About the book: 1997 / My mother, a wise woman, always made fun of my ambitious youthful desire to become a writer. “Stop the whim,” she instructed. “First master the profession, become a real specialist, and then write whatever you want.” And so it happened. I became a specialist, but I didn’t have time to write. The first collections “Vernyachok” and “Advice of a Actor” included stories that had lain on the table for thirty-five years. They were written in my youth. The collection that you are holding in your hands was born as a result of the persistent wishes of friends and acquaintances, who often pestered me with requests: “Write more!!” So I wrote it. This is the most recent “test of the pen”. I don’t claim any laurels as a writer. In my stories, I didn’t paint portraits of anyone, I didn’t intend to stigmatize anyone, I just wanted to draw your attention to funny, comedic incidents and recognizable situations. Maybe you will smile with me. There is no life without humor. It helps us become wiser, endure adversity and troubles with steadfastness, and believe in the best and goodness in people. By smiling, we easily forgive human weaknesses and part with vices.