Reviews with content warning for Grief - Crying in H Mart

I don't really love rating memoirs—these books are when humans talk about their lives, the people in them, and usually challenging events. Memoirs usually do or do not do it for me in terms of a great reading experience, and Crying in H Mart did it for me.

Michelle Zauner talks about her upbringing in this memoir—she's living a decent life and recognizes that, but somehow does not get along super well with her parents, particularly her mom. I don't know about you, but as a teenage girl once, this was highly relatable.

More importantly, though, this memoir talks about Michelle's identity as a half-Korean woman, trying to find solstice and being in the food she grew up hearing about and/or eating. She struggles regularly with her identity since she barely speaks the Korean language and only visits Korea every so often. And most important, this book is about dealing with grief and, acknowledging and accepting your past, and moving on from it during traumatic times. There is no mystery or spoiler here: Michelle talks about her family's experience with her mother's cancer diagnosis.

Michelle feels real in this book. She makes decisions you question and doesn't always know the answer. However, the heart in this book is so apparent, and it is simply moving. Not to mention all the incredible references to Korean recipes—this was SO good to add.

I do feel the 50-70% dragged just a little bit, but overall, this was an incredibly captivating story about a woman finding her own identity in massive grief while leaning on some of the most amazing food recipes she can to feel in her place and with her family. Highly recommend this memoir!

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kelkelkelkelly's review against another edition

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emotional sad slow-paced

5.0

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flashandoutbreak's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful reflective medium-paced

4.25

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jmarob's review against another edition

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challenging emotional sad medium-paced

4.25

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kteliza28's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful informative inspiring reflective sad medium-paced

5.0

Absolutely flawless, heartbreaking, beautiful story of love and loss while navigating life. This memoir was so amazing, at the opening line in the audiobook, Michelle’s endearing and earnest voice swept me in and I knew quickly I would love the story. As a self proclaimed “foodie” who also despises the title but still feels its fit, I devoured every morsel of Korean food description. It had my mouth watering. I love Michelle’s connection to her mother and culture through food and how abundantly it was sprinkled throughout this book. I fell in love with Michelle as a person, her struggle, her rebellion. I feel like we would be incredible friends. I cannot say enough good things about this book except that you must read it. Or better yet, listen.

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