on_your_raedar's review against another edition

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5.0

I’ll be the first to admit that I never knew what happened in North Korea because I never thought about it. I watched a YouTube video about the 8 ways to defect from the country and this story was mentioned, I knew I had to read it, educate myself about what’s happen in the world.

This entire story is heartbreaking and is a necessary read. It took weeks to get through because things were so hard to stomach but I truly cannot express the appreciation I feel toward Yeonmi for being brave and willing to share her experiences. 

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ran_sophia's review against another edition

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challenging dark emotional informative inspiring reflective sad tense medium-paced

5.0

The book contains a very powerful story that is worth reading.  Although it was difficult to read, because what the author wrote about and what she experienced was very sad and terrible.  I liked that the story was well written and pointed.  And I also liked that she wasn't afraid to talk openly about what she was going through.

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karingforbooks's review against another edition

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challenging dark emotional informative inspiring reflective sad fast-paced

5.0

Read the trigger warnings! 
This was amazing. I don’t know much about North Korea beyond what’s taught in the west which is propaganda to showcase democracy as the best. I enjoyed learning about the details of North Korea and how bad it actually was. Not to say I enjoy human suffering but it was educational and well written. She writes in a conversational and emotional manner which will definitely pull at your remotiosn whether that’s anger, sorrow or compassion. It’s a hard read because of all the horrific things this woman experienced but it’s an important read, not only because we can learn about a repressive regime but because many of the events she experienced can be analogized to events in the west (immigration for one). 

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agustdefault's review against another edition

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challenging dark emotional inspiring fast-paced

5.0

im having a hard time describing this book but i am going to recommend it to everyone i know. it is very rare for me to cry during books and this one got me. yeonmis story is so heartbreaking and i felt that by the end i truly knew her. im proud of her for being able to speak up and tell her story and it was so well written that it didnt feel monotonous. 

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mxpringle's review against another edition

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3.0


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rini's review against another edition

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challenging tense medium-paced

4.0


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natreviews's review against another edition

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dark emotional hopeful reflective sad tense fast-paced

5.0

This is one of the books that should be read in every single high school. This is such an important read, not only for an inside look as to what living in North Korea is like, but to read all of the hardships she and others like her have had to experience. It is one of those books that will make you reflect on your own life, and how good you really have it.

I had only seen the title of this book, heard nothing about it before I read it. That's why I'll keep this review to the bare bones. There are some books out there where the less you know, the better the read is. This is one of those books (although I highly recommend checking out the content warnings before reading).

What I will say is Yeonmi holds nothing back. For that I'm truly grateful. Although it is a hard and challenging read, it wouldn't have the same impact as it does without all of the details. 

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thesapphiccelticbookworm's review against another edition

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challenging dark emotional inspiring tense medium-paced

4.5


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meeuwke's review against another edition

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4.5


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maggieoc_x's review against another edition

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5.0


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