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4.48 AVERAGE
4.48 AVERAGE
dark
informative
reflective
medium-paced
book club selection for april. four stars for content, but i did not get into demick's style at all. her transitions between stories was rough and transparent.
think i might need to read something about fluffy bunnies and cute puppies after this.
think i might need to read something about fluffy bunnies and cute puppies after this.
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
medium-paced
I am fascinated by Noth Korea and this book finally gave me a glimpse inside at the normal lives of people unlucky enough to live there. Chilling. I took one star off not because of the writing, but for the sloppy editing.
Read for Popsugar: A book set in a country that fascinates you
And for book club (in which no one else read the book, hah)
I thought this was super gripping. It feels more like story than academic writing, but still very well founded in fact. Life in North Korea is fascinating in a way that is also terrifying.
And for book club (in which no one else read the book, hah)
I thought this was super gripping. It feels more like story than academic writing, but still very well founded in fact. Life in North Korea is fascinating in a way that is also terrifying.
I have to admit, I’m not a huge non-fiction reader but this was excellent. An in-depth and humanistic look at life in North Korea told through various lenses. From a stoic loyal housewife to a hardworking kindergarten teacher, follow the harrowing life of growing up in the last standing communist country. The author did a great job of intertwining stories and detailing each defector’s background and motives for leaving their homeland. I also enjoyed learning more about the history and politics that led to the division of North and South Korea as well as the Korean War. This will probably be one of my favorite reads this year!
informative
sad
fast-paced
A little confusing because of the many story lines that were presented in the book, but overall a very good glimpse into what life in North Korea is like. Very sad reality that they are facing there. I enjoyed reading Escape from Camp 14 more than Nothing to Envy, but both give very detailed depictions of North Korean life.
Gave me insight into a world I never knew existed. “Nothing to Envy” was shocking and awe inspiring. It tells the lives of six everyday North Koreans and their stories of eventual defection. Not only did they demonstrate courage in leaving under threat of prison or worse, they were able to break out of the belief systems they had been indoctrinated with since birth. Almost every day I read I found myself sharing the stories with my wife and discussing our shared horror and fascination. My only regret is that the book is a bit outdated having been published over 13 years ago; I would love to know how things are going for the country today.
dark
emotional
informative
inspiring
sad
fast-paced