My Holiday in North Korea

My Holiday in North Korea: The Funniest/Worst Place on Earth | Wendy E. Simmons

pick

Funny, informative and a bit sad. This short account of her time in North Korea was a good read! I lived in S.Korea for 2 years so it‘s interesting to hear about the other side of the DMZ!

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kalinichta

My Holiday in North Korea: The Funniest/Worst Place on Earth | Wendy E. Simmons

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This is between a pick and so-so for me. While this is a fun, enjoyable travelogue, it's a fun, enjoyable travelogue about a place where people are oppressed and starving. Not that Simmons isn't cognizant of the conditions of, as she calls it, NoKo, but it's unmistakably a light read.

Additionally, I think Simmons' observations should be taken with a grain of salt as there doesn't seem to be a lot of research or verification. 👇

kalinichta But this was a fun, quick, and interesting read, and I would definitely be interested in reading more of Simmons' travel writing. This book also spurred me to crack open A River in Darkness for an inside view of North Korea.

A River in Darkness: One Man's Escape from North Korea

callielafleur Also check out Orphan Master's Son, which takes place in North Korea. The author has done lots of research.

The Orphan Master's Son: A Novel

kalinichta @callielafleur Will check it out. Thank you! 6y

21 likes3 comments

DebinHawaii

My Holiday in North Korea: The Funniest/Worst Place on Earth | Wendy E. Simmons

#ReadingResolutions #north

Here are five books that I've read and enjoyed with 'north' in their title. North from Alaska to the Adirondacks, to North Korea, to a crumbling Northanger Abbey in Regency times with Jane and in modern day with Val. 📚👍

Jess7

kalinichta I think the tag for My Holiday in North Korea is going to make me stack that book. 7y

DebinHawaii @kalinichta It's good! 👍👍 7y

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JacqMac

My Holiday in North Korea: The Funniest/Worst Place on Earth | Wendy E. Simmons

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Fascinating look inside North Korea. I loved the Lewis Carroll quotes in every chapter. It really sounded like the author fell down the rabbit hole.

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JacqMac

My Holiday in North Korea: The Funniest/Worst Place on Earth | Wendy E. Simmons

Waiting for a kid. That‘s how I spend a large portion of my life. Good thing I bought all those new ebooks today. 😁This one sounds like a good place to start.

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Scithighs

My Holiday in North Korea: The Funniest/Worst Place on Earth | Wendy E. Simmons

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There are no words if you want to know what a visit to the worst place on earth is. It is all here. I love this author I did a search on her after reading I wanted more.

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MallenNC

My Holiday in North Korea: The Funniest/Worst Place on Earth | Wendy E. Simmons

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If you're looking for an academic take on life in North Korea, this is not it. Instead, it is one woman's experience on a solo "vacation" in North Korea. It's irreverent in places, but gives a good glimpse of how the country tries to control its image with those who visit. Since there's less than a 3% chance I'll ever see these places in real life, I appreciated the vicarious experience. (Loved the story behind the cover photo)

aleph The cover shot is a wedding? 7y

MallenNC @aleph Yes, it was a wedding that she was taken to as part of her official tour 7y

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ashreec

My Holiday in North Korea: The Funniest/Worst Place on Earth | Wendy E. Simmons

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I loved this book. Everyone should read it.

Megabooks

My Holiday in North Korea: The Funniest/Worst Place on Earth | Wendy E. Simmons

This book has been difficult to read. I feel bad laughing because there are real people at stake. There are truly some odd times. I feel the author's exasperation and also her sympathy.

LeahBergen I want to read this! 8y

LauraBeth 📚📚 8y

Megabooks @LeahBergen It's really good! 8y

See All 37 Comments

BookishFeminist I tried to do this and have to say, fuck this book. I don't think it's right of her at all to make light of the situation in North Korea. There are so many other, better, less insulting books to read about the topic in my opinion. This book really ticked me off. 8y

BookishFeminist (Also not to get all Negative Nancy on your status—I just found this book to be incredibly problematic, racist, & privileged and have strong opinions about it. Don't want to offend!) 8y

LeahBergen @BookishFeminist Really? Aww, that sucks. I've been so into reading about North Korea lately and was looking forward to this one. Sometimes, a certain amount of humour can be so effective when discussing difficult subjects ... you know what I mean? It's disappointing to think that this may have been handled in a respectful manner. 8y

LeahBergen Shit! *DISrespectful* 8y

BookishFeminist @LeahBergen IMO steer clear of this one- if you do read it recognize it for what it is. The humor is entirely at North Korea's expense in this book. I got halfway through it before I literally threw my phone across the room that someone can have so much privilege, have the opportunity to travel for journalism to North Korea, a rare opportunity, & only used it to make snide judgmental remarks not just about the dictatorship but its people/culture. 8y

BookishFeminist @LeahBergen But yes I do know what you mean about humor- I love books that tackle difficult subjects with humor. But this was over the top, racist, xenophobic humor. Like "they're just so different from us I pity them" humor. 8y

LeahBergen @BookishFeminist Eeee! 😬 Duly noted! 8y

Megabooks @LeahBergen @BookishFeminist I'm picking up what you're putting down, but I do sense some sympathy from her. Is she classist? Yes. Is she racist? I really don't think so. I think as someone who laughs at inappropriate times and uses humor to deflect, I can relate to her. I understand if you don't agree, but I'm glad I read it. Have I read more serious, better books on NK? Yes. Would I wholeheartedly recommend this? No. Agree to disagree? 8y

Megabooks @LeahBergen @BookishFeminist I don't think I could handle the party line or as she calls it "proptalking" for 10 days either. I think she likes some of the people there. I don't know what she was expecting though. What she got is pretty much what I've seen on tv or read on tourist blogs. Have you read a better tourism book? 8y

BookishFeminist @Ebooksandcooks Even if she has sympathy for them and then she goes and writes like this, what's the point? You can't in my opinion go around making racist, classist, xenophobic jokes and then be like Oh but I was just joking! I'm not actually racist! Like yes, you are. She gets no free pass from me. I didn't even find it well written. You're definitely entitled to your opinion so not trying to discredit it but also think there's more to dig at. 8y

BookishFeminist @Ebooksandcooks Out of curiosity, what makes you draw the conclusion that she isn't really racist? Sympathy doesn't mean she isn't still racist. I also won't forgive her for intentionally going out of her way to make her handlers' lives difficult- that's really not funny and quite horrifying when you think about how it could be endangering her handlers' lives and well-being because of the dictatorship. 8y

BookishFeminist @Ebooksandcooks To answer your other question, I haven't read any books on tourism in North Korea, but perhaps it's worth thinking about whether it's appropriate to write those books. I feel uncomfortable being voyeuristic about any oppressed culture- this is to a lesser extent since Kim Jong-Un is no Hitler- but I wouldn't read a book about tourism in Nazi Germany or Italy under Mussolini or Russia under Stalin. I just don't think it's fair. 8y

BookishFeminist (Also another disclaimer I have very strong opinions about this book and situation but I'm not judging you at all for your opinion & appreciate your perspective- I haven't had anyone to discuss this book with!) 8y

Megabooks @BookishFeminist Have you seen the PBS episode of Frontline where they show people (generally defectors, Chinese, and Japanese) sneaking in cameras for journalism and thumb drives with South Korean, European and American programs? Those people filming and watching are taking huge risks. There are also, obviously not shown on tours, markets run by regular people. I highly recommend watching that frontline. You can stream it from pbs or Netflix. 👇🏻 8y

BookishFeminist @Ebooksandcooks I haven't yet but will look for it now- I don't usually watch tv and you always have great documentary recommendations. 😀 (I still need to watch the legal one you recommended to me!!) 8y

Megabooks @BookishFeminist back to the book, I don't think she was anti-NK people. And I don't think she was trying to get them in trouble. I think she was trying to challenge them. Fresh handler was open to her nudges. Even older handler at one point expresses interest in opening a coffee shop. I don't think she disliked the people, I think the propaganda was disheartening. I think if anything, she over pitied them. Her worst offense was 👇🏻 8y

Megabooks @BookishFeminist not being understanding enough to their positions, but I don't think that automatically makes her racist. 8y

Megabooks @BookishFeminist Frontline is much shorter than the staircase! 8y

Megabooks @BookishFeminist I think there's less of an excuse these days because of the plethora of info out of NK, so tourism is dicey, but my grandfather did the grand tour in Europe under Hilter and Mussolini in the 1930s. I don't know so much about what he knew or saw before going, but I don't think he was the only American tourist. 8y

BookishFeminist @Ebooksandcooks I can't separate her overt classism from racism in this case because they are so intertwined. I don't think she was trying to get her handlers in trouble either but the fact that she kept pushing without acknowledging that could be a very real possibility was irresponsible and disrespectful not just to them but also poor journalism. Also when I say racist I don't include intent- everyone is racist to some degree but I find it to be 8y

BookishFeminist a really bad thing if you don't accept and try to understand your people, especially those who you perceive to be different from you. The book felt like she went over there to make fun of them and challenge them, not to actually learn, and that is voyeuristic and imperialistic whether she intended harm by it or not. 8y

BookishFeminist Other people*** not your people 8y

Megabooks @BookishFeminist the frontline ep is Secret State of North Korea season 32 episode 5 8y

BookishFeminist I find the choice to not exercise empathy when you have that ability is racist, especially when you are dealing with being a tourist in another country with a culture that's very different from ours. It's "othering," which is a form of racism that is often unintentional but just as if not more harmful than overt racism. I also found it irresponsible of her to act and feel entitled to validation by North Koreans, like her handlers. 8y

Megabooks @BookishFeminist I do agree that she had a position going in that wasn't positive. And could've been more understanding, but even actual journalists are fairly biased on NK. For example Lisa Ling's nay geo one (also available on Netflix) and the book she wrote with her sister Laura, although they are much less biased by my definition, possibly racist by yours. I guess what you see as racism, I see as bias. They're prob the same but diff words. 8y

Megabooks @BookishFeminist I think that's where you and I disagree. I can see your point, but I also see sympathy on her part. What bothers me more from a racist standpoint is the teasing tone of the book and the pity. 8y

BookishFeminist @Ebooksandcooks Oh awesome, thanks! Love Frontline. 🤓 I'm sure your grandfather wasn't the only American tourist to those countries under dictatorships but that's really problematic to be a voyeur in a country that is actively oppressed. I obviously can't make judgment calls about your grandpa so I'll assume good intent! But yes that was more acceptable then even if may have been super problematic. 8y

BookishFeminist @Ebooksandcooks bias = racism, just a difference in terminology. It's racism when it's bias made by people who have the privilege. 8y

BookishFeminist @Ebooksandcooks I saw some of the sympathy too but her choice to use it to make judgments about North Korea's people and culture is where I draw the line. I find it really offensive. There's a way to address your personal bias that isn't throwing them under the bus and then saying you sympathize/pity them- I don't fault journalists who have bias. It's how it's addressed. 8y

Megabooks @BookishFeminist unfortunately I have no idea what my grandfather though because he died before I could ask him. 😞 I would've liked to know. So I guess we agree on some things about this book, but not others. I'm going to settle in and read my school shooting book for an hour, but I've really enjoyed our convo! Litsy is awesome!!! And so are you. 👍🏻 8y

BookishFeminist I haven't read or watched the documentary by Lisa Ling and her sister, though I've wanted to to form my own opinion. From what I've read about it though it also has problems like this one- intentionally breaking rules, etc. Perhaps less biased, but this stuff is a spectrum. I don't like stigmatizing the word racism or racist bc I think a lot of folks assume it make you an inherently bad person when that isn't the case. 8y

BookishFeminist I use racism to mean "that was privileged and problematic and needs to be addressed" not "she's a terrible person for doing that." But she has the privilege and should have known better for many of these things so that is why it makes me livid. (I've read opinions of lots of folks who have done similar tours, read this book and had similar reactions too so it's not just me.) 8y

BookishFeminist Enjoy your evening though! Thanks for the discussion & for being open-minded about hearing me out. I'm glad you enjoyed the book but also glad you also see its problems. 👍🏼 I agree, Litsy is awesome, as are you! 😀 8y

aleph The other dimension here beyond the regime's oppression/restrictions is that the country is economically and otherwise isolated and poor so even if they were allowed to listen to anything they'd still have the outdated everything and lack of things. So not a lot diff. than going to another poor country, of which there are many and talking about feeling "bewildered." Granted, I've not read this book yet. 7y

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DebinHawaii

My Holiday in North Korea: The Funniest/Worst Place on Earth | Wendy E. Simmons

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Book #4 for #24in48 #readathon Fascinating and funny travel memoir of the author's 10-day trip to North Korea, filled with amazing color photos of a place we don't usually see much of--and yes it is as crazy as you probably think it is. Each chapter starts with a Lewis Carroll quote--apropos since it seems like the trip was a bit like falling down a rabbit hole. Full review (paired w/ kimchi maybe?) will be coming soon to my blog.

BethFishReads This is on my list! 8y

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DebinHawaii

My Holiday in North Korea: The Funniest/Worst Place on Earth | Wendy E. Simmons

My reading companion: this is Max, he's 12 and diabetic so he gets two insulin shots a day but he puts up with it well and I love him dearly. He has spent most of #24in48 #readthon alternating between sitting by me on the couch, stealing my place whenever I get up, 'complaining' (he's a vocal boy) until I put down the book & snuggle him on my chest, or ignoring me and sleeping in the bedroom. Helpful to productive reading, he is not... 😉💕🐱

Litsy, 24in48

Megabooks 😻😻 8y

MrBook 😻👍🏻 8y

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DebinHawaii

My Holiday in North Korea: The Funniest/Worst Place on Earth | Wendy E. Simmons

My tentative stack for the @24in48 Readathon-will likely switch some out based on this week's mail & a couple Kindle books may get in the mix. Most of these are my *guilties*-prize or review books I have not made time for--hoping (My first!) Readathon will push me to get some off the TBR pile. 📚⏰📖

Liberty, Litsy, 24in48

Karen3 I love Darynda Jones and that series!! 8y

DebinHawaii @Karen3 Me too! Which is why it's crazy that I won this months ago and have not read it! Totally squandering my winnings. 8y

MrBook I think you should add further treasure to thy bounty! 😜😉 8y

See All 8 Comments

DebinHawaii @MrBook Do not encourage me/-that is just a fraction of the TBR pile. I need limits! 📚📚📚📚📚📚😉 8y

RealLifeReading Love seeing everyone's book piles for the readathon! 8y

MrBook *cue the single trumpet* *image of a sped-up blue, but clouded sky with the Sun shining brightly* *Liam Neeson voice* When it comes to books... *image of a single person reaching a mountaintop and throwing up their arms in triumph* ...there are no limits. *drum roll* 8y

DebinHawaii @RealLifeReading I know! I have just seen a few so I need to go look for more. 💕📚 8y

DebinHawaii @MrBook Oh, well if Liam Neeson says there are no limits (and there is a drum roll & a trumpet), then it must be true! 👍😉 8y

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Caralen

My Holiday in North Korea: The Funniest/Worst Place on Earth | Wendy E. Simmons

I found it extremely appropriate that the author separates the chapters using lines from Alice in Wonderland. She was only there 10 days, but I can't believe that she was able to get out without going crazy. It's like the Mirror-verse. Wow.

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PrezBookster

My Holiday in North Korea: The Funniest/Worst Place on Earth | Wendy E. Simmons

The side eye game is strong in NoKo.. 👀

aleph People there are rightly cautious. Small infractions can land someone in a prison camp. 7y

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mwgerard

My Holiday in North Korea: The Funniest/Worst Place on Earth | Wendy E. Simmons

I may or may not have visited a wall that may or may not exist. Fresh Handler may or may not have known it exists, and may or may not have been trying to let me know this.

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kaitkingly

My Holiday in North Korea: The Funniest/Worst Place on Earth | Wendy E. Simmons

It's hard to describe what it's like listening to this book. It's funny, but I find myself wondering if it's ok to laugh about traveling to North Korea, considering the hardships of the people living there. In this way, I guess I find it funny yet disturbing at the same time.

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passingfair

My Holiday in North Korea: The Funniest/Worst Place on Earth | Wendy E. Simmons

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Read in one sitting. A beautiful book full of pictures and artful storytelling, Simmons recounts her journey with lots of humor and a good deal of frustration and empathy. Delightful.

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