"Ukraine: Birth of a Modern Nation" by Serhy Yekelchyk

Once again, Ukraine has been making headlines with its political unrest and uncertainty. Even after being independent for over 20 years, the country is still struggling to figure out its national identity. A lot is being said in the press about the country being divided into the "pro-Russian" and the "pro-Western" factions. If you are curious to learn more about Ukraine and Ukrainians, I highly recommend Serhy Yekelchyk's Ukraine: Birth of a Modern Nation. The book came out in the wake of the so-called Orange Revolution in Ukraine in 2004-2005, when the world watched as Ukrainians refused to accept the results of a rigged presidential elections and poured into the streets to demand justice.

Most other books I've seen about Ukraine tend to either overemphasize its historic ties with Russia or completely disregard those ties. I think Yekelchyk's book offers a balanced view of Ukraine's history which underlines the fact that this constant tension between leaning towards the West or towards Russia has always existed throughout Ukraine's history. The trick for this nation is to figure out how to balance these opposing forces and to stand on its own. A house divided cannot stand. It is time for Ukraine to realize that its strength is in unity and independence. It is a great nation that can stand tall without being subservient to either Russia or the West. Enjoy the book!