Vodka Shot, Pickle Chaser: A True Story of Risk, Corruption, and Self-Discovery Amid the Collapse of the Soviet Union

by David A. Kalis

For David, graduating from college was a matter of course, but figuring out what to do next with his life turns into a paralyzing decision.

On a whim, he decides to travel to the Soviet Union. His loose plans call for a thirty-day tour of Leningrad, but after finding himself caught up in the middle of a coup d’état that destabilizes the country, he ends up staying abroad for two and a half tumultuous years.

From surviving perilous run-ins with the Russian mafia and the Soviet military, to searching for his lost heritage in a remote village, David’s story is a riveting coming-of-age memoir. He finds that the road less traveled can lead to unexpected adventure, and that looking backward sometimes provides the best insight into how to move forward. Visit www.davidakalis.com to see pictures, video, and more!

Genres: Nonfiction, Russia

258 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 4, 2014

About the author

David A Kalis grew up in the Boston suburbs. He earned his B.A. in Soviet East European Studies from Tufts University and an M.B.A. from The University of Chicago, Graduate School of Business. Following his graduation from Tufts University, he spent two and a half years abroad in Russia which formed the basis for his memoir and ensuing career choices. In 2006, after many years of talking about the idea of writing his story, he finally began the work. Vodka Shot, Pickle Chaser is the culmination of combing through his experiences, organizing his thoughts, and presenting his journey and the life lessons he learned along the way.

Reviews

[Shelley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this memoir fascinating. The author graduated from college with a degree in Russian studies and traveled to the USSR to hone his language skills and find direction for his life. Extending his temporary visa into a 2 1/2 year stay during the early 1990's, he witnessed the breakup of the communist country, protests, military revolts, the rise of capitalism along with the rise in crime & the lawlessness of mafia control. Food shortages, poverty, bribery of police & officials are the normal way of life for the majority used to having the government control every aspect of their lives when suddenly that government and it's enforcer, the KGB, are no longer in control. It makes you revisit the many things we take for granted living in America, even with it's flaws.

[Donna Schubert · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a good read

[Matt DeJohn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Calling all self-proclaimed adventurers, this book is for you. This book will make you want to pack your bags and travel back in time to the Soviet Union, of course, with Dave Kalis!

For those of us (myself included) whose knowledge of Russian history is as scant as a poorly rationed snack, fear not! This book is your passport to the tumultuous and downright wild ride that was the former USSR. It's not just about the chaos and craziness; it's a celebration of the unyielding spirit of the Russian people and the unrelenting audacity of one gutsy American, Dave Kalis!

This book is a narrative of self-discovery sprinkled with great humor and seasoned with the unpredictable flavors of life in Russia. With vivid storytelling, Kalis breathes life into the experiences and perspectives that have shaped contemporary Russia and its relationship with the West. As I closed the final pages of "Vodka Shot," I couldn't help but crave another round of Dave's delightful and crazy escapades, when is the next book coming!?!?! I'm packing my bags and off to Russia!

buy it, read it, you wont be disappointed!

[ELVIA P. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vodka Shot, Pickle Chaser is a gripping coming-of-age memoir set against the chaos of a collapsing Soviet Union. What begins as a restless post-college escape quickly turns into a raw and often dangerous immersion into a country unraveling in real time.

David A. Kalis captures the uncertainty of youth with honesty and restraint. His internal struggle with expectations, ambition, and identity mirrors the external instability surrounding him. The memoir shines in its vivid depictions of everyday survival amid corruption, political upheaval, and cultural collision. Encounters with the Russian mafia, the military, and ordinary citizens lend the story an immediacy that feels lived rather than observed.

What makes this memoir especially compelling is its balance. High-risk moments are grounded by reflection, humor, and a sincere search for meaning. The journey is not just geographic but deeply personal, showing how looking backward through history and heritage can illuminate a way forward. This is an engaging and thoughtful memoir for readers drawn to travel, political transition, and personal transformation.

[Joseph Raitano · Rating 5 out of 5]

By far my favorite book of 2022. Originally published in 2014, but still so timely and relevant with the Russia-Ukrainian War which saw major escalation this year. The author keeps you on the edge of your seat from the very start. Instead of going down the typical path in life of “finding a good job after college", the author decides to take what was supposed to be a quick trip to the Soviet Union. Two and a half years later, amidst a number of different backdrops and life-altering decisions, you become part of his story, sitting silently, becoming one with the characters he meets along his journey. You will definitely relate to similar life situations. The people he encounters are fascinating, and sometimes frightening. Overall, the book is funny, charming and beautifully genuine. Surprising moves along the way keeps you from putting the book down. You feel his challenges, hardships, but more importantly, get to share in his celebrations and wins!

[Jon Lulu · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a good read! In Vodka Shot, Pickle Chaser, the author provides a captivating story of his personal journey to connect the past, present and future, amid a vividly painted backdrop of a nation that seems to be struggling to do the same thing. As Dave (we can call him that... its that personal) pushes further into his own search for identity and direction, he simultaneously pushes deeper into Russia's violent, scary and unnerving struggle to transform the very foundation of its society.

The pages turn effortlessly. We see historic events, remembered only from TV-news, unfold before our eyes from an uncannily and sometimes shocking first-person perspective. From the geopolitical twists and bloody military action that wrought the fall of the Soviet empire, to the mushrooming violence and moral decay left in its wake, we see it all at very, very close range. But just as closely, we also see the human, everyday struggles of everyday Russians (and even Ukrainians) as they try to cling to hope and navigate a rapidly changing world. And inside all this this is Dave's personal journey, his taking stock of blessings and confronting of challenges, and thus his finding of a way forward.

The pace is brisk, the style is economical, and the blend of the macro and micro is truly engrossing. On more than a few occasions I laughed out loud, while at other times I felt fear, joy and a human connection that crossed beyond the politics of nations or religious differences. VSPC is thought provoking on several levels, but perhaps what is most pleasing about this memoir is that all those connections and parallels between Dave's inner journey and Russia's external one are left for the reader to infer.

Subtly executed and enjoyable. I highly recommend this book.

[David Kalis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Endorsements from other authors:

"Thrilling, bold, and beautifully written, Vodka Shot, Pickle Chaser takes us on journey into a strange and dangerous world, a place so foreboding and alive and treacherous and real, that one cannot help, as David Kalis did, to find his soul there." Robert Kurson, author of Shadow Divers

"Dave's story is a riveting adventure that highlights the universal quest for purpose and connection. He learns that answers are closer than we expect, often found within ourselves and our heritage." Darci Klein, author of To Full Term

"David Kalis's wonderfully compelling memoir has all the attributes of storytelling at it's best: masterful suspense and an engaging, voice-driven narrative that pulls us into the heart of an exotic adventure." Laurie Baker, Author

[Dennis Fischman · Rating 4 out of 5]

David Kalis managed to spend two and a half years in Russia at one of the most dramatic times in its history, from the attempted coup against Gorbachev and the dissolution of the USSR in 1991 to Yeltsin's attack on the parliament in 1993. He was a young man, fresh out of college, and he is refreshingly candid about his naivete and some of the stupid risks he took. The result is a snapshot of a country that twenty years later is still trying to recover from the rapid changes of that era.

[Deke · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic book, reminded me of "Learning To Bow" - a young man leaves college to learn about another culture and learns about himself in the process. In this case the personal story occurs during one of the most tumultuous periods in Russia's recent history, as the Soviet Union collapses, the mafia takes control, lines for food get longer, and the public is politically and socially conflicted. Highly recommended

[Lucie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Must read for anyone who considers themselves an adventurer, and seeker of the unknown. This book makes you question your self-considered limitations and want to propel yourself forward in to cultures unexplored. For those of you (like myself) who know little about Russian history this book is a fantastic guide not only to the tumult, and depravity in the former USSR, but to the fortitude of the Russian people.. and perseverance of one daring American.

[Sharon · Rating 3 out of 5]

I unfortunately just started this book tonight for a review I am going to tomorrow night. It is by the author himself. I am so far really enjoying it!
I have to admit I enjoyed the beginning more than the end. But a great memoir of his post college years spent In the Soviet Union.

[Hendi · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great story, bravely told.

[Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book!! It reads like a historical fiction filled with a passionate storyline that's truly unbelievable. You root for the author until the very end.

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read! A snapshot in time of post communist Russia. Well done