I took this book in my hands without knowing what I am going to read, very superficially, just because I loved the title. “I Want to Die but I Still Want to Eat Tteokbokki”, by Baek Se-hee, is a non fiction, part memoir, part self-help book, related to mental health. It contains small chapters, each one of them representing a psychotherapy session with the writer’s psychiatrist. It is a book that feels personal but at the same time universal. It is written in a clever and humorous way and it is filled with empathy and honesty. Irrespective of whether you face any issues with your mental health or not it will comfort you and you will feel seen. The only reason why it couldn’t score higher for me was that even though it felt like a comfort read, it lacks depth and I couldn’t really relate with most parts of the book. Still, I enjoyed reading it and I feel that for some people this book might feel like a pat on the back.
This is a book about mental health issues and disorders. Depression and anxiety as incurable chronic illnesses. Suicidal thoughts and self harming behavior. Disordered eating behavior, strict beauty standards and abnormal self image. Feelings of inferiority, and putting immeasurable pressure on yourself to please and make an impression. The idea of altering your behavior to accommodate others which ends up in sabotaging yourself. Seeing yourself through the eyes of others and judging through them. A story about the present you and the past you. About all the things someone can do to remain sane. Psychotherapy, psychodrama and medical treatment. Prioritising spending your energy to the opinions that matter the most. The path to freedom, relief and healing. The idea of releasing memories that were suppressed and handling your emotions. Having the wisdom to slow down and be brave enough to ask for help. Learn to blame others for their wrongdoings and refuse to accept responsibility for things you have not done. A book about accepting that stress is inevitable and life is hard. About rationalising, being honest to yourself, being true to the moment, and making choices that profit you. About flexible thinking and the benefit of believing in your experience. Mostly though, this is a book about finding a path to awareness, understanding and wisdom. About seeking purpose, seeing what’s good in you, accepting yourself as you are and enjoying life, or at least try to enjoy it, even in those moments that are full of just emptiness.
Why should you read “I Want to Die but I Still Want to Eat Tteokbokki”?
Because you will find points of connection that will help you see your inner darkness.
Because you will witness how hurtful it can be projecting yourself onto others and seeing yourself through them.
Because you will reflect on all the things we do to fit and be liked.
Because you will realise how we think so little of people’s positive opinions about ourselves while making such a big deal of the negative ones.
Because you will understand that as it is impossible to predict people’s reactions to your actions, the best thing is to just be sincere and do what you truly want to do.
Because you will acknowledge that everyone has their process of changing who they are and every patient has different needs and requires different solutions.
Because you will feel grateful and lucky in your ordinariness.
Because you will think what kind of life you want to live and what kind of person you want to be.
Favourite quotes:
“When it rains we put on raincoats or open an umbrella, but when it’s really storming and blowing, none of that is effective anymore and we have to sick shelter”.