Ukraine and fifteen other countries in Europe were taken over by Russia at the end of World War I and named the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR). People in those countries were nothing more than slaves to the government headquartered in Russia. They did what they were told to do, where to do it and when to do it. In a Socialist country, the government owns everything, the land, the people, manufacturing, health facilities, education, and literally everything else. People had no freedom as we know it. This includes domestic travel, selling of goods they made, no entertainment, and especially no religion. Many of these countries have since gained their independence and freedom from the Soviet Union, including Ukraine. This book begins with Ukraine achieving its independence but knowing nothing about how to manage or control itself. It shows the steps required to convert from Socialism to the Democratic Republic it currently is, and the difference in the people's lives as they now own the government instead of the government owning them. The writer of this book has spent thrity-plus years watching and assisting the Ukrainian transition. To him the evolution has been very Up Close and Personal.