Customer Reviews

From Nyet to Da: Understanding the New Russia

5 star:		(0)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I am a first generation Russian immigrant - grew up in Russia and Ukraine and came to US at the age of 23 in 2003. I bought this book to find some articulations of what I have experienced, I need it for one of my classes in grad school.

I started reading last night and almost got all the way through, what I can tell you at this point is - the author seems credible. I was offended by some of the things and some I feel were exaggerated... Overall, most of it sounds true for describing my grandparents, younger generations are a lot more westernized, living in a fast-paced world where everyone has to work for themselves and stay afloat in the global economy. If you are planning a trip to Russia, definitely read the book and you'll be more relaxed once you get there. Expect the worst, but hope for the best! :)

I also bought The Russian Way because they offered me a deal if I buy both, which is a great disappointment. From Nyet to Da is a lot more informed and experience based than The Russian Way, has a better tone and is a lot more interesting to read

Of course a single book can't adequately prepare anyone for the experience that is Russia but this book is a good place to start. This book was required reading for a course prior to traveling to St. Petersburg, Russia and it effectively provides insights into the cultural mind and thought of Russians, and Russia in general, which most history books do not. My experiences in Russia echoed many of the themes in this book

My only issue is that a bit too much of the material is drawn from Soviet times and Russia today - especially for those under 30 - is a very different place.

I read the 3rd edition prior to moving to Russia to work for a Russian company and found it extremely interesting. I reread it a month ago after having lived here for almost 2 years and found it woefully out of date. I negotiate every day in one way or another with Russians who are direct or indirect representatives of the Russian government and found that the book took a far too rosy view of what it's like to negotiate with them. Much better is a book called Russian Negotiating Behavior. Is the 4th edition any more relevant and up to date than the 3rd edition?

I purchased this book to learn more about Russian culture. I am currently enrolled in a Russian language course this summer, that will also focus on the cultural aspects of Russia. This book was informative and I especially appreciated the historical accounts. I do believe that an American's perspective is always going to be a tad bit biased and negative in regards to Russia, so I do not consider this book the "bible" so to speak on Russia. That said I realize the author acquired much experience in regards to Russian relations and business dealings. I would like to have read a little more about the personal relationships, one on one, with Russians.

I would recommend this book to anyone wanting to learn more about Russia.