The Korean Book of Happiness: Joy, resilience and the art of giving

by Barbara J. Zitwer

Attraverso queste pagine vi invito a immergervi nella maestosità e nello splendore di un paese forgiato dalla determinazione, dalla gioia e dalla lealtà. Viaggeremo dalla pulsante Seoul alle montagne, dove incontreremo le monache buddiste; cammineremo nel tunnel delle spie nella ZDM ed esploreremo l'isola tropicale di Jeju, patria delle donne subacquee Harnyeo. Mangeremo kimchi e zuppa di pollo al ginseng e celebreremo la famiglia e gli amici.

Genres: Nonfiction, Travel

192 pages, Hardcover

Published May 2, 2023

About the author

Barbara J. Zitwer is a graduate of Columbia Film School, has written screenplays and worked as a film producer. She owns a renowned literary agency in New York, where she lives with her husband and her two dogs. Most of her childhood was spent on the beaches of Montauk, and ever since she could not shake the fascination of the whales and the magic of the sea.

Reviews

[Ilaria_ws · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ha aggiunto davvero poco a quello che già sapevo sulla Corea del Sud. Sicuramente carina l'idea di base così come l'impronta pop della narrazione, ma si limita a rimanere molto sul superficiale dando giusto qualche accenno sulla cultura coreana senza scendere nei dettagli.
L'edizione è molto curata, mi sono piaciute tanto le ricette contenute ad ogni fine capitolo e ho aggiunto qualche posto da visitare alla mia infinita lista di cose da vedere per il mio futuro viaggio (si spera!) a Seoul e dintorni.
Consigliato solo se non sapete assolutamente nulla sulla Corea, quasi inutile se invece come me ne sapete già abbastanza.

[Kristina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Хареса ми и беше изпълнена с много любопитна информация :)

[🧸]

dnf, when I get rich and decide to travel to korea I’ll pick this back up♥️

[Chiara · Rating 2 out of 5]

Due stelle e mezzo. A dispetto del titolo questo libro rimane sempre in superficie rispetto alla cultura coreana: vengono fatti cenni veloci e superficiali a tutto. La mezza stella un più perché è un libro pop che può essere carino da leggere se non si sa praticamente nulla della Corea e si cerca un primo approccio. In quel caso credo possa essere una lettura piacevole in grado di stimolare la curiosità del lettore. Ma se già conoscete un po’ la storia e la cultura coreana questo libro vi dirà ben poco.

[Alexandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Korean Book of Happiness is like an invitation to explore all the fascinating local traditions and unique charms of Korea. Through her experience as a creative agent bridging the translation process of Korean literary books into English, the author also shares how she fell in love with Korea—and how Koreans make their lives happier and more meaningful. 

Each chapter is dedicated to different aspects of Korea’s rich culture and traditions. For me, this was a captivating introduction to a country that, despite its global popularity, I had never truly known before. 

Thank you Netgalley and Short Books from Octopus Publishing for providing copy of this ebook. I have voluntarily read and reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Expecting release date: 12 September 2024

[Sonia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Non ha aggiunto molto a quello che sapevo già, ma questo non è un demerito al libro in sé, bello il fatto che ogni capitolo termini con una ricetta.

[Темелина Трайкова · Rating 4 out of 5]

„Корейска книга на щастието“ - за радостта, силата на духа и изкуството да даваш

„Сега сме щастливи!“

Барбара Дж. Зитуър е литературен агент, който попада в Южна Корея по прищявка на съдбата, както самата тя казва. В тази прекрасна страна я отвежда желанието й да открива нови автори на книги, които да представи на останалата част от света.

В своята „Корейска книга на щастието“ авторката ни повежда на едно шеметно пътешествие в страната на щастието, красотата и силния дух.
В книгата си Барбара ни разказва за непознатата страна на корейската държава. Представя ни страната на жените гмуркачки Хеньо, на будистките храмове и на вкусната храна. Пише за най-интересните, но и най-необичайни места, които да посетим и как най-бързо и лесно да стигнем до там.

Написана много увлекателно и с много чувство за хумор, книгата на Барбара Зитуър е своеобразен пътеводител, който по нищо не отстъпва на специализираните такива. Среща ни с една древна и в същото време модерна култура и споделя своите невероятни преживявания
Книгата е разделена на части, всяка посветена на различна дестинация в Корея.

Всяка от десетте глави е посветена на определена ценност, която е важна за корейския народ, придружена е с кратка информация за местността, за която се разказва (уебсайти на музеи, галерии, магазини и др.), и са посочени различни места, които да посетим на даденото място, а след края на всяка част, авторката ни дава и по една традиционна корейска рецепта.

„Корейска книга на щастието“ разкрива корейската нация по един магичен начин. От хилядолетните традиции вкоренени в ежедневието на повечето хора и пазени ревностно, до модерна и развиваща се страна. Корейският народ е преживял много (воини, разделяне на семейства, военна зона), но е останал силен, гостоприемен и сърдечен, успял е да се пребори и да извоюва свободата и независимостта си. От бедна страна, Корея се е превърнала във бързоразвиваща се и процъфтяваща икономическа сила.

„Научих, че дълбокото и безкрайно страдание е част от живота, но може да бъде подчинено и трансформирано в стимул и удовлетворение.“

След прочитането на книгата, определено ще искате да посетите Южна Корея, да опитате от храната им, да усетите духа на хората и да почувствате красотата на природата. А защо не и да се усамотите в някой будистки храм и да почерпите от мъдростта на древните корейски учения, защото „днес сме щастливи“.

[Ivanski02 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Честно казано имах по-големи очаквания.

[Iva · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ех, прекрасна книжка само за фенове, разбира се. И все пак се радвам, че някои от книгите, които се споменават тук, са преведени на български и ги имам.
Много красива корица, да добавя и това. Надявам се на повече такива книги за Южна Корея а и за философията на живота им. Смятам, че определено има какво да научи запада от тази малка азиатска държава с население над 50 милиона :)

[Kristiina Lind · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although it's mostly written from personal experience, it still gives a very nice insight into Korean ways of thinking and explains things you wouldn't know about without having your own Korean friends or colleagues. I read it during my own travels and found it useful and interesting.

[Memisshi · Rating 1 out of 5]

Sinceramente non mi è piaciuto molto, è superficiale e contribuisce a dare un’idea della Corea totalmente idealizzata e talvolta anche banalizzata. In più contiene anche degli errori: per esempio l’autrice afferma che la montagna più alta della Corea sia il monte Seoraksan, che non è nemmeno la seconda montagna più alta, bensì la TERZA . CHIUNQUE conosca la cultura coreana e sia stato in Corea sa benissimo che la vetta più alta della Corea è il monte Hallasan , ovvero il vulcano che svetta nell’isola di Jeju. Sembra un errore banale ma di fatto è piuttosto grave perché il monte Hallasan ha anche una certa importanza nella cultura coreana e nella mitologia dell’isola di Jeju. Oltre a questo molte informazioni sono superficiali e inaccurate, delle mezze verità che andrebbero contestualizzate meglio. La Corea è un paese meraviglioso, ma non è perfetto, e in questo libro si tende a portare avanti una narrazione ultra positiva e luccicante di tutto, come se l’autrice l’avessi vissuta attraverso un’esperienza extracorporea idilliaca. Non è tutto da buttare, ma vista la sua superficialità generale onestamente non lo consiglierei nemmeno a coloro che non sanno assolutamente niente della cultura coreana perché rischiano di farsene un’idea molto distorta e lontana dalla realtà.

[Fabiana · Rating 1 out of 5]

Delusione.
Questo libro può essere utile solo a persone che non sanno veramente nulla sulla Corea.
Superficiale.
Non riuscivo a pensare ad altro mentre lo leggevo, la scrittura è molto superficiale e fa credere che i coreani siano perfetti, che la corea sia idilliaca, che sia il posto migliore del mondo, ma per persone che hanno un minimo di infarinatura sulla storia e cultura coreana (passata e recente) sanno benissimo che non è così.
In più molto spesso ripete cose già dette nei capitoli precedenti.
Kyung-Sook Shin.
Voi lo sapevate che sono amiche? Ma amiche per davvero eh, super amiche, talmente tanto AMICHE che non può fare a meno di nominarla ogni 5 righe. A volte anche di meno.
Se comunque volte leggere questo libro fatevi uno shottino ogni volta che leggete il nome di Kyung-Sook Shin, di sicuro avrete un'esperienza più divertente della mia.

[Ilaria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Un bellissimo viaggio. Consiglio a tutti coloro che amano la Corea e che desiderano intraprendere un viaggio in questo meraviglioso Paese.

[Aisha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Una bella introduzione alla Corea. Ci sono davvero molti fatti interessanti per chi si vuole avvicinare alla loro cultura!

[Isabella · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read the Dutch translation of this book. I am not familiar with the English text for a good comparison, but I have to say I really enjoyed this book.

I like how the three important cornerstones of Korean life, han, heung and jeong are central to this book and keep returning in the journey through South Korea. This book offers great spots to visit that aren't the standard recommendations like the N Tower etc. It also encompasses more than just Seoul, Busan or Jeju. While these are the central locations, there were definitely some places I haven't heard of before.

I also appreciate how Korea's history is minimally discussed and in a clear manner. I have read other books that try to do a crash course in Korean history but it makes your head spin because their history is incredibly rich and cannot possibly be explained clearly in a couple of pages.

My only criticism is that it makes it feel like Koreans are some kind of superhuman (and by that I do not mean the NCT song). There is a huge focus on the nature and mindfulness aspect of the Korean lifestyle and also some of it's incredible successes in notable industries. While this is true, and you always see people go on so-called 'healing' trips, there is a very high death rate in the country because people are overworked and under so much pressure to perform. There is not as much focus on the modern part of Korea which is a bit of a shame, but it definitely shimmers through every now and then.

I also understand that the introductory chapters are used to portray how different the society is and I assume she went there when Korea wasn't very much known by the world, but it all feels a bit extreme. If I go to a completely different continent/country I'd definitely see if I can look up a bit more about the culture etc. Regardless, it's written very nice and a pleasant read.

Last but not least, I appreciate that pretty much all romanizations were done correctly. The only shame is that the Korean word for happiness 'haengbok' is romanized as 'haengbog' which might work in English, but not really in Dutch, and even still the mostly used form is 'haengbok'. However, I'm happily surprised as I've read other books in which it was completely off.

[Сибин Майналовски · Rating 1 out of 5]

Ще взема да си направя един рафт тук, озаглавен „Стига простотии бе, тате! ©“, че да не си играя да пиша всеки път едно и също...

[Josée Sigouin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whether you know little or a lot about South Korea, its people, landscapes, history, and culture, Barbara J. Zitwer’s The Korean Book of Happiness: Joy, resilience and the art of giving will delight you. Guaranteed! I had already fallen in love with The Land of the Morning Calm when the book came out earlier this year. I learned much that I did not know and deepened my knowledge of what I did know.

Barbara J. Zitwer showed herself ever ready for new experiences that she relates with great zest and affection. I felt like I walked side-by-side with her and sat at the same tables. Her guides, over multiple visits, were the award-winning Korean authors she represents in translation at her New York literary agency. I have read a few of the titles she has brought to wider readership -- Ji-min Lee’s Marilyn and Me, and Kyung-Sook Shin’s The Court Dancer – both excellent and illuminating. I intend to read more.

The Korean Book of Happiness: Joy, resilience and the art of giving is a quick read. It will make you happy and more confident to engage with Korean people in and out of Korea, Korean literature, Korean films and television drama, and, of course, k-pop.

Most highly recommended to everyone!

[Idea Smith · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book could have been a series of Instagram post captions. I suspect the author was able to make it a book because she runs a literary agency. It’s divided into chapters titled Greetings and Communication, Food, Home, Family all the way to The Zen of Shopping. As a travelogue, it fits the formula structure.

But each chapter is full of trite observations of the “Oh my, how exotic the Orient is” that you’d expect from a privileged white person in the 1900s. I have never been to South Korea so I can’t speak for how valid the recommendations are. But I am from another Asian country that has seen its share of colonialial exploitatiojn, racism and fetishisation by white people.

In the first chapter, the author also lets slip that she stayed at the most iconic hotel in Seoul that was designed to cater to European luxury seekers. This to me, sets the tone for a travelogue as it says this is going to be about someone who only traverses very elite circles and would be completely disconnected to the more authentic culture and larger population of the country. So it feels offensive to hear such a person attempt to speak about the authenticity or spirituality of Korean culture, let alone comment on the complex politics between South and North Korea.

Each chapter ends with a recipe, which was my draw for picking up the book. I love reading about food as it lets me imagine with multiple senses, the fundamental aspects of a culture as well as draw parallels and connections to my own. Again, I cannot speak for how authentic these recipes are, given what I see of the rest of the book but this is the only part of the book that I enjoyed reading.

[Celine Varan · Rating 4 out of 5]

🪷

- В "Корейска книга на щастието"
авторката Барбара Дж. Зитуър разказва за своите многобройни пътувания до Южна Корея. В книгата има немалко дестинации, които човек може да добави в списъка „Дестинации, които да посетя в Южна Корея “.

- Благодарение на авторката имаме и възможност да се потопим в корейската кухня.
Барбара Дж. Зитуър споделя с своите читатели различни ястия, чиито аромат може да усетиш от удобството на дома – стига да имаш необходимите продукти, включени в рецептата.
*
(Рецептите са обяснени стъпка по стъпка)

- В книгата се запознаваме и с корейския етикет на общуване и поведение, а също и с корейската култура и традиции.

- Според мен книгата е изключително подробна, интересна и добре структурирана откъм съдържание.

- Любима за мен беше и възможността да се докосна и до философията на Хан-Хънг-Чонг – дълбоко вкоренена в корейския манталитет.

- Думи, които останаха в съзнанието ми, са: „Сега сме щастливи“ – изречение, което един монах сподели с Барбара Зитуър при нейно посещение в будистки храм.
.
.
.
- Наскоро направих едно видео, в което обърнах конкретно внимание на посетените дестинации, отбелязани в книгата. Може да го изгледате тук, ако желаете
😊

https://youtu.be/1u0UTwSVUnQ

[Lc · Rating 1 out of 5]

One of the worst reads of my life.
It felt like reading a white woman discover instagram. It's "hip", "new", "beautiful", "very interesting", just overall excited. A conversation you'd rather avoid. The only interesting thing was linking or writing the address of places to visit, but the price of the book is way too much given its lack of content. Her writing comes off as a little annoying (might be my impression), however, I was not looking for her personal 'diary of travel' like experience, but a more nuanced, overall researched, book. Especially given her connections in the editorial world, one would hope she didn't just cite the books she helped publish, or define their impact as "innovative" or "good for Korea".

Also, I'm sorry. Got a dog that's representative of Korean culture, to take it back to the States just to give it back when her husband said he did not want it? Lady?? Did your trips to Korea learning the Buddhist perspective teach you nothing? Idk. Disappointed to say the least. Encourages a very superficial understanding of Korean culture, and often does so in a very damaging way. Google will give you more thorough answers, this book is NOT worth your time.

[Stefania · Rating 3 out of 5]

Il mio interesse per la Corea è nato dopo aver guardato l'edizione di Pechino Express che si è svolta in parte in questo paese meraviglioso. Colpita dalla bella copertina, ho preso questo libro che è ricco di curiosità, leggero e molto scorrevole. Mi ha aiutata a scoprire qualcosa in più ma si ferma sicuramente ad un livello molto superficiale, sarebbe stato interessante approfondire anche i gravi difetti che la Corea possiede, chiaramente come tutti gli Stati del mondo. Primi fra tutti la poca propensione ad adottare i bambini orfani e l'indifferenza verso i diritti LGBTQIA+.
Carina l'idea delle ricette alla fine dei capitoli e gli indirizzi di alcuni posti interessanti da visitare, anche se non lo sono davvero tutti perché l'autrice è di New York perciò il punto di vista è filtrato da valori un po' arroganti, superficiali e materialistici come si può ben immaginare.

[Ross · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very gentle and pleasant overview of South Korea that touches lightly on lots of topics across Korean life and culture. There isn't a huge amount that will be new to people who have done any reading on the subject already, but it's a great introduction for people looking to learn about this fascinating country. It - understandably - tends to focus on the positives as a celebration of the good points of Korean life that we can take away and learn from, but as a note to people new to the topic it doesn't tackle some of the broader societal challenges that have accompanied the nations warp-speed growth and development, so again it's a great intro to further learning if it has captured your interest.

[Swapna Peri ( Book Reviews Cafe ) · Rating 4 out of 5]

"The Korean Book of Happiness" by Barbara J. Zitwer is a book that encourages readers to embrace the wisdom and practices of the Korean way. The book takes readers on a journey from Seoul to Jeju, where she encounters Buddhist nuns and haenyeo, elderly female divers. Zitwer shares anecdotes, travel tips, and local recipes, highlighting the profound impact of ancient philosophies like Han, heung, and Jeong on happiness. The book offers a glimpse into the vibrant energy of Seoul and the importance of embracing the Korean lifestyle to enhance one's well-being. The book's cover image reflects the city's modernism and creativity.

[Elke · Rating 3 out of 5]

As someone who loves South Korea and Korean culture, there wasn't much in this book that I didn't already know about. However, it was enjoyable to listen to someone else gush about the country and its people. Some parts were really interesting to me, but some moments were a bit annoying. For example, the addresses and email addresses that were placed at the end of each chapter. It's probably because I listened to the audiobook and it just felt a bit weird hearing that every chapter. Some parts felt a bit repetitive to me but overall it was a nice book to listen to on the go.

Thanks to Netgalley for providing me a free review copy of this book.

[Cristina Elena | LaaA · Rating 5 out of 5]

“The Korean Book of Happiness” written by Barbara J. Zitwer and narrated by Katherine Fenton is the closest I’ve found to the Danish “hygge” movement. Filled with stories from Zitwer’s personal life and those of the Korean people, the result is a go-to-guide for anyone looking to visit the Korean peninsula or just get convinced to mark it down for an upcoming cultural holiday.

If you are interested in other of my book reviews, make sure to follow me on GoodReads! #TheKoreanBookofHappiness #NetGalley #LifeLongLearning

Note: This review is based on an ARC copy

[Miranda YEUNG · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Korean Book of Happiness Joy, resilience and the art of giving by BARBARA J. ZITWER
(Narrated by Katherine Fenton)

I love how the author shared her experience and life in Korea. Barbara basically covered what the tourists should be aware of and Korean culture. The Korean’s life, history, taboo, sightseeing advice, and food were just amazingly explained.

I have enjoyed the book from the beginning to the end, but it would be great if it was presented by a narrator who could speak basic Korean.

Many thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for my copy.

Pub date: March 2, 2023

[Jessica Swingle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I actually loved this book. It is easily read and amusing, while also being informative and educational. I enjoyed gaining insights into the many aspects of Korean culture, including everything from the spiritual thoughts of Buddhist nuns, to street food (and recipes!) and skin care. The whole tone of the book is cozy and warm, so if you’re in the mood for a light and mood lifting educational read, this is it!

[Deborah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sometimes I just try something different to listen to or read and this was a good find. I downloaded the audio version of The Korean Book of Happiness which is clear and well-paced exploring the happiness principals and well-being through Korean culture, as well as practical advice and rules/differences, a big mention of local dishes and recipes are also read out. Overall a lovely audio book and easy to listen to.

[Tabea Nordhausen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good book, but reads like a school essay sometimes. If you know a bit about Korea already there won’t be too much new information, but there are some cute recommendations and things I haven’t thought about yet.

Also, I understand why comparisons are being made such as calling Jeju the Hawaii of Korea, but I still would prefer to let Korea stand for its own places and things. I don’t think comparing it to western countries all the time is necessary.

[Eirion · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mi piace lei, la scrittrice, molto americana ma così appassionata che fa simpatia. I contenuti sono interessanti, nozioni basiche presentate in modo molto chiaro e spesso aneddotico. Alcune scoperte, molti ricordi di ciò che ho visto anche io. Condivido, poi, il suo amore per il benessere, la ricerca della serenità e di uno stile di vita sano. E l’amore per i libri.