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A review by doranwannabee
I Decided to Live as Me by Kim Suhyun
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
fast-paced
3.0
To the reader who has lived, or lives, in a similar society as the author, you'll find this book will serve you well in areas of inspiration, individuality, and thinking for yourself - provided, perhaps, that you share the same values as the author. If not, it may still give you valuable insights into yourself and your relationship with your community.
To the reader who lives in a heterogeneous society that is liberal with self-expression and standing out, you won't find that many new ideas. You have probably arrived at the same general conclusions already well before you got your hands on this book. You'll gain an insight into South Korean society though. Instead, this book will serve to remind you of your values as an individual and to stick with them when you find yourself burying who you are to keep the peace. After all, the pressure to conform is ever present in any community.
Personally, what I liked most about this book is that despite the majority of its content being about the pursuit of individuality and authenticity to self, it ends with the call to go back to the tribe as an individual with a firm sense of self and values. All the talk about putting one's self first is not for its own sake, it is ultimately about being strongly rooted in one's self so one may contribute meaningfully to their tribe and even change it for the better. Not a novel suggestion but it bears repeating in any form.
I found the writing sort of bland but works well enough in achieving its goal: " to give warmth and comfort for a short while".
To the reader who lives in a heterogeneous society that is liberal with self-expression and standing out, you won't find that many new ideas. You have probably arrived at the same general conclusions already well before you got your hands on this book. You'll gain an insight into South Korean society though. Instead, this book will serve to remind you of your values as an individual and to stick with them when you find yourself burying who you are to keep the peace. After all, the pressure to conform is ever present in any community.
Personally, what I liked most about this book is that despite the majority of its content being about the pursuit of individuality and authenticity to self, it ends with the call to go back to the tribe as an individual with a firm sense of self and values. All the talk about putting one's self first is not for its own sake, it is ultimately about being strongly rooted in one's self so one may contribute meaningfully to their tribe and even change it for the better. Not a novel suggestion but it bears repeating in any form.
I found the writing sort of bland but works well enough in achieving its goal: " to give warmth and comfort for a short while".