Play Book Tag discussion

It's always hard to write a review on a person's life. But WOW. Yeonmi Park has escaped North Korea, gone through Hell and back, and still remains to stay positive, and spread her story and word to help others. Keep in mind there are some horrifying stories and details in the book that are not suitable for younger audiences. I enjoyed reading it, despite all the injustice. Park does a good job of telling her story with facts and dignity, while not sounding 'woe is me' and without asking for sympathy. Of course we all believe what she has gone through is pretty much the worst, but she doesn't exploit or take advantage of the readers feelings.

I've read a lot about North Korea, and quite a few stories of those who defected. but I felt that this was extremely educational. Educational on North Korea itself, and it's "black market" we don't get to see as outsiders, educational on human trafficking in China- a subject we all know happens, but don't like to talk about. The novel is heartbreaking, and horrifying, while still being hopeful and helpful.

I know that there is quite a bit of controversy on Yeonmi Park's journey, from different details of stories from sources. I think she handled the controversy very well in the book, and people need to take the controversy with a grain of salt. Let's all be respectful to her story, and realize that English isn't everyone's first language.

I love that you put the Hangul in your title. :)

I saw her at the Sydney Writers' Festival and that girl has seriously got guts! I mean to have to gone through all that she did and still being able to laugh at things etc, admirable!

I believe she's in the US studying finance these days - she was laughing at the irony of this since she didn't even know anything about banking/savings when she left NK.

Her English isn't top-notch and you can feel that in the book despite the help she's got but that just adds to the authenticity of her voice as that is how she's speaking. So, I think, in addition to understanding that English is her second (or maybe even third...) language, it's even more admirable that she's speaking out her nightmare in a language that isn't her native.

Stoked that you loved the book :)

Jenni, I'm just happy when people know what the Korean alphabet is called!!!

Tien: I would LOVE to see her speak. I wonder how her mom is doing?