Steven Lee Myers

Steven Lee Myers did an excellent job in his book, "The New Tsar", in describing the new post-cold war Russian Federation, and its current President, Vladimir Putin. Myers describes how Russia changed from a Communist, central-planned government to a new, democratic institution. He also provides insights into Vladimir Putin's life, starting from his youth as a street-tough, who picked up martial arts as a side interest, and developed an early desire to work for the KGB in the Soviet Union. After the USSR dissolved, Putin transitioned from the spy world to civil administration, gradually growing in power and stature. Eventually, he became heir-apparent to Boris Yeltsin, and was elected President of Russia. He amassed more and more power for himself and his close circle of advisors, working to restore the power, respect, and standing of his native Country. Russia became more and more authoritian under Putin, and the book's title of "The New Tsar" seems an apt description of how Putin rules. You certainly get an appreciation for how Putin rules, and his vision for a restored Russian Federation, and see that his decisions in the Ukraine, and intervention in Syria, fit within his vision and personality.
… (mer)

I just can't anymore. I got the audio book from Audible, and it's something like 23 hours long. I'm not terribly fond of the narrator - but he hesitates just slightly before each Russian word, and over-emphasizes it, so it's a slightly disjointed listening experience. Also, there are a number of typos that were not corrected and are obvious in context - e.g., "he careered through the streets in his sports car", clearly meant to be careened. Not a huge issue (though annoyingly sloppy), but enough to make listening unenjoyable.

The book has incredible detail - I have no doubt that it is thoroughly researched and correct. I would definitely consider reading it, but it's too dense to be an enjoyable audio book.… (mer)