How I Became a Man: A Life with Communists, Atheists, and Other Nice People

Father Alexander Krylov is a Catholic priest, economist, and journalist. Born in Russia, he has lived for many years in Germany. After long years of academic work, he now works in priestly ministry in a parish church.

"Krylov shows how his family environment of deep Christian piety helped him persevere in his faith despite relentless exposure to state-sponsored programs of ’scientific atheism' and Soviet ideology. Timely reading given the resurgent challenge we face today: expansionist totalitarianism in both Putinist Russia and Communist China."
— David Pinault, Author, The Crucifix on Mecca's Front Porch

"In an age in which young people are again attracted by Communism, this firsthand account of a child growing up in the Soviet Union serves as a timely reminder of the grim reality of life in a Communist regime."
— Joseph Pearce, Author, Solzhenitsyn: A Soul in Exile

"Krylov takes us on his journey to physical and spiritual maturity in Communist Russia—and the unlikely vocation of Catholic priest. His stories, replete with dry humor and gentle irony characteristic of the Russian soul, offer profound spiritual and practical insights. Moving, fascinating, and above all, human."
— Sam Guzman, Author, The Catholic Gentleman

"How does a precocious child in a gray land of atheists, propagandists, and Communists survive with a secret Catholic smile in his soul? In countless hundreds of ways! These open-hearted memories unveil how a child continually outsmarts Mother Russia. With the aid of a persistently Catholic grandmother and a limitless imagination, little Alex carves out the path to his underground Catholic faith."
— Kevin Wells, Author, Priest and Beggar: The Heroic Life of Venerable Aloysius Schwartz