Most people who know me – even in passing – know of my profound interest in Soviet and Russian history.  Back in June of this year, my years of interest and study culminated in the completion of my self-published book project, Red Youth: Young Heroes of the Great Patriotic War.  The book chronicles the life and martyrdom of Zoya Kosmodemyanska, one of the best-known and most loved heroines of the Soviet Union’s war against fascist Germany.  Regular readers to this site know that I had a lot of help on this project and a lot of support for my efforts as well.  

In the months that have followed since the initial release of the book, I have received kind words and encouragement from many different places in the world and I have shipped copies all over the United States and as far away as the Middle East and Australia.  I also shipped a copy to Peyman Piran, one of the Iranian students to whom the book is dedicated. Last month, I filled a wholesale order for Red Emma’s Bookstore and Coffeehouse in Baltimore and they are now selling copies online and in their store.

I am, of course, very happy to sell copies of the book to anyone with an interest in Zoya’s story.  But one of the greatest honors thus far just happened this week.  My friend Nina Lebed lives in Russia and she was kind enough to take a copy to the Zoya Kosmodemyanskaya Museum in Moscow.  On Tuesday November 24, 2009 she presented a copy of the book to Museum Director Natalia Valentinovna who will place the book into the collection of materials at the museum. 

To have this book placed upon so many important documents and exhibits related to Zoya and her brother Shura is one of the most tremendous accomplishments of my life and I am grateful to Nina and everyone else who helped to bring about this honor.



Museum Director Natalia Valentinovna holding the
Zoya Kosmodemyanskaya Museum’s newly acquired copy of Red Youth.




The book will be added to this case which contains works
about Zoya from around the world. 




Red Youth sits atop Zoya’s primary school desk.




Closeup of Red Youth on Zoya’s desk.

Red Youth: Young Heroes of the Great Patriotic War is available for purchase through Erythrós Press and Media.