This collection of memoir-snapshots about travelling to or living in Prague and the Chech Republic contains some gems, and some clunkers, as seems to happen with most anthologies. To me, the gems are the little bits of amusing anecdote or the experiences that are so off the beaten track that I am surprised and delighted to hear about them. The parts that clunked to me are the numerous rounds of the authors (mostly expat) pondering the many ways in which the ol' place has changed, and remembering the communist and pre-communist days. I would definitely reccomend this book on the whole, but would reccomned that it not be read in order. The editor has arranged the book on themes for the most part, and it lost its joy for me quickly because the same themes seemed to be repeated in article after article. Once I began to read out of sequence, I was able to enjoy the big picture so much more.
My top picks:
-"Is Just Like Amerika", an account of the author's encounters with assorted 'hobo' groups, and what it means to be a 'hobo' in the Chech Republic. Nothing like what it means in the US.
-"In Love with George Bush" is a brief account that both gives a taste of a B&B whose owner is, well, in love with George bush. Lots of fun.
-" Concrete City" was not one I expected to like when I began to read it, but it interested me. Just a brief reflection on the concrete buildings left over from Communist days, and what it means to people's lives.
-"Snared", the author's adventures with the police on a minor charge. Fun as much for the author's way of telling the tale as for the tale itself. ( )