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Nina Kosterina: A Young Communist in Stalinist Russia
A young adult biography available in paperback, hardcover, eBook and Kindle formats.
Nina Kosterina was born in a revolutionary camp as the Bolsheviks took over Russia in 1920s. She beat the odds of survival during the harsh early years and emerged in the 1930s as a young Communist woman in love with her country, her family, her city, her friends, politics, art and life. Even when Joseph Stalin’s regime tore apart her family and imprisoned her father, she remained loyal to her country and joined an elite group of young women turned guerilla soldiers when the Germans invaded Russia in 1941. Nina perished in a Nazi ambush behind enemy lines. After the war, her family found her diary hidden in a wardrobe. Years later, the diary was released as a book and became an international bestseller. Written from ages 15 to 20, the diary revealed a teenager transforming into an adult juxtaposed against one of the most dangerous and tumultuous periods in world history.
Nina’s biography opens a window into 1920s and 1930s Russia through the eyes of someone who considered herself just an “ordinary girl.”
Nina Kosterina was born in a revolutionary camp as the Bolsheviks took over Russia in 1920s. She beat the odds of survival during the harsh early years and emerged in the 1930s as a young Communist woman in love with her country, her family, her city, her friends, politics, art and life. Even when Joseph Stalin’s regime tore apart her family and imprisoned her father, she remained loyal to her country and joined an elite group of young women turned guerilla soldiers when the Germans invaded Russia in 1941. Nina perished in a Nazi ambush behind enemy lines. After the war, her family found her diary hidden in a wardrobe. Years later, the diary was released as a book and became an international bestseller. Written from ages 15 to 20, the diary revealed a teenager transforming into an adult juxtaposed against one of the most dangerous and tumultuous periods in world history.
Nina’s biography opens a window into 1920s and 1930s Russia through the eyes of someone who considered herself just an “ordinary girl.”
216 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2010
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About the author
Jennifer Phillips
11 books30 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
January 26, 2010
It is an absolutely remarkable little book! There is so much history of 20th century Russia packed in just 100 pages. The author goes above and beyond to present the world Nina Costerina lived in. Everything is right on, from explanations about the economy and political parties fight for power to the smallest details about everyday life.
It is a dynamic, well structured book. The personality of Nina Kosterina is fascinating and the author does an admirable job being reader’s guide through Nina’s life. If you wanted your child to understand life in Russia for young people from 1910 to 1970, this book is an excellent choice. It is academic without being boring and brings to focus a life of one exceptional individual while helping you to cover more than half a century of Russian history.
I would recommend this for children 10-17. An excellent supplement to Social Studies curriculum for homeschoolers.
It is a dynamic, well structured book. The personality of Nina Kosterina is fascinating and the author does an admirable job being reader’s guide through Nina’s life. If you wanted your child to understand life in Russia for young people from 1910 to 1970, this book is an excellent choice. It is academic without being boring and brings to focus a life of one exceptional individual while helping you to cover more than half a century of Russian history.
I would recommend this for children 10-17. An excellent supplement to Social Studies curriculum for homeschoolers.
February 1, 2010
Nina Kosterina: A Young Communist in Stalinist Russia, by Jennifer Phillips, is loaded with history! But not the boring history we all remember from our childhood (or at least those of you at my age). Jennifer Phillips makes history come alive in this well-packed book. With the help of Nina Kosterina’s diary, the author tells a very interesting story from the viewpoint of a young but strong-minded girl in Stalin’s youth movement. A lot of research was put into this book and I learned a great deal about a time and place I had forgotten about from all my history courses. Absolutely intriguing! I highly recommend this book if you’re into Russian history. And, even if you’re not, you will be after reading Nina Kosterina: A Young Communist in Stalinist Russia.
May 19, 2021
Communism is not just a word, it is a feeling, experience, and includes the struggle of many brave personalities. It is something that is to be celebrated forever and hence, it is important to learn about the great communists whose struggles marked the formation of communism and the communist party. In his book, Nina Kosterina, the author Jennifer Philips shares such an inspiring story of a young Russian college girl who turned into a guerilla soldier who perished fighting Germany’s World War 2 invasions. Her teen diary, published years after her death, became an international bestseller and opened a window into the tumultuous birth of Russian Communism in the 1920s-1930s. The book includes her life, love, and patriotism, culture, and family.
I felt that the book has a critical style of narration and strong writing language that conveys the true level of inspiration to the readers. The author could have improved the characterization as it is a real-life story, I felt that the characters were not much close to reality and had a bit too much hype. But then, the book is a must-read, not only for those who love communism but also for those who seek inspiration through their reading experience.
I felt that the book has a critical style of narration and strong writing language that conveys the true level of inspiration to the readers. The author could have improved the characterization as it is a real-life story, I felt that the characters were not much close to reality and had a bit too much hype. But then, the book is a must-read, not only for those who love communism but also for those who seek inspiration through their reading experience.
May 21, 2021
The story of Nina Kosterina, a young Russian college girl who turned into a guerilla soldier and later perished fighting Germany’s World War II invasions, is told by author Jennifer Phillips in such a way that I have not only enjoyed a young adult historical tale, but I also learned about communism and about some of the minutiae of this regime.
The book has been penned in the form of a diary and it’s made up of 10 chapters, all of which are easy to follow. The fact that the author has decided to use this writing style, I believe, has helped me understand sequences of events better and place myself in that time in history. Besides, some pictures of Nina have been included in some of the chapters, what makes the reading more vivid and truthful. This book is definitely a great piece of literature!
The book has been penned in the form of a diary and it’s made up of 10 chapters, all of which are easy to follow. The fact that the author has decided to use this writing style, I believe, has helped me understand sequences of events better and place myself in that time in history. Besides, some pictures of Nina have been included in some of the chapters, what makes the reading more vivid and truthful. This book is definitely a great piece of literature!
May 23, 2021
“Nina Kosterina. A Young Communist in Stalinist Russia” is an interesting book written by Jennifer Phillips. This wonderful novel tells the story of Nina Kosterina, a young Russian student who fought against the German in the Second World War and perished. She became known after her diary was published.
I found her story inspirational and thought-provoking. Her experiences and the way her life is narrated in this book reflect all her passion and love for life, her country, and the ideals she fought for even when the odds were against her. I think that the author has done an excellent job at faithfully portraying this young woman’s amazing life. The prose is simple and straightforward allowing the reader to empathise immediately with the protagonist. I really enjoyed this reading and I highly recommend it.
I found her story inspirational and thought-provoking. Her experiences and the way her life is narrated in this book reflect all her passion and love for life, her country, and the ideals she fought for even when the odds were against her. I think that the author has done an excellent job at faithfully portraying this young woman’s amazing life. The prose is simple and straightforward allowing the reader to empathise immediately with the protagonist. I really enjoyed this reading and I highly recommend it.
May 21, 2021
“Nina Kosterina: A Young Communist in Stalinist Russia” is a fantastic memoir of this admirable woman. Author Jennifer Phillips has done a fantastic job creating an exceptional read.
I really enjoy learning about different periods of world history from the point of view of its contemporaries, and this book surpassed my expectations as not only shows the people´s love for Communist Russia but it also revels Nina´s strength, courage and determination.
In addition, I particularly liked the different perspectives the author took in his approach to writing the book: Nina´s diary, her father´s afterword, interviews, and also, the Chronology, Glossary and Notes on the key sources that could only enrich the reading.
I really enjoy learning about different periods of world history from the point of view of its contemporaries, and this book surpassed my expectations as not only shows the people´s love for Communist Russia but it also revels Nina´s strength, courage and determination.
In addition, I particularly liked the different perspectives the author took in his approach to writing the book: Nina´s diary, her father´s afterword, interviews, and also, the Chronology, Glossary and Notes on the key sources that could only enrich the reading.
May 23, 2021
This is a sad but fascinating read about a Russian teenager girl called Nina Kosterina who became a brave soldier and fought against the German invasion during the Second World War. Her diary is a testament to the human spirit, to live through such terrible privations and share her innermost thoughts; she taught me a lot of invaluable lessons. She also inspires people with her courage and honesty and I am really grateful that her words were preserved.
The insights into human nature of this remarkable young woman into her own life and those around her are continually astonishing. I could feel as if I were there with her and the only thing I wished was that she could have survived. She gave me the gut punch I needed to bring tears to my eyes.
Really recommended masterpiece.
The insights into human nature of this remarkable young woman into her own life and those around her are continually astonishing. I could feel as if I were there with her and the only thing I wished was that she could have survived. She gave me the gut punch I needed to bring tears to my eyes.
Really recommended masterpiece.
May 20, 2021
A strong woman, with ideals and with a fight ahead of her, this was the life of Nina Kosterina. As a young woman in her 20s, Nina goes to Moscow for the frontline as a partisan soldier. There she dies, but her fight does not die. Years later, her family publishes the diary that Nina wrote for years.
This incredible book written by Jennifer Phillips made me know the story of another empowered woman, unusual for the time. What makes me reflect on this book is that there were many stories like Nina's and they probably were never known, perhaps their fight died with them. I highly recommend this biographical book of Nina Kosterina.
This incredible book written by Jennifer Phillips made me know the story of another empowered woman, unusual for the time. What makes me reflect on this book is that there were many stories like Nina's and they probably were never known, perhaps their fight died with them. I highly recommend this biographical book of Nina Kosterina.
May 20, 2021
This book is based on the real story of the life of Nina Kosterina, a young woman, who was born and lived in Russia and passed away fighting against Germany. Her diary became public after her passing and there are fragments of that diary along this book.
When I read the sentence “must go where my homeland calls me”, I immediately got goosebumps; I imagined Nina having that feeling and it was truly moving. Also, the photographs included in this book transported me to the experiences that Nina could live and suffered. I would recommend this book to adult women, because it is a historic and political read but it also is a story of strength and moral principles.
May 22, 2021
This is the most inspiring biography I have ever read!
This book is about the life of Nina Kosterina, who was a Communist woman that remained loyal to her country and joined an elite group of young women who turned as guerilla soldiers when the Germans invaded Russia in 1941.
The author not only explains Nina’s little diary, she also gives a glimpse of life in Russia at that time. I can tell that a lot of research was put into the writing of this book and I have learned a lot about a period in history I knew very little about.
I think Nina’s life is so interesting and inspiring that anyone could benefit from learning about it. I highly recommend reading this remarkable book!
This book is about the life of Nina Kosterina, who was a Communist woman that remained loyal to her country and joined an elite group of young women who turned as guerilla soldiers when the Germans invaded Russia in 1941.
The author not only explains Nina’s little diary, she also gives a glimpse of life in Russia at that time. I can tell that a lot of research was put into the writing of this book and I have learned a lot about a period in history I knew very little about.
I think Nina’s life is so interesting and inspiring that anyone could benefit from learning about it. I highly recommend reading this remarkable book!
May 24, 2021
What a heart-breaking book! As a big fan of historical novels, I am not very aware of the birth of Russian Communism, so I found this piece of writing really interesting.
This book tells the story of a young girl called Nina Kosterina, who died fighting for what she believed to be fair, for her convictions and her country. EWith her diary, I learned a lot about WWII and Joseph Stalin's regime. I have to admit that in some parts I had to stop reading it because it was really hard but I surely liked to learn about this girl who, in my opinion, was a hero. It is certainly a good read for adults.
This book tells the story of a young girl called Nina Kosterina, who died fighting for what she believed to be fair, for her convictions and her country. EWith her diary, I learned a lot about WWII and Joseph Stalin's regime. I have to admit that in some parts I had to stop reading it because it was really hard but I surely liked to learn about this girl who, in my opinion, was a hero. It is certainly a good read for adults.
April 28, 2010
NINA KOSTERINA--A YOUNG COMMUNIST IN STALINIST RUSSIA by Jennifer Phillips
Jennifer Phillips brings an interesting story to current readers. I taught history and was not familiar with the story of Nina Kosterina. The book is far more than just an explanation of a young girl’s diary. It is a description of the evolving of Russian society. Our days as the bogie man to the Russians and their days as the Evil Empire have passed but we as a society have very little knowledge of what historic events led to the current Russia.
The book is well done with a generational span of content. Reading this book gives a greater understanding of what the “main street” of Russian society endured. It is also illustrative of the lengths that love of country will carry a family.
I recommend the book.
Jennifer Phillips brings an interesting story to current readers. I taught history and was not familiar with the story of Nina Kosterina. The book is far more than just an explanation of a young girl’s diary. It is a description of the evolving of Russian society. Our days as the bogie man to the Russians and their days as the Evil Empire have passed but we as a society have very little knowledge of what historic events led to the current Russia.
The book is well done with a generational span of content. Reading this book gives a greater understanding of what the “main street” of Russian society endured. It is also illustrative of the lengths that love of country will carry a family.
I recommend the book.
February 21, 2011
Written for young people, this biography offers a detailed account of post-Bolshevik Russia. Interpsersed with historical notes and actual excerpts from her diary is the story of a remarkable girl in love with the arts and dedicated to her homeland. As I read, I couldn't help but be reminded of The Diary of Anne Frank, as both girls' idealism in the midst of extraordinary circumstances formed the centerpieces of their their stories. I think this would be a great supplemental read for students studying WWII or various idealogies and I will definitely be recommending it to my Social Studies teaching friends! Thanks Goodreads for the first reads selection!
interesting-possibilities
February 2, 2011nonfiction-stalinist russia. diary of a young woman from 15-20, she died in a Nazi ambush.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews