a change. He had no intention becoming an activist. 

But the rise of Putin and corruption he couldn’t take it any longer. He knew someone had to speak out. He was running for president against Putin(2017). Putin felt threatened and Alexei life changed forever. 

In 2020 he was poisoned, on a plane almost died. He Returned to Russia and was imprisoned.

You ask what all of us ask, Why would he return knowing the consequences? There is he’s answer. But still why would you sacrifice your life? How was he able to sneak his papers, his diary out of the prison without the guards noticing? That takes bravery. 

I was hesitant to read so close to the inauguration in the US. I thought it would upset me so much I couldn’t continue. Not really. 

It does parallel to what’s happening in the United States. What are we as Americans in for? Are we going to have the same fate as the Russian people? Are our journalists going to rise to the occasion? Are our government officials? 

It sure doesn’t look that way. We( the people)can do something to hold our government accountable. 

This is the point of his book. Did he write it for other Russians to take the mantle knowing his fate? Or for us, as Americans for inspiration for Americans and other societies to rise up to aurhortarian dictators. 

The book is part history, part memoir, and diary. It’s not all depressing which I was surprised. I would have loved to have met him. It is sad, but he is fillled with humor and optimism. 

I would recommend watching CNN documentary about him. Also his organization before his death released on YouTube the corruption he found of Putin’s homes, living in extreme luxury. How was he able to live in such luxury while the Russian people are starving. 

In the meantime there are stories still coming out of Russia. Navalney’s lawyers imprisoned for made up charges even today for Trumped up charges. Even though Alexei died almost a year ago. Alexei’s wife had to escape Russia after he died or face made up charges. His wife, Yulia,  continues the work outside of Russia.

Book Review: House of Glass

 

House of Glass

By Sarah Pekkanen

I’ve been having a difficult time with concentration. I didn’t hit my book challenge on Goodreads this year. Not even close with all the events this year. But, once the shock was over. I finally could get in the groove again. I read a few non- fiction books dealing with the current moment. Timothy Snyder’s book, On Tyranny( short, concise), Anne Applebaum’s Autocracy Inc. 

But to get away from the craziness as soon as Former, convicted felon was elected. He was taking over without being inaugurated. I needed to get away from it all. This book did the trick. Fast, quick, no brainer thriller. 

House of Glass, Rose, the 9 year old daughter saw the murder of her Nanny. Rose stops speaking after the Nanny is found. Was she pushed? Or slipped? The only one who could possible know is Rose. In the mean time an interest lawyer is hired on the case to help determine who the best parent to have custody of the daughter. Instead Stella realizes there is more to the case she bargained for. The story is full of twists and turns and more than she bargained for. You won’t believe who did it. If you are looking for a fast read. House of Glass is for you.