A Korean feminist treatise told in the form of a novella. It caused quite a stir in SK on its release, when feminism has a negative connotation for many. Many people confuse being feminist with being “anti-man”; but this book is not that. Instead, it points a spotlight on the structure of Korean society and it requires its professionals to work extremely long hours, including on weekends. It is nearly impossible for families, but especially the mothers, to maintain any type of work / life balance. It falls to one parent (almost always the mother) to give up everything they have worked for and want to do to have a child, or else to give up a family to keep the career. To make it worse, they are looked down upon no matter which choice they make. I found the book thought-provoking and it certainly helps put into perspective at least one of the reasons for the extremely low birth rate in the country. There is so much that is beautiful in Korean culture, but it must be difficult to exist in a place where you are essentially living just to work, and as a woman, not even getting the full rewards and acknowledgment for doing so.

90 Miles to Havana by Enrique Flores-Galbis

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fast-paced

3.75

A terrific little middle grade historical fiction centered around a boy and his family in the immediate aftermath of the Cuban Revolution. Julian, his brothers, and his neighbors escape through Operation Pedro Pan. The story focuses on life upon arriving in the States and is drawn from the real life experiences of the author. Growing up in Miami, we all know about Pedro Pan, but it’s seldom told (if ever?) in children’s literature.

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the_ragtag_reader's reviews 197 reviews

the_ragtag_reader's reviews
197 reviews