If You Believe in Yourself: An Ordinary Story of a Russian Immigrant

This is a very accessible autobiographical story of a young woman's upbringing and life in late Soviet Russia and the early years of post-Soviet Russia; the hardships and sorrow she and her family faced, particularly with her father dying at a young age; her education and determination to make a career for herself, her marriage and its failure, her relationships with other men, and her ultimate decision to leave Russia and find a new life for herself and her son in the United States. The book can be essentially divided into two parts - life in Russia and life in the U.S. The pathos is mixed with some humor. Underlying the whole narrative is the author's religious faith, which she clearly credits for her staying power.As an historian, I think this book is a excellent primary source for the study of the immigrant experience in the United States during the late twentieth and early twenty-first centuries. I believe it will be useful to scholars fifty or even one hundred years from now, as they analyze and reconstruct immigration to the U.S. during our current era, in the same sense that immigrant narratives from the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries are useful in understanding immigration to the U.S. during that period. So please read it!!

This is an interesting story about immigration and overcoming life challenges.The book begins with Polina's childhood in the Communist Russia where she has to struggle for her place under the sun after loosing her father at an early age.Surviving the dashing nineties, Polina came to the US to start a new life for herself and her young son. She is about to start an amazing journey in pursuit of happiness and a better life.It is difficult not to like the author with her unpretentious forthcoming style even though you may not always see to eye on some issues described in the book.I definitely recommend this book to others as an inspirational message about one's path and mission in life.

I love it!This book brings me back to my memories of my first days of immigration from Ukraine. Its a tough life but each step makes us stronger. Whether it was a friend or an enemy that person gave us experience and helped us move forward and never give up.I highly recommend this book!

The author speaks her mind and makes you feel it by being very open and forthcoming.A well mastered English for an immigrant and author of her first book.We certainly wish the author to write a sequel.

I LOVED this book!!! The story is very inspirational and heartfelt. The writer takes you along on a journey of life’s hardships, tribulations, and wonders. I applaud the raw honesty and candor of the writer and her story!

Truly inspirational! the writer reminds me that all life experiences are opportunities to grow as a human being. Also, that Love is the best companion that one can have to achieve any goals.

I loved it ! That’s such a nice story that describe so well the immigrant life . The author was magnificent and wrote with classy and humor . I recomende for everyone . Hope she writes a second book

I am happy to have read this book as it is an honest narrative of an immigrant's life. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security calls us aliens. Meanwhile, to this day, the United States remains the most desired host country for immigrants followed by Saudi Arabia, Germany, and Russia. So, why do we immigrate? We strive for the same goals as everyone else does: opportunities, freedom, a better future for ourselves and our children, better life. Perhaps, we are not aliens after all. We are survivors, we try hard if not harder. This book is a testament to that.