Publisher: Amulet Books
Publication Date: September 13th, 2016
Series: N/A
Genre: Memoir, YA
Rating: 3.5/5
This was a flawed but interesting read. North Korea, as put by the author, is a real life dystopian. Sungju Lee provides a fascinating experience as he becomes disillusionment with the North Korean society when his family moves from the nation’s capital among society’s elite. It’s a shocking tale for both reader and writer alike as he goes from assuming everyone in Korea is well-fed and taken care of to becoming homeless and starving, where every day becomes a fight to obtain even life’s most basic necessities.
This book made me want to learn more about North Korea. I didn’t realize that Kim Jong-un was basically regarded as a deity or just how badly disparaged society is there. I don’t even know if you can travel to Korea from the US or if it is embargoed like Cuba.
On the flip side though, I did find the title and initial summary a bit misleading. It led me to assumed that the story would include more details on the actual escape from North Korea to China. And the presentation at times made me question the writer’s credibility. I have no doubt that while it is an accurate depiction in general, there seemed to be an awful lot of minute detail for every aspect of the book to have actually happened. I doubt, especially when living in such destitute conditions, that the author can recall all these small events and conversations as perfectly as is presented. Those were my two issues with the book from a critical standpoint.
Overall though, a harrowing and thought-provoking read that will increase your appreciation for the blessings in your life.
So it’s time for another exciting author interview. I love interviewing people, hearing about their experiences, and getting some good food from thought.
Quicker than you can say “downsized, unemployed, and divorced,” Ally Cervantes finds herself with the Pacific Ocean in her rearview mirror as she and her two children head to Lake Surrender in rural Northern Michigan to live with her aunt. The dry hills of California are a metaphor for her empty soul, but she can’t afford to wallow in self-pity with an autistic son who can’t make eye contact and a precocious twelve-year-old daughter counting on her to get it together.
Alexis is the author of The Onyx Vial, book one of the Shadow of the Nine series. She is also the creator of the recently launched bookish typography and art subscription service, Nerdy Post. I first discovered Alexis and her work via her Instagram account (@dropandgivemenerdy), and I’ve basically been a fan ever since. I’m so grateful she took the time to answer a few questions, despite being not only a bookpreneur but a mom as well. Needless to say, she is a busy woman! 
I have the most exciting news to share! My trip to Universal’s The Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Florida became official this week! It has been a dream of mine to visit, and I’m so glad to finally have this opportunity to live out some more of my childhood fantasies. In preparation, I bought this wonderful evil wizards t-shirt from 
I’d been interested in reading the book since I saw the nominations for the film adaptions at last year’s Academy Awards. However, I was a bit skeptical when I picked up the copy at the library and the review said, “I wanted to stand up and tell a train full of strangers, ‘You have to get this book.’” And yet, here I am writing about the book even though that was not the planned topic for today. Why? Because that reviewer was right. 
Fictional Fox 