The Genius Under the Table
Growing Up Behind the Iron Curtain

Illustrated/graphic memoirs are my favourite kind. I guess this is supposed to be middle grade, but I think the story has a lot of crossover appeal-- simple enough for kids to understand, but with some grown-up themes. Yelchin shares what it was like growing up in the Soviet Union, feeling like neig......more

I was skeptical going into this book. As someone who also grew up behind the iron curtain, I sometimes find that books catering to the western audience tend to be overly negative, sarcastic or just plain ridiculous. Some descriptions in this book do border on the absurd and many of the characters ar......more

Wonderful illustrated memoir shelved in the children’s section of my library, but make no mistake, this is a book for adults as well. It’s funny, charmingly illustrated, and heartbreaking.......more

I absolutely LOVED this book. Funny, sad, and poignant all at once. Loved, loved, loved.......more