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Every Falling Star by Sungju Lee, Susan Elizabeth McClellan is the first book I've read about North Korea. The author's voice is genuine and emotional as it relates to the personal story of his adolescent years in North Korea during the 1990's. It is about a young man's awakening from naive child who believes his country is perfectly fine to realizing that not all people are treated equally. This is a memoir. The reader learns what it's truly like to grow up in North Korea
The most fascinating thing about North Korea and this memoir is the way the cult of personality works. It is deeply ingrained that Kim Jong-un is an almost magical being, someone to be revered, a perfect specimen of humanity leading the best country on Earth. It is actually illegal to mishandle any images of the Supreme Leader, never mind speak out against the regime.
Sungju Lee recounts his childhood through the 1990's famine. He begins in Pyongyang, a naive child with blind faith in his leader. This later changes as his family is forced to move to a poorer area of the country where the locals are starving and executions happen regularly. The reader learns about the complete lack of awareness that is characteristic of the more fortunate North Koreans. This is especially children. Their belief is that everyone is provided for and no one goes hungry.
This book is every eye-opening and terrifying.
The most fascinating thing about North Korea and this memoir is the way the cult of personality works. It is deeply ingrained that Kim Jong-un is an almost magical being, someone to be revered, a perfect specimen of humanity leading the best country on Earth. It is actually illegal to mishandle any images of the Supreme Leader, never mind speak out against the regime.
Sungju Lee recounts his childhood through the 1990's famine. He begins in Pyongyang, a naive child with blind faith in his leader. This later changes as his family is forced to move to a poorer area of the country where the locals are starving and executions happen regularly. The reader learns about the complete lack of awareness that is characteristic of the more fortunate North Koreans. This is especially children. Their belief is that everyone is provided for and no one goes hungry.
This book is every eye-opening and terrifying.
Heather Cranmer (2721 KP) created a post
Mar 12, 2020
Bobby Gillespie recommended Gilded Palace of Sin by The Flying Burrito Brothers in Music (curated)
Tezzie Bee (7 KP) rated Monstrous Regiment: (Discworld Novel 31) in Books
Jul 11, 2018
It’s All In the Trousers
Contains spoilers, click to show
Polly Perks leaves home to join the army, to look for her brother. Naturally, as it’s a male dominated institution, she has to disguise herself. The short hair cut is easy, it’s the learning to belch, fart and swagger like an ape that takes time. Plus a well placed pair of rolled up socks in a strategic position makes all the difference.
She’s off to fight for her country Borogravia, a country that picks wars with other countries almost as often as a small child picks its nose.
Polly (or Ozzer as she becomes known) joins a raggedy band which becomes known as the Monstrous Regiment, lead by the legendary Sergeant Jackrum. A troupe consisting of a troll, a vampire, an Igor, and others. All with a big secret.
Although part of the Discworld novels, this can be read as a stand-alone novel. a thoroughly enjoyable read, which brings in some old Discworld characters we know and love.
She’s off to fight for her country Borogravia, a country that picks wars with other countries almost as often as a small child picks its nose.
Polly (or Ozzer as she becomes known) joins a raggedy band which becomes known as the Monstrous Regiment, lead by the legendary Sergeant Jackrum. A troupe consisting of a troll, a vampire, an Igor, and others. All with a big secret.
Although part of the Discworld novels, this can be read as a stand-alone novel. a thoroughly enjoyable read, which brings in some old Discworld characters we know and love.
Natalie Portman recommended What Is The What in Books (curated)
Richee (20 KP) rated This War of mine: The little ones in Video Games
Dec 29, 2017
Different style of gameplay (2 more)
Has a lot of heart
Lovely visuals
Brutal yet beautiful
This game blew my mind when I played through. You control a number of survivors of a war torn country, trying to survive by scavenging and bartering. The game offers a very bleak out look in the worst of times. For those looking for something different with an emotional edge I highly recommend this.
Dean (6925 KP) rated Three Kings (1999) in Movies
Mar 7, 2018
A decent action film set at the end of the Iraq war. Three soldiers learn the location of some stolen Kuwaiti gold and plan to help themselves. On their mission they encounter the harsh reality of the current state of the country.
It has a fine cast and is well made, without feeling like a hollywood blockbuster. It has the right mix of action and drama, even a bit of humour too.
It has a fine cast and is well made, without feeling like a hollywood blockbuster. It has the right mix of action and drama, even a bit of humour too.
Ross (3282 KP) rated Yankee Hotel Foxtrot by Wilco in Music
Apr 30, 2020
Rolling Stone's 493rd greatest album of all time
Very … I don't know … lo-fi? Alt-country? Folk-emo? Plaid-pop?
This album is one where the listener needs a good few listens to really appreciate I think. The songs are all quite listenable but quite understated and to my mind missing a little something (a kick, some personality). I might give this album another try in future, my dad is a fan.
This album is one where the listener needs a good few listens to really appreciate I think. The songs are all quite listenable but quite understated and to my mind missing a little something (a kick, some personality). I might give this album another try in future, my dad is a fan.
Aj (472 KP) rated Hit Man: David Foster & Friends by David Foster / Various Artists in Music
Nov 25, 2020
You may not know the name but you'll know the songs
A great mix of songs from a variety of artists,Classical, pop and country singers blend together to celebrate the songs of David Foster,from After the love has gone to The prayer,the hits keep coming,a great singalong album.
Russ Troutt (291 KP) rated Blaze (2018) in Movies
Jun 28, 2019
Watched what is definitely one of my favorite movies of the year so far recently, unfortunately it was on a little screen on my flight back to Hawaii. Name of the movie is Blaze, written and directed by Ethan Hawke, and is based on the outlaw country singer and songwriter legend Blaze Foley. If you don't add this to your watch list then I'll have to have Deputy Dawg throw you in movie jail.