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American Diaries 1995
In the scorching summer heat of 1995 this story of discovery of America begins. The story of young man's peculiar journey from the Ukrainian farmlands, through the remnants of the Soviet iron curtain and into the vastly foreign world of an American urban youth camp. A humorous and heartfelt diary and first hand account of the many lessons learned and memories made when two vastly different cultures commingle in the rustic Michigan countryside.
- GenresBiography
192 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 30, 2019
2 people are currently reading
26 people want to read
About the author
Sergei Sputnikoff
4 books6 followersSergei was born and raised in Kiev, former Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic. He came to the US on an exchange program in 1995. "American Diaries" is his first book based on the diaries he kept while working at the camp with inner city kids from Chicago.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
February 4, 2020
A wonderfully and refreshingly honest and straight-forward book. I've only heard of "American Diaries" because I watch Sergei's "Ushanka Show" on Youtube, and it was interesting to find out more about the voice in the videos.
Being from the former USSR myself, I could relate to quite a few things in the book, but that doesn't mean that it can only be of interest to Sergei's compatriots. Not at all - I think pretty much anyone can enjoy it, especially since it's written in direct, easily accessible language.
Being from the former USSR myself, I could relate to quite a few things in the book, but that doesn't mean that it can only be of interest to Sergei's compatriots. Not at all - I think pretty much anyone can enjoy it, especially since it's written in direct, easily accessible language.
February 3, 2022
I am a fan of the author's youtube program "Ushanka Show," and it was interesting to read about his first trip to America. I actually didn't want the book to end!
1995 was a year of contrasts for Sergei. Life in America was very different from life in post-Soviet Ukraine, which was suffering from hyper-inflation (10,000 percent in 1993!). The pay in America was good, but the work conditions were less than luxurious.
The work was all the more exhausting because of the energy it took to become proficient in the English language and learn all the new dos and don'ts (for example, do wear deodorant, and don't wear a Speedo/"banana hammock"). As an immigrant in Europe, I can definitely attest to how exhausting the first months and years in a new country can be.
Sergei was sometimes homesick that summer and reminisced about his childhood (for example, remembering what a treat it was to get bananas for his birthday). And when he felt discouraged, he reminded himself of the much bigger struggles his grandfather went through during World War II. His grandfather was a P.O.W. - lucky to escape alive but considered a traitor for being caught at all. The stories about his grandfather were a particularly compelling part of the book.
The book was filled with interesting anecdotes. They taught me a fair amount about Ukrainian life and culture, but they also made me smile and laugh and simply feel glad to have made his acquaintance, page by page, chapter by chapter.
The book is available on Kindle for only $3.99 - why not check it out?!
1995 was a year of contrasts for Sergei. Life in America was very different from life in post-Soviet Ukraine, which was suffering from hyper-inflation (10,000 percent in 1993!). The pay in America was good, but the work conditions were less than luxurious.
The work was all the more exhausting because of the energy it took to become proficient in the English language and learn all the new dos and don'ts (for example, do wear deodorant, and don't wear a Speedo/"banana hammock"). As an immigrant in Europe, I can definitely attest to how exhausting the first months and years in a new country can be.
Sergei was sometimes homesick that summer and reminisced about his childhood (for example, remembering what a treat it was to get bananas for his birthday). And when he felt discouraged, he reminded himself of the much bigger struggles his grandfather went through during World War II. His grandfather was a P.O.W. - lucky to escape alive but considered a traitor for being caught at all. The stories about his grandfather were a particularly compelling part of the book.
The book was filled with interesting anecdotes. They taught me a fair amount about Ukrainian life and culture, but they also made me smile and laugh and simply feel glad to have made his acquaintance, page by page, chapter by chapter.
The book is available on Kindle for only $3.99 - why not check it out?!
March 20, 2022
Awesome adventure!
I felt as if I were living Sergei's life while reading his wonderful narrative! It is 0130 and I just finished. He is a great guy, and I can just picture him, so many years ago, working his way through American society for the first time. Definitely a good read. Thanks for sharing your adventure with us! We really "appreciate" it!
I felt as if I were living Sergei's life while reading his wonderful narrative! It is 0130 and I just finished. He is a great guy, and I can just picture him, so many years ago, working his way through American society for the first time. Definitely a good read. Thanks for sharing your adventure with us! We really "appreciate" it!
October 7, 2022
I learned of Sergei and subsequently this book, from his channel Ushanka Show. The thoughts and perspective of someone coming from the former soviet union to America for the first time was interesting and insightful, and highlights some of the peculiarities and luxuries we take for granted as "normal". Patiently waiting on an english version of Sergei's 1996 American Diaries!
December 22, 2019
Great story
Well written story of his adventures in the states. Was fun reading how he described what he did and what he saw. I have watched his YouTube channel. A pleasure and fun. Glad he is an American now.
Well written story of his adventures in the states. Was fun reading how he described what he did and what he saw. I have watched his YouTube channel. A pleasure and fun. Glad he is an American now.
February 1, 2021
Thoroughly Enjoyable
An enjoyable tale of adventure in the strange New World, told in a wry and engaging style. Entertaining, touching, interesting and funny. Definitely well worth a read.
An enjoyable tale of adventure in the strange New World, told in a wry and engaging style. Entertaining, touching, interesting and funny. Definitely well worth a read.
July 5, 2022
I always wondered how first Soviet citizens felt when they went to a Western country, this books gives quite a bit of insight on the issue, on the other hand it gave me a huge early 90s nostalgia.
I highly recommend his YT channel by the way he debunks a lot of commie propaganda.
I highly recommend his YT channel by the way he debunks a lot of commie propaganda.
October 10, 2020
The book was alright, the stories from the Soviet Union were nice and entertaining, the whole stuff in the United States kinda repeats itself, and of course, Sergei's sexual humor added a little spice.
Overall I liked the book, it is a kind of Biography after all and it did the job, brought information about Sergei's life in America in the first year whether it was interesting or not. I rated 3/5, good.
Thanks, Sergei for getting to know you a little bit more.
Overall I liked the book, it is a kind of Biography after all and it did the job, brought information about Sergei's life in America in the first year whether it was interesting or not. I rated 3/5, good.
Thanks, Sergei for getting to know you a little bit more.
April 7, 2021
This book is easily read, written in a conversational way it goes from one short story to another. Reading his opinions and interpretations of American life was very interesting.
December 31, 2019
In America, we thought we should be helping deprived children in foreign countries. It turns out the USSR thought the same thing.
Sergei thought coming to the USA to help city kids from in summer camps must be a scam, but it wasn't. He packed his bags, left Ukraine, and headed to MI.
The book is very well written and flows smoothly. There is a balance between American experience and life in the former Soviet Union.
When I finished the book, I wanted more to read. I look forward to his next one.
American Diaries 1995 is written by Sergei Sputnikoff, who is the creator of the YouTube channels, The Ushanka Show and Другая Америка.
Sergei thought coming to the USA to help city kids from in summer camps must be a scam, but it wasn't. He packed his bags, left Ukraine, and headed to MI.
The book is very well written and flows smoothly. There is a balance between American experience and life in the former Soviet Union.
When I finished the book, I wanted more to read. I look forward to his next one.
American Diaries 1995 is written by Sergei Sputnikoff, who is the creator of the YouTube channels, The Ushanka Show and Другая Америка.
January 20, 2020
ushanka show
sergei sputnikoff is a good storyteller with an interesting story to tell. don't believe me? buy this book and see for yourself. and subscribe to ushanka show on youtube
sergei sputnikoff is a good storyteller with an interesting story to tell. don't believe me? buy this book and see for yourself. and subscribe to ushanka show on youtube
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews