From the Bookshelf of Around the World in 80 Books

Find A Copy At

Group Discussions About This Book

No group discussions for this book yet.

What Members Thought

Jen Pratt
May 30, 2019 rated it it was amazing
Shelves: favorites
This is one of the best books I’ve read lately and I read a lot! It was so fascinating to learn more about life in North Korea and the challenge it is to escape! She actually lived a relatively privileged life in North Korea and sort of accidentally escaped, but then had the struggles of finding a safe and legal place to reside when returning to North Korea would be horrible for her and all her relations. I knew some things about North Korea, but had never heard of the mandatory criticism sessio ...more
Sunflower
Apr 28, 2018 rated it really liked it
I finished this book the day the leaders of North and South Korea met and agreed on principal to clear the Korean peninsula of nuclear weapons. Momentous stuff, and let's hope it happens. However, having read the memoir of this remarkable woman, who escapes her country, with her upbringing of fear, regimentation and brainwashing and gradually adapts to life in the outside world, the two Koreas seem worlds apart. The number of times Hyeonseo (her 7th name) almost gets caught, and the quick thinki ...more
Carol
Feb 26, 2019 rated it really liked it  ·  review of another edition
A well told story about a young women who left North Korea with the intention to return but couldn't without risk to her and her family's safety. Incredibly brave and loyal to her family, Hyeonsee has a remarkable journey to learn about the outside world and the truth about her nation of origin. Anyone who leaves their country, leaves people and things they love behind which is so difficult. ...more
Daina
Mar 26, 2018 rated it it was amazing
Shelves: non-fiction
An incredible telling of one North Korean woman's journey! It is well-written, descriptive, and explores several different aspects of her story (family, education, culture, etc.)

This is honestly the best book I've read in a while. I highly recommend it!
...more
C.
Mar 29, 2016 marked it as to-read
Amy
Mar 31, 2016 marked it as to-read
Lea
Aug 06, 2016 rated it it was amazing
Rebecca
Feb 07, 2018 marked it as to-read
Lori Williams
Feb 09, 2018 marked it as to-read
Camilla Cluett
Feb 14, 2018 marked it as to-read
Chris Hammer
Jul 07, 2019 marked it as to-read
Tanya
Feb 02, 2020 marked it as to-read
Curlysue
May 30, 2020 marked it as to-read
Natasha
Jul 01, 2020 marked it as to-read
Nanosynergy
Sep 05, 2020 marked it as to-read
Charlene Oleah
Feb 25, 2021 marked it as to-read
Erin
May 30, 2021 marked it as to-read
Daisy
Dec 28, 2021 rated it really liked it
Janet
Dec 27, 2021 rated it it was ok
Amy 💖
Dec 13, 2021 marked it as to-read
Shelves: claire-elizabeth
Christi
Dec 28, 2021 marked it as to-read
Wes F
Jan 15, 2022 rated it really liked it  ·  review of another edition
Rebekah
Aug 07, 2023 marked it as to-read
Shelves: bookgirls
Chloe Smith
Dec 20, 2023 marked it as to-read