YA-- In 1989, the authors, an Ohio couple, arranged an exchange between themselves and two Soviet farmers and lived for six months on a collective farm in the Ukraine. This account of their experience is divided into three parts: Christine's chronological journal, accounts of the Soviet farmers in rural America, and Ralph's descriptions of and conclusions about Soviet agriculture. Christine describes both the daily life on the farm and the misunderstandings that can occur between two groups who have preconceived ideas about one another. The Soviet farmers share with the Dulls their interpretations of the political scene as well as stories of their own lives and expectations. While the book demonstrates the differences between Soviet and American life and offers a unique glimpse of a people and a lifestyle seldom described, its greatest asset is that it reaffirms that we live in a world community sharing similar concerns, problems, and above all a common humanity. Once steered to Soviet Laughter, Soviet Tears , teens will enjoy reading it. But share it first with social studies teachers.

Sue Davis, Cedar Falls High School, IA

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