Entertaining and Eye Opening Reads

I have to thank my friend Emily, for mentioning this book in her Christmas letter. I have always been intrigued with North Korea and was curious when I heard about this book. The title especially pulled me in, knowing the things I have learned from documentaries about this country. I have to say that this book has changed me in more ways than I expected. It is not a happy story and many, many parts make your stomach turn, but it's one of those books that really changes your whole perspective on life when you read it. This book is a fascinating, personal history of the author's childhood in North Korea. Obviously, he is no longer living there or this book would not exist.

This book made me more grateful, more thoughtful of "everyday" things we take for granted. But it also was a intriguing look at human nature - what people turn into when they have no agency, yet have to survive; what incredible effect/damage one evil person in power can do; how even in horrible conditions and hopeless circumstances a few break through, a few families stay in tact. (On the flip side, these same circumstances bring out the absolute worst in people and turn them even on their own family.) I was blown away by the absolute and blatant lies and brainwashing that takes place in order to maintain control of the North Korean people.
This book was a jaw dropper. Kim Jong Il and Kim Il Song (who died several years ago, but continues to be worshipped by his unknowing and naive countrymen) are probably two of the most evil men in contemporary times. Even Hitler didn't have his countrymen worship him like he was God. The only difference is that there is no way to get exact numbers of how many North Koreans they have killed, directly or indirectly, because the country is so closed off from the world. And despite all the evil Kim Jong Il does, he twists and lies on such a great scale that, to the North Korean people, he can do no wrong - he is divine, he is beloved, their "great leader". It is terrifying.

This quote refers to some of the ghastly things (including cannibalism) Hyok saw and heard of people doing to survive during the years of famine (which started in the 90's and continue today)
"The misfortune of others, even your own family, leaves you completely indifferent when you have nothing in your belly. Your stomach becomes a thousand more times important than your conscience."
This was later in the book, when Hyok had escaped to China.
"I began to realize that what I had learned in North Korea wouldn't be of much use to me on this other, weird planet. I felt like a frog that had just come out of its pit, from which it had contemplated the circle of sky outlined by the rim, and taken it for the whole of the world. I had passed through the other side of the mirror."

The final thing I came away from this book with was something that completely surprised me. As I read of Hyok's experience of being a North Korean immigrant to South Korea, I was surprised to learn how much prejudice and hate is directed from South Koreans toward North Koreans. I thought that they would be happy for them escaping such a horrible country and surviving to make it into their country of freedom. It made me so sad to read about the kids at school poking fun at the North Koreans because they are so short. (Due to their extreme malnutrition.) There is so much hate that Hyok describes many North Koreans and filled with optimism for their new life only to get shoved back down with all the negative and hateful feelings from South Koreans. I wondered how people could be so cruel, when the North Koreans had survived and been through hell. Many North Koreans lose hope, turn to drinking and crime (thus fulfilling the expectations of the South Koreans) and some commit suicide.
As I contemplated all this, I thought of the Mexican immigrants to this country. There is so much negative propaganda and statistics about illegal Mexican immigrants not paying taxes, yet using up so much of our country's money for food stamps, health insurance, crime, school programs, etc. This creates a lot of suspicion and mistrust of Hispanics. While it's true that there are many people taking advantage of our country and those issues need to be dealt with, it is better to withhold judgement of groups and individuals without knowing their personal circumstances. Hyok spoke of the North Koreans being looked at as second class citizens and not being allowed to go to school, eventually, with South Koreans. I thought this was so sad and worry if the negative feelings in our country continue we could head down that path also.
Enough said, this is an amazing book - a real eye opener.

Yes, this is the same author that wrote the Twilight series. This book is more complex than the Twilight books. I found it fascinating - although the main character, Melanie Stryder, sometimes reminded me of Bella in one annoying way (a little too self-sacrificing, in my opinion). Anyway, this is an interesting and entertaining read. Those who don't want anything to do with the "teeny bop" sensation that Twilight became or who think themselves too sophisticated to read those novels should give "The Host" a try. And if you liked the Twilight books, don't expect this to be anything like those, but I don't think you will be disappointed either. I thought the concept of the book was fascinating - especially the group of people that find creative ways to survive in secret among parasitic aliens. Very cool.

Sorry for the teeny tiny picture. I am currently reading this book, "Isaiah for Airheads" by John Bytheway as I study 2 Nephi and the chapters that cover Isaiah from the Old Testament. I am about half way through and have learned a lot. A great resource to understand Isaiah better. Warning: John Bytheway can be entertaining and funny, but watch out for cheesy puns. (o:

I love this book - a story about what Mary and Joseph's lives may have been like. I read this over Christmas and into January. It is a very sweet portrayal of these two key people in the bible and history. The years that the author must have taken to study the customs, politics and culture at that time, make this a very worthwhile read. It gave me so many new insights as to what it must have been like for Mary and Joseph to bring the Savior into the world. For some reason, this time reading it, I was especially touched by Mary's relationship with her much older cousin Elisabeth and how their close bond must have been such a comfort to her.