YA-- The crucial value of Smith's book on the contemporary Russian "revolution" now unfolding under Gorbachev lies in its grassroots, man-on-the-street emphasis. The origins and historical evolution of glasnost and perestroika have been dealt with elsewhere. What Smith does incomparably well is to give readers a look at the national Russian character, based on several remarkable interviews with people of all ages, occupations, and situations. Part of the book deals with the Russian work ethic ("they pretend to pay us and we pretend to work!") and the chronic inertia and dependency of individuals within the Communist economy. This is a wonderful book for YAs, simply because the ordinary daily activities and frustrations of living in the U.S.S.R. are so vividly and relevantly portrayed. If young people are not deterred by the thickness of the volume and simply dig in, they will find that the reward is well worth the effort.