Welcome to Litsy!

An amazing story of how the author was able to get her mother and brother out of North Korea after living illegally in China for a while. Very honest and eventually having a happy conclusion. Also tells of the extreme kindness of a friendly Australian. A life affirming book.

This was a horrific and depressing memoir. Shin was born in Camp 14 in North Korea and lived in a hellish nightmare for 23 years. He was taught to use violence and be an informer at all costs. He was tortured, starved, beaten, used, and he watched his mother hang, watched his brother be shot. He knew nothing about ways of life outside of the camp. Had it not been for another older imprisoned man showing him kindness, Shin might still be⬇️

Starting a new book recommended by a library coworker.

Continuing my quest into North Korea which always has hovered in the periphery of my mind in regard to world politics. I do appreciate a graphic novel memoir but Delisle seems a bit sarcastic and for lack of a better word, rude, about the culture.

Interesting and disturbing.

This is a thorough analysis of North Korea‘s history, focused on the time prior to Kim Jong-Un takes power. This was published in 2009, so there have been changes but still a great starting point. Excellent research and reporting using details from defectors. Unbelievable and horrific, the way these people have lived through famine, torture, and repression from their government. Everyone should read this. From my #AuldLangSpine list from @Singout

Well, this is disappointing: a book I loved listening to while painting my house but found out some problematic info about the author after finishing it. North Korean defector Yeonmi Park has been accused of fabricating some of this story. I‘m not sure what to believe but this is a book for my deep dive into North Korea. I‘m looking forward to Nothing to Envy next from @Singout ‘s #alspine list. A brutal story of survival. Conflicted pick

Refreshed my #Roll100 list for 2025. These are the first three books from the list. Each from @Singout ‘s #auldlangspine list…so essentially, I cheated and made my list after I knew the numbers. Forgive me! I‘ll be better in February. 😉