Reading this book has helped me understand the motives behind Perestroika. For years I had been told and convinced that the Communists could not be trusted. Through this book I saw that Michael and Raisa Gorbachev used the Communist system to educate themselves and put themselves in a position of power in order to implement the changes and improvements they saw necessary for the survival and happiness of the Russian people. Both Michael and Raisa Gorbachev have God given qualities and talents that they used to accomplish their goals. I was also impressed by their marriage relationship. How she maintained her position as her husband's help mate. Though very educated and accomplished Raisa did not seek to compete with her husband, only to support him. Also how Michael Gorbachev is a respector of people and women. I was impressed how he always shared with his wife, how he respected her and declared his admiration and love for her. How he valued her strength of character and her wisdom by his side. This book changed the stereotype ideas I had about the Russian leaders. Very easy book to read.