Roadside Midnight

by Boris B. Blinkov

Set in a fictional Eastern European country, Roadside Midnight tells a story about three comrades who escape dull everyday monotony to explore life on a nearby island filled with events and parties.

Packed with Soviet nostalgia mixed into a modern setting, the story reveals a world pulled into the future by force from a time long forgotten.

Take a look into the everyday life and personal relations of three friends living in the former Eastern Bloc.

Inspired by true events and real life.

by Boris (aka Life of Boris)

159 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 18, 2024

Reviews

[Joshua Ludbrook · Rating 4 out of 5]

I want to start by labelling the bad of this book, not because I am a fun-ruiner, but because these are mostly nitpicks and there's not a lot bad about this book.

-There are a few errors and typos here and there, for example on pg. 90 (if I recall correctly) where Alex is said to be in the foodtruck and advertising it at the same time, and I think once or twice there was a backwards double apostrophe. But in all honesty, it's a first-book and its self-published and the typos and errors are miniscule and so while a bit more editing would've been nice, its not something to worry about too much.

-I personally would've appreciated a bit more physical description of the characters. Not a lot more, just a few things like the colour of certain people's hair (while some descriptions are mentioned, I just would've appreciated a little bit more, but its fine).
-This is not so much a bad thing, but just some advice for people who read this: watch at least one Boris video before reading the book, or just also get the audiobook. Worst comes to worse, just read it like a McCarthy book, but instead of reading it in the voice of an old cowboy, try to read it in the voice of Boris, it will all flow well.

See? Nitpicks, as I said, there's not a lot of bad in this book. Now, on to the good.

-Everything else. The dialogue is funny, the stakes are low (which in this case is a strength), the moments of musing on things like 'purpose in life', and 'how the Soviet Union collapse affected people' didn't feel out of place, nor did they feel half-baked or anything. The whole book feels like a friendly figure is telling you this story, which fits the events of the book perfectly given it's all about three buddies going out on a spontaneous week away.

Overall, it has heart, it has charm and funny moments, its not something that can easily be put into a box (or at least I can't do that). In summary, its a very Boris book. And if you like his videos, you'll probably enjoy this too.

And speaking of videos, I think as far as Youtuber books go, this one is pretty good, at the very least in comparison to the other ones that are out there. This is a good 7.5/10. I think. Ah who cares about numbers? It's a good book, a nice, quaint read.

P.s. sorry if this review isnt the best it could be, I am writing this at 1:40am.

[Elizabeth Krafnick · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have followed the author on his You Tube channel, Life of Boris, for about eight years. His funny take about life in Eastern Europe permeates everything he does but he also has a very philosophical side. The book has hysterical moments and poignant ones. It isn’t a long read but it’s a compelling story with a definite deep dive into a modern but very different culture from most Western European countries. Highly recommend.

[Alicia Spencer]

Slavic Madness

Boris wrote one of the most entertaining books I've read in a while. The dialogue is funny as all heck and it perfectly captures the nature of a spontaneous outing with the guys. I'm more than excited for the next work that Boris has in store.

[Kamil]

"Lost is normal, we all feel lost."

[Laura Q. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Boris does not disappoint with this short but sweet slice of post-Soviet fun. He is obviously a born storyteller and I eagerly await his next foray into the written word.

[Daniel · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's a fun read.