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Reply To: Surprising

Julie — Fri, 08 Sep 2023 11:54:12 +0000

I was most surprised that some of the people who defected didn’t really want to defect. They were either forced to, or accidentally did and the consequences of leaving were so great they had to find a way to stay hidden.

I was also surprised that the neighboring governments sent the defectors back for the most part.

Reply To: Surprising

MelissaFromBookGirlsGuide — Sun, 03 Sep 2023 21:32:44 +0000

It’s been a couple of years since I read this one, but the fact that you never knew who was reporting everything back to the government was so stressful, considering the things being reported would not be crimes anywhere else. And having to have the picture of Kim Jong (can’t remember if it was Il or Un) in your house on display. I would be horrified if I fundamentally disagreed with a President and was forced to see their face on my wall daily and keep it dusted.

Reply To: Surprising

Emily — Sat, 02 Sep 2023 16:32:07 +0000

I was surprised at how much they worshipped the dictators. Also it was strange at how they had to criticize each other in public. No wonder so many of the North Koreans had trouble getting used to living in a different culture. Plus, that would totally mess you up mentally and emotionally.

Surprising

Kris Ingra — Sat, 02 Sep 2023 15:45:35 +0000

What in the book about North Korea was new or surprising to you?

Reply To: Should this book stay on the list?

Kris Ingra — Sat, 02 Sep 2023 15:43:53 +0000

Yes

Reply To: Should this book stay on the list?

Jill Gross — Fri, 01 Sep 2023 18:58:50 +0000

Yes – Just like Emily and Julie stated – I learned so much about North Korea and it’s relationship with South Korea and China – knew it was bad but just how bad it really is. Also it’s always interesting to read about racism in other countries as everyone always thinks US is so bad – brings light to the fact that it is unfortunately everywhere in some form or another. Caste system is racism. The struggle is real. Her father was smart for making her learn other languages of China has this contributed a great deal for her to fit in. I say she was a luck girl to make it out.

Reply To: Should this book stay on the list?

Julie — Fri, 01 Sep 2023 11:32:11 +0000

Absolutely! Since North Korea is such a closed off country there aren’t too many books that let you get a good glimpse inside of it. I think this book did an excellent job of showing us what life is like there.

Reply To: Should this book stay on the list?

Emily — Fri, 01 Sep 2023 10:30:15 +0000

Yes, I learned a lot about northern Asia and North Korea.

Should this book stay on the list?

Book Girls’ Guide — Fri, 01 Sep 2023 09:32:26 +0000

Was this book a good fit for the Book Voyage Challenge?