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Carol's Reviews > Nothing to Envy: Ordinary Lives in North Korea
Nothing to Envy: Ordinary Lives in North Korea
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Correct, 4 stars. I know, I know, I don't give stars but I've decided that when I have little to say or add to the many superior reviews of a book, perhaps the stars and a few words from me will suffice.
I have been meaning to read something, anything about North Korea for some time now. With the strife between our countries it seems paramount now. What better than to hear personal stories from the people who live there to give me a better understanding of mindset?
Though Barbara Demick's book was published in 2010 and many of the people she follows tell their stories from the 90's, I believe I have a better picture of the country and people as a whole. This does not mean I can stop here. I really need to read more and if you have a suggestion I'm open to it.
If I took anything at all from this book it is that there is nothing to envy" in North Korea, but much to learn from the ordinary lives of its inhabitants.
Powerful reading.
I have been meaning to read something, anything about North Korea for some time now. With the strife between our countries it seems paramount now. What better than to hear personal stories from the people who live there to give me a better understanding of mindset?
Though Barbara Demick's book was published in 2010 and many of the people she follows tell their stories from the 90's, I believe I have a better picture of the country and people as a whole. This does not mean I can stop here. I really need to read more and if you have a suggestion I'm open to it.
If I took anything at all from this book it is that there is nothing to envy" in North Korea, but much to learn from the ordinary lives of its inhabitants.
Powerful reading.
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Reading Progress
Started Reading
July 24, 2017
–
Finished Reading
August 8, 2017
– Shelved
August 8, 2017
– Shelved as:
non-fiction
Comments Showing 1-24 of 24 (24 new)
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Ali
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Aug 08, 2017 12:43PM
I've had this on my to-read list for a while... I think I'll move it towards the front, thanks!
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Lovely review, Carol - I am so happy to see your 4 Stars!! :)
Alison wrote: "I've had this on my to-read list for a while... I think I'll move it towards the front, thanks!"Thank you Alison.
Jaline wrote: "Lovely review, Carol - I am so happy to see your 4 Stars!! :)"Thanks Jaline. There are some wonderful reviews by our GR friends.
Your reviews are always thoughtful, helpful & wonderful...with or without stars!
I got that book from my library last year and just couldn't read it. I just wasn't in the mood. I do believe I should order it again, as you mentioned it's a paramount time. Scary time we live in. Great review!
Kelli wrote: "Your reviews are always thoughtful, helpful & wonderful...with or without stars!"Well, that made my day Kelli!
Barbara wrote: "I got that book from my library last year and just couldn't read it. I just wasn't in the mood. I do believe I should order it again, as you mentioned it's a paramount time. Scary time we live in. ..."Need to understand this leader even more than our own.
Wonderful review, Carol, I really appreciated your thoughts on this, and on needing to understand these people (and this leader) even more so now, with things being so tense lately.
I enjoyed reading your thoughts on this one, Carol. Nice review! My stomach is in knots about the current situation concerning this country. But, maybe, at a later date, when I'm in a better frame of mind, I'll give this book a try.
Cheri wrote: "Wonderful review, Carol, I really appreciated your thoughts on this, and on needing to understand these people (and this leader) even more so now, with things being so tense lately."Certainly timely. I do need to know more however. Thank you.
Julie wrote: "I enjoyed reading your thoughts on this one, Carol. Nice review! My stomach is in knots about the current situation concerning this country. But, maybe, at a later date, when I'm in a better frame ..."I think we are all on edge and thank heavens for people that are. Thank you for your comments.
Great review Carol. Since I read this book I've also made an effort to read whatever articles and documentaries about North Korea that I come across. My hope is that this situation doesn't escalate any further. The idea of an all out war with North Korea of all places is terrifying. Beyond the obvious reasons, because there's so much we don't know about the country. If anything, since Demick wrote this book and under Kin Jon Un's authority, it has become even more isolated and paranoid.
Anyway, very much enjoyed reading your thoughts.
Great review Carol. I too know little about this country, but they scare me.
Iris P wrote: "Great review Carol. Since I read this book I've also made an effort to read whatever articles and documentaries about North Korea that I come across. My hope is that this situation doesn't escalat..."
You make good points Iris. What always bothers me in political power struggles is that it's us, the inhabitants that are hurt. The N. Korean people may see us as the enemy and yet I do not hate them. That's a simple look at it but I just want peace.
Carol wrote: "Great review Carol. I too know little about this country, but they scare me."Thanks you Carol. The people don't scare me, the leaders do.
Yay! Stars! Lol! I'm just kidding around with you, Carol! Wonderful review! :)
Jennifer wrote: "Yay! Stars! Lol! I'm just kidding around with you, Carol! Wonderful review! :)"Got it.
This is the kind of book where each reader has their own take after reading. The stars were more for my brevity.
One of the most powerful books I have ever read. Nice review of it.
Marialyce wrote: "One of the most powerful books I have ever read. Nice review of it."Thank you Marialyce.
Thanks for this simplicity that encouraged me to write up my own review! I've sat with this one for a bit...
I haven't read this book yet, Carol, but it was recommended by a book club fellow. Not too long ago I read The Sympathizer which was about North Korea and excellent. Loved your review!
Paula wrote: "I haven't read this book yet, Carol, but it was recommended by a book club fellow. Not too long ago I read The Sympathizer which was about North Korea and excellent. Loved your review!"Thank you for the suggestion Paula and also for stopping by an d for your nice comments.
Pamela wrote: "Thank you for bringing this timely important book to my awareness through your 'rare' use of stars. Like you, I've read one book - [book:The Girl with Seven Names: A North Korean Defector’s Story|2..."Thanks Pamela. I wish this were a bit newer but you'll certainly get the picture.
