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4.47 AVERAGE
4.47 AVERAGE
I'm giving this three stars mostly to show a bit of empathy for the experiences Yeonmi has had in her eventful life. In the middle of reading this book, I went online to Google her and do my research, and that's when I saw it— all the accusations being thrown her way. Most are true, and she's been exposed for exaggerating, if not outright lying sometimes. As I read, I told myself that those are results of her complex PTSD and dissociation, and I still want to stick to this excuse for her. I can't tell whether or not she's been a total fraud or deceiver, and I sure won't be picking any sides. There's generally no need to do so now, since years have passed and I want to believe there are more pressing issues in life in these times.
I've seen her 2014 speech and I felt sad for her. But then, compared to the unfortunate incidents she described of her childhood and even the childhood photos of her then-fortunate little family that's at the end of the book, there seems to be a lot of inconsistencies, but again, I'm assuming that it's the faulty memory and dissociation that comes with her still unresolved childhood trauma that caused the glitches in the storyline of her life. In short, the girl needs some good psycho- and cognitive therapy.
All in all, I actually don't regret reading this book. It was okay, and I'm just glad she escaped where she came from.
I've seen her 2014 speech and I felt sad for her. But then, compared to the unfortunate incidents she described of her childhood and even the childhood photos of her then-fortunate little family that's at the end of the book, there seems to be a lot of inconsistencies, but again, I'm assuming that it's the faulty memory and dissociation that comes with her still unresolved childhood trauma that caused the glitches in the storyline of her life. In short, the girl needs some good psycho- and cognitive therapy.
All in all, I actually don't regret reading this book. It was okay, and I'm just glad she escaped where she came from.
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
sad
medium-paced
In her early 20s, Yeonmi Park has already lived one of the most fascinating lives of our time, but under the worst of circumstances. In 2007, 13-year old Yeonmi and her family fled starvation and oppression in North Korea by sneaking across the Yalu River into China. Little did they know that this would only be the beginning of their struggle for freedom.
Yeonmi and her mother entered into the world of human trafficking. They were essentially owned by Chinese men as sex slaves. Through one of the most extraordinary displays of resilience imaginable, they survived this ordeal and eventually escaped to South Korea, where Yeonmi completed her education and finally wrote this amazing book.
The book describes in three parts the Park family's experiences in North Korea, China, and finally South Korea. Throughout the story, the definition of freedom is constantly being explored and redefined. The book's finale is a flourish of philosophies and emotions that will inspire any reader to reevaluate the state of their own freedom and the meaning of life itself. Park writes,
In Order to Live is the most inspiring memoir since I Am Malala. It is a brutally honest portrayal of the complexities of human morality and emotion. It needs to join the list of books that every single human being must read before they die.
Yeonmi and her mother entered into the world of human trafficking. They were essentially owned by Chinese men as sex slaves. Through one of the most extraordinary displays of resilience imaginable, they survived this ordeal and eventually escaped to South Korea, where Yeonmi completed her education and finally wrote this amazing book.
The book describes in three parts the Park family's experiences in North Korea, China, and finally South Korea. Throughout the story, the definition of freedom is constantly being explored and redefined. The book's finale is a flourish of philosophies and emotions that will inspire any reader to reevaluate the state of their own freedom and the meaning of life itself. Park writes,
We all have our own deserts. They may not be the same as my desert, but we all have to cross them to find a purpose in life and be free.
In Order to Live is the most inspiring memoir since I Am Malala. It is a brutally honest portrayal of the complexities of human morality and emotion. It needs to join the list of books that every single human being must read before they die.
emotional
informative
inspiring
medium-paced
One word- conflicted. Started reading without any context on the author- and the her story is harrowing and heartbreaking. Her political stances post 2015/book being published are disappointing. In a vacuum, I’d say I got a lot insight by read this memoir, but my personal rating got tarnish by the author’s actions post publication.
dark
emotional
informative
sad
tense
fast-paced
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
dark
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
medium-paced
It feels icky to rate a memoir.
I'm not going to give someone's harrowing life story less than 5🌟s.
I adore survival stories and this was a really incredible story of survival and strength amongst the odds. It was fascinating, informative and heart breaking.
Definitely check trigger warnings.
I'm not going to give someone's harrowing life story less than 5🌟s.
I adore survival stories and this was a really incredible story of survival and strength amongst the odds. It was fascinating, informative and heart breaking.
Definitely check trigger warnings.
Yeonmi's story of survival in North Korea and China is really powerful and important story. I thank her for sharing her life with the world.