Moon over Sasova: One American’s Experience Teaching in Post-Cold War Slovakia by

Moon over Sasova: One American’s Experience Teaching in Post-Cold War Slovakia Reviews

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  janet

  As a person of 100% Slovak heritage, I enjoyed this book very much. I travelled there in 2005, as I discovered that I still have family in And around Bratislava. It was fascinating to read about the author’s experience in central Europe. Well written and engaging. It’s rare to find any literature about Slovakia, so I was very pleased to stumble upon this lovely little book.
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  Susan M. Thompson

  I found the story of Chris Shaffer's experience in Sasova so interesting, in part because of my own experience at living abroad. I was lucky enough to have spent a year in Angers, France back in the early 70's. At the time, being only 18, WWII seemed a lifetime ago, but in reality, the war was fresh in the minds of the parents of the families with whom fellow students lived, as many fought in the war. My French "father" served in the French Underground. But reading Chris Shaffer's reactions as a young man in a country that had been very recently Communist was truly eye opening the foods, reactions, and even the prejudices. I really savored the book. If you have any curiosity about what it was like to have such an usual and educational experience, you'll find this short book fascinating.
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  Donald F Brown III

  I thoroughly enjoyed Moon Over Sasova. It is a short read that feels like a intimate look inside a journal or diary than a straightforward novel. The stories are at times humorous and poignant glimpses into a young mans time engrossed in a foreign land. I was honestly left feeling a little jealous that I could never hope to recreate the experiences the author describes. The world of 2021 is so different from 1993 that the type of adventure described in this book is hard to come by.
  
  If your looking to put a smile on your face and take a nostalgic trip through 1990's Eastern Europe do not skip Moon Over Sasova.
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  Librarian Lucy

  Before I began reading Moon Over Sasova I wanted to get information about Slovakia so I could put the book into context. After all, much of my life the country was part of Czechoslovakia, and under Communist rule. I saw the Wall fall and the Soviet Union fall apart and was curious about those who grew up in those Communist countries. Moon gave me a glimpse into one of those countries at a specific moment in time. I like the intimate, friendly tone of the book and the idea of the smiles that must go along with the stories. I imagine that these recollections would go well with a glass (or two) of wine and the opportunity to ask questions. A good read that made me want to read about the country and the people, and reminded me to be grateful for I have.
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  Susan Burns

  Moon over Sasova took me on a metaphorical journey into a nineties Slovakia. The authentic first person account offers a glimpse into the culture and values of the people during a transitional time in their history. Making the tales all the interesting are his witty one liners and his sometimes uncomfortable situations he shares. I found myself laughing with him at the humor that language barriers sometimes create and empathizing with the people of Slovakia who taught him about the day to day life of communism. Not only does the book offer enriching tales of Slovakia from a young American teacher's perspective, but If you have ever backpacked eastern Europe in the nineties, this book will take you back in time.
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  Amy O Covington

  I really enjoyed reading about a young teacher immersed in the culture of the former communist Slovakia. Mr. Shaffer's stories of the people he met and the beautiful places he visited are entertaining and educational. For those of us who were lucky to travel abroad in the 90s you will probably see your younger self reflected in his adventures. Moon over Sasova is a really delightful memoir.
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  goodreads Customer

  I thoroughly enjoyed this delightful, well written book: a true travel adventure on paper. I loved the details of life in Sasova whether it was the vehement belief that cold sodas cause disease, the drinking, the "babushkas" watching over patrons at the movie to ensure proper behavior, or the omnipresent fried food. What a great way to travel (vicariously) in an age where we cannot travel. Highly recommend!
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  rkosully

  Shaffer is an entertaining, engaging author. I enjoyed the travelogue, the conversations he shared, the cultural observations, and the picture he painted of life in Slovakia. _Moon over Sasova_ is an intelligent, intriguing book!
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  mary kolesr

  It was okay. But being slovak background and having visited family there several times, I did not see what he is describing in parts of his book. I read the other Slovak book. Banana Peels on the Tracks. It was much interesting and relatable. Would recommend it over moon over Sasova We were there in 1972 when the communists were leaving Slovakia. That was quite the experience.