My Life at First Try
My Life at First Try is a semi-autobiographical flash fiction novel authored by Mark Budman and released in 2008 through Counterpoint Press.
Summary
The narrative centers on Alex, who is born in the Soviet Union during the 1950s and harbors ambitions of becoming a writer while seeking to establish a connection with his American cousin, Annie. As a child, he longs to escape the oppressive environment of Soviet society and envies the carefree existence of foreign tourists he observed. However, the restrictive nature of the regime stifles these hopes. Upon emigrating to the United States in the 1980s, Alex achieves his desire to live as a foreigner but encounters feelings of isolation, which lead him on a journey toward personal fulfillment.
Reception
Critical response to the novel ranged from mixed to favorable. Kirkus Reviews described it as "a funny, little-seen version of the American dream." The Washington Post acknowledged the compelling storytelling but pointed out inconsistencies in how the flash fiction style was executed. The book was also reviewed by Publishers Weekly and People Magazine, with Publishers Weekly providing a positive evaluation.