A review by leonnie13
In Order to Live: A North Korean Girl's Journey to Freedom by Yeonmi Park, Maryanne Vollers
5.0
I had to take a break in the middle of this book. It was a lot to take in and it was hard to read some of Park's experiences. In her path to freedom, every step seemed to bring a new little hell to endure. The trafficking of men, women and children is a vile, awful practice that we must eradicate from the earth. And we must shine a light on it so that it cannot be hidden and allowed to thrive in the dark places that can be found in every city across the world. Yes. It is in your city. It is happening right now to victims that cannot live free!
But I digress. This is supposed to be a book review.
Eye-witness history is one of the most valuable historical resources we have to truly learn about our culture, about our past, and how to shape our future. I believe that Yeonmi Park's work and experiences adds to the precious works of so many who have endured inhuman trials and have overcome them to speak out.
What I really appreciate about her story is that she does her best to convey the shape of her thoughts and beliefs as her circumstances changed around her. I particularly valued her honesty about the difficult acts and decisions she made as a matter of survival. Her experiences in China, while considered controversial to some, were understandable, especially in light of her age and previous experiences. I found myself rooting for her. Hoping that she and her family would find each other and have peace.
Overall, this was a great read. It would be the type of book I would recommend to a mature high schooler, if I were back in my book-selling days at Barnes & Noble.
But I digress. This is supposed to be a book review.
Eye-witness history is one of the most valuable historical resources we have to truly learn about our culture, about our past, and how to shape our future. I believe that Yeonmi Park's work and experiences adds to the precious works of so many who have endured inhuman trials and have overcome them to speak out.
What I really appreciate about her story is that she does her best to convey the shape of her thoughts and beliefs as her circumstances changed around her. I particularly valued her honesty about the difficult acts and decisions she made as a matter of survival. Her experiences in China, while considered controversial to some, were understandable, especially in light of her age and previous experiences. I found myself rooting for her. Hoping that she and her family would find each other and have peace.
Overall, this was a great read. It would be the type of book I would recommend to a mature high schooler, if I were back in my book-selling days at Barnes & Noble.