This is not my favorite book by Fatland, her writing has become more captivating with the years. 

The previous soviet-countires along the silk road are incredible for so many reasons, it is fun to hear some more about their culture and traditions. I think most of these countries are a forgotten people with some of the highest emigration rates per capita in the world. I have never thought about how much emigration (especially well-educated people) hurts the economy.