Under the Same Sky: From Starvation in North Korea to Salvation in America Paperback – 28 Jun 2016
by Joseph Kim (Author)
4.7 out of 5 stars 132 ratings
Product description
"A searing story of starvation and survival in North Korea, followed by a dramatic escape, rescue by activists and Christian missionaries, and success in the United States thanks to newfound faith and courage
Inside the hidden and mysterious world of North Korea, Joseph Kim lived a young boy's normal life until he was five. Then disaster struck: the first wave of the Great Famine, a long, terrible ordeal that killed millions, including his father, and sent others, like his mother and only sister, on desperate escape routes into China. Alone on the streets, Joseph learned to beg and steal. He had nothing but a street-hardened survival instinct. Finally, in desperation, he too crossed a frozen river to escape to China. There a kindly Christian woman took him in, kept him hidden from the authorities, and gave him hope. Soon, through an underground network of activists, he was spirited to the American consulate, and became one of just a handful of North Koreans to be brought to the U.S. as refugees. Joseph knew no English and had never been a good student. Yet the kindness of his foster family changed his life. He turned a new leaf, became a dedicated student, mastered English, and made it to college, where he is now thriving thanks to his faith and inner strength. Under the Same Sky is an unforgettable story of suffering and redemption"--
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Review
"[A] page-turner--fast-paced, suspenseful and novelistic. . . Searing."
--Wall Street Journal
"Vital to our understanding of life in North Korea."
--Washington Post
"There's something riveting about his honesty; he portrays the bleak conditions, dwindling resources, eternal uncertainty, and loss of dignity with an unashamed matter-of-factness almost at odds with the desperate circumstances...Kim's tale is a vital insight into a little-understood country and a modern day tragedy."
--Publishers Weekly, starred review
"This short, brutish book--with chapter-ending cliffhangers presaging the next hard twist--will enlighten readers as to the devastating hardships facing those living in North Korea during the 'great famine.'"
--Booklist
"Told with poise and dignity, Kim's story...provides vivid documentation of a remarkable life. It also offers an important account of atrocities committed within North Korea that have been hidden from the West--and indeed, most of the rest of the world. A courageous and inspiring memoir."
--Kirkus Reviews
--Wall Street Journal
"Vital to our understanding of life in North Korea."
--Washington Post
"There's something riveting about his honesty; he portrays the bleak conditions, dwindling resources, eternal uncertainty, and loss of dignity with an unashamed matter-of-factness almost at odds with the desperate circumstances...Kim's tale is a vital insight into a little-understood country and a modern day tragedy."
--Publishers Weekly, starred review
"This short, brutish book--with chapter-ending cliffhangers presaging the next hard twist--will enlighten readers as to the devastating hardships facing those living in North Korea during the 'great famine.'"
--Booklist
"Told with poise and dignity, Kim's story...provides vivid documentation of a remarkable life. It also offers an important account of atrocities committed within North Korea that have been hidden from the West--and indeed, most of the rest of the world. A courageous and inspiring memoir."
--Kirkus Reviews
From the Back Cover
“Vital to our understanding of life in North Korea.” — Washington Post
“Powerful . . . Doesn’t hold anything back.” — Publishers Weekly, starred review
Inside the hidden and mysterious world of North Korea, Joseph Kim lived a young boy’s normal life until he was five. Then disaster struck: the first wave of the Great Famine, a long, terrible ordeal that killed millions, including his father, and sent others, like his mother and only sister, on desperate escape routes into China. Alone on the streets, Joseph learned to beg and steal until finally, in desperation, he too crossed a frozen river to escape to China.
A kindly Christian woman took him in and kept him hidden from the authorities. And through an underground network of activists, he was spirited to the American consulate, becoming one of just a handful of North Koreans to be brought to the United States as refugees. Joseph knew no English and had never been a good student. Yet the kindness of his foster family changed his life. He became a dedicated student, mastered English, and made it to college, where he is now thriving thanks to his faith and inner strength. Under the Same Sky is an unforgettable story of suffering and redemption.
“A remarkable tale . . . Vividly describes what Joseph Kim and millions of other North Koreans endured.” — Christian Science Monitor
“A courageous and inspiring memoir.” — Kirkus Reviews
JOSEPH KIM was born in North Korea in 1990. In 2007 he came to the United States, where he completed high school. He is currently a college student in New York City.
STEPHAN TALTY is the coauthor of several works of narrative nonfiction, including Captain Phillips.
“Powerful . . . Doesn’t hold anything back.” — Publishers Weekly, starred review
Inside the hidden and mysterious world of North Korea, Joseph Kim lived a young boy’s normal life until he was five. Then disaster struck: the first wave of the Great Famine, a long, terrible ordeal that killed millions, including his father, and sent others, like his mother and only sister, on desperate escape routes into China. Alone on the streets, Joseph learned to beg and steal until finally, in desperation, he too crossed a frozen river to escape to China.
A kindly Christian woman took him in and kept him hidden from the authorities. And through an underground network of activists, he was spirited to the American consulate, becoming one of just a handful of North Koreans to be brought to the United States as refugees. Joseph knew no English and had never been a good student. Yet the kindness of his foster family changed his life. He became a dedicated student, mastered English, and made it to college, where he is now thriving thanks to his faith and inner strength. Under the Same Sky is an unforgettable story of suffering and redemption.
“A remarkable tale . . . Vividly describes what Joseph Kim and millions of other North Koreans endured.” — Christian Science Monitor
“A courageous and inspiring memoir.” — Kirkus Reviews
JOSEPH KIM was born in North Korea in 1990. In 2007 he came to the United States, where he completed high school. He is currently a college student in New York City.
STEPHAN TALTY is the coauthor of several works of narrative nonfiction, including Captain Phillips.
Paperback: 273 pages
Publisher: Mariner Books; Reprint edition (28 June 2016)
Language: English
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Reviewed in the United States on July 22, 2015
I heard Kwang Jin (Joseph) talk on NPR and was fascinated by his philosophy about what it takes to beg. It's similar to Tim O'Brien's, "The Things They Carried" in where our protagonist doesn't have the guts to dodge the war draft by fleeing to Canada. We may see that begging is an easy way out but these stories contradict that mentality. Moreover, we may find the motives for beggars and thieves to be economical gain, but as Kwang Jin recounts, it was survival. I'd argue these philosophies translate into our modern world. We bend the natural and moral to accommodate and stay afloat. As hinted when Kwang Jin visits China, he is shocked by the way people dressed. Adrian was sensitive to this and helped the refugees dress accordingly. His survival was increased by what he wore, not just by where he was. Now onto the book.
This book left mixed feelings. It's not difficult to read, there are unhinged recounts of what life can be like for someone who grew up in North Korea written concisely and in a story telling way that's engaging. Feelings are mixed because it was co-written. There were a few spots that don't quite meld well with the overall theme of the story. These moments happen particularly toward the end of the book. Kwang Jin is in China and just starting to learn about Christianity and it's mentioned, "A voice inside my head said, you can't go back, you won't make it, you'll be caught and it will be another miserable chapter in your life." (page 232 second paragraph). Any other time this would be Kwang Jin simply thinking to himself. However, when he is just beginning to learn about Christianity he starts "hearing voices" opposed to thinking to himself. I found this to have an evangelistic feel to it. Not long after in the Epilogue an entire paragraph seems misplaced. In context, Kwang Jin is reflecting on his accounts with depression and his desire to help those in North Korea. A seemingly random and unnecessary paragraph ensues, "Only together can we bring justice and freedom to North Koreans. This is their right as human beings. And I hope to see the day where they enjoy the same justice and freedom that I do." (page 266 third paragraph). This paragraph seems to be a call for activism. For a book that comes off as so genuine and engaging to include small, seemingly thrown-in references is highly disappointing. In such a case the book should have been longer and include more detail on activism and Christian efforts for North Koreans to inform readers more deeply on the topics.
The book is so rich with information and ideas that I'm sure will stick with me the rest of my life. My review is based solely on the book in its entirety. I'm not giving Kwang Jin's life four stars, and encourage readers to watch his TED talk after the book. I hope the other North Korean refugees are doing well, and I have high hopes for Bong Sook.
This book left mixed feelings. It's not difficult to read, there are unhinged recounts of what life can be like for someone who grew up in North Korea written concisely and in a story telling way that's engaging. Feelings are mixed because it was co-written. There were a few spots that don't quite meld well with the overall theme of the story. These moments happen particularly toward the end of the book. Kwang Jin is in China and just starting to learn about Christianity and it's mentioned, "A voice inside my head said, you can't go back, you won't make it, you'll be caught and it will be another miserable chapter in your life." (page 232 second paragraph). Any other time this would be Kwang Jin simply thinking to himself. However, when he is just beginning to learn about Christianity he starts "hearing voices" opposed to thinking to himself. I found this to have an evangelistic feel to it. Not long after in the Epilogue an entire paragraph seems misplaced. In context, Kwang Jin is reflecting on his accounts with depression and his desire to help those in North Korea. A seemingly random and unnecessary paragraph ensues, "Only together can we bring justice and freedom to North Koreans. This is their right as human beings. And I hope to see the day where they enjoy the same justice and freedom that I do." (page 266 third paragraph). This paragraph seems to be a call for activism. For a book that comes off as so genuine and engaging to include small, seemingly thrown-in references is highly disappointing. In such a case the book should have been longer and include more detail on activism and Christian efforts for North Koreans to inform readers more deeply on the topics.
The book is so rich with information and ideas that I'm sure will stick with me the rest of my life. My review is based solely on the book in its entirety. I'm not giving Kwang Jin's life four stars, and encourage readers to watch his TED talk after the book. I hope the other North Korean refugees are doing well, and I have high hopes for Bong Sook.
Reviewed in the United States on December 8, 2019
I recommend this book to all my Christian friends who are praying for North Korea. I like to read true stories about North Korea as they are constantly on my mind. I have asked myself, "Why was I born in America where I've known freedom all my life and others live in countries where they are starving and do not have the necessities of life. Jesus said that we would always have the poor with us. But prayer is a powerful tool that we as followers of Christ can use to pray for those who seek our heavenly Father. He is answering our prayers and that is evident as I read the story of Joseph Kim. We do not know the particular persons we are praying for, but as followers of Christ, we keep praying for those who are seeking a better way and seeking our GOD Who made the heavens and the earth. I pray for Joseph Kim that he will find comfort and peace in America and be a tool that the LORD Jesus can use to bring other lonely hearts to Himself. May he find Jesus the best Friend that a person could have in this life. Jesus died for the whole world and Joseph can help people that I cannot help because of his experiences. I give this a 5 star because he spent most of his book telling of his true feelings, his ups and downs in North Korea. It reminds me that life can get long and lonely, but when we die as Christians and enter heaven's gates, our life here will seem like a dot in time. I pray for Joseph's sister, Bong Sook, that wherever she is, she will also reach out and seek the One Who died for her sins and that she can have the hope of seeing Joseph either here or in heaven. GOD knows right where she is "and He (Jesus) is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think according to the power that works in us." Ephesians 3:20. We never give up hope. "Rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer." Romans 12:12. Thank you for writing this book as I had a hard time putting it down. I hope you write another one and tell us about your life in America.
Reviewed in the United States on February 28, 2018
I have now read several memoirs of North Korean defectors/survivors. All have been excellent reads. I cannot see how anyone who has read these stories could get all warm and fuzzy about Kim Jong Un’s propagandist sister being such a “star” at the 2018 Olympics—knowing that behind the cruel Kim regime are the suffering North Korean people. I hope that someday a way can be found to free the North Korean people without fighting a nuclear war to do it.
Reviewed in the United States on August 31, 2015
UNDER THE SAME SKY by Joseph Kim
What a harrowing tale Joseph tells in this, his story from early childhood in North Korea to young manhood in America.
His father is a mid-level party worker and his family is comfortable in the 1980’s. Kim, his father, mother and sister, Bong Sook, live with electricity, a TV and plenty of food and snacks. Then the famine in North Korea takes all of that away. His father and mother lose their jobs, then their furniture, TV and even clothing in order to eat. Eventually they lose their home and are dependent upon their extended family for a roof and food. Finally they have exhausted all options. Kim’s mother sells his sister in South Korea, and disappears. Joseph is left on his own as a young boy. The book details the heartrending life he leads as a homeless youth, descending into theft, lies and violence to survive. Written in simple, but graphic terms, he tells how he ultimately loses all hope and faith in communism and North Korea. He sneaks into South Korea at great risk, becoming a refugee from one the world’s most repressive regimes.
The book’s subtitle, FROM STARVATION IN NORTH KOREA TO SALVATION IN AMERICA, gives the story of his life in one sentence. This is a book that will not leave you for many months. You will learn about life in North Korea when things go well and how quickly plenty can turn to extreme want when a government is oblivious to the needs of the citizens – and how citizens continue to defend and love their country long after the country has abandoned them.
5 of 5 stars
What a harrowing tale Joseph tells in this, his story from early childhood in North Korea to young manhood in America.
His father is a mid-level party worker and his family is comfortable in the 1980’s. Kim, his father, mother and sister, Bong Sook, live with electricity, a TV and plenty of food and snacks. Then the famine in North Korea takes all of that away. His father and mother lose their jobs, then their furniture, TV and even clothing in order to eat. Eventually they lose their home and are dependent upon their extended family for a roof and food. Finally they have exhausted all options. Kim’s mother sells his sister in South Korea, and disappears. Joseph is left on his own as a young boy. The book details the heartrending life he leads as a homeless youth, descending into theft, lies and violence to survive. Written in simple, but graphic terms, he tells how he ultimately loses all hope and faith in communism and North Korea. He sneaks into South Korea at great risk, becoming a refugee from one the world’s most repressive regimes.
The book’s subtitle, FROM STARVATION IN NORTH KOREA TO SALVATION IN AMERICA, gives the story of his life in one sentence. This is a book that will not leave you for many months. You will learn about life in North Korea when things go well and how quickly plenty can turn to extreme want when a government is oblivious to the needs of the citizens – and how citizens continue to defend and love their country long after the country has abandoned them.
5 of 5 stars
Reviewed in the United States on January 23, 2018
I really liked this story. It wasn't action filled but more importantly the words written were a survival of a person's life in a regime we think as evil and cold. The author brings out the simplicity of the millions of n.koreans who know no other way of life. " what is a Christian" asked from the author was a valid thought a n.korean probably thinks. Survival is the staple ingreadient for their lives even if one had to steal from the poor. The feelings and guilt the author talked about are a genuine love for what and whom touched his soul throughout his destiny that shaped him into the man he is today. I only wished he would have heated from his sister and mother. I pray someday he finds them.
Reviewed in the United States on May 29, 2019
Tear-jerking. Impressively written. I know a book’s good when I’ve built up a vivid picture of the scenes in my mind, and Kim definitely did that here. Even thinking back on the book now, I can picture the street his first house was on and the farm he watched perfectly in my mind’s eye. In other words, Kim was deeply effective at giving his readers some tiny fraction of a window into life under a communist dictator. His story will stay with me for a long time.
Reviewed in the United States on June 24, 2018
This is the second book I’ve read written by a refugee from North Korea. The detail of the suffering of the ppl; the indoctrination of their society; and the godlike worship of their leader revolutionary leader from the eye of a child was insightful. The NOKO society was functioning based on the citizens commitment to their leader along with closing off of society from the outside world. Stories of great suffering and survival often require the writer to condemn the country that had caused the suffering but Joseph Kim’s account was not one of blame but sadness for the ppl and still love for his birth country.
Reviewed in the United States on August 18, 2019
There many other noko books way better. The majority of this book, page after page, is devoted to him starving and thieving and fighting. Only the very last part is about him escaping. I also wish we would hear more how he ended up in brooklyn ny. The book entices buyers by starting off with the only riveting part of the book, the story of his incarceration and fighting off a vicious guard.
Reviewed in the United States on July 23, 2015
This book is truly an amazing saga. It is a page turner and one that will be enjoyed by a wide audience. Anyone troubled with their life should read this book. You will feel blessed - I guarantee it!
This is a story about resilience and persistence. It is also a story about family life in a country we still know so little about. A window will open for you when you read this book. The similarities between Joseph Kim and any young boy will be a surprise, but the rest of the story will leave you agape. This is truly the best book I have read this year. I am sure someone will make a motion picture in the future, but don't wait for the film!
Dr. Tom Accardi
This is a story about resilience and persistence. It is also a story about family life in a country we still know so little about. A window will open for you when you read this book. The similarities between Joseph Kim and any young boy will be a surprise, but the rest of the story will leave you agape. This is truly the best book I have read this year. I am sure someone will make a motion picture in the future, but don't wait for the film!
Dr. Tom Accardi
Reviewed in the United States on August 30, 2017
I felt this book was honest, thoughtful, and from a heart stuggle that still continues to find rest in his journey of life . If you want to understand the human heart of the North Korean struggle and children left on their own to survive this is a good book to learn. Thank you Kim for writing your story. I will be praying for your family an the people of Noth Korea. May God bless you with His grace and heart peace!!
Top international reviews
Tim Taylor
5.0 out of 5 stars Read under caution, it will shock youReviewed in the United Kingdom on 9 December 2016
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This book is one of the most horrific stories I have read, it is absolutely horrible to think a country is being run by a complete despot, that people can believe in someone to the extent they will relinquish their identity to become part of a giant machine that basically doesn't really care if they live or die.
It left me shocked and even more so to discover the author is now only 25
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Jay
4.0 out of 5 stars I have heard and read about hard life in N ...Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 11 November 2016
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I have heard and read about hard life in N Korea but wanted to find out first hand from a defector.
It was worth it, especially about the starvation there; it's heart breaking.
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Amazon Customer
4.0 out of 5 stars HarrowingReviewed in the United Kingdom on 31 July 2019
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A truly harrowing account of being raised in North Korea
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Mr Dean A Chapman
5.0 out of 5 stars Five StarsReviewed in the United Kingdom on 20 June 2016
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v good
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Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful and emotional readReviewed in the United Kingdom on 4 November 2016
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Great book, reccomended it to all of my friends!
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Anytime you finish a book the same afternoon that you pick it up, it's usually a good sign that it's compelling. I am deeply impressed with the selection of North Korea memoirs that are on offer and how each one paints a different picture of a different life, a different person, but yet manages to share the same hopes for a better future.
In particular, Joseph Kim's book is unique in a few regards; it continually struck me that he is my peer in age (only four years younger than myself) and so I reflected constantly on where I was and what I was doing with my own life during his various ordeals. That created a powerful reminder that these accounts are really happening, happen to real people, and continue to happen. It's a powerful thought.
Finally, the epilogue was particularly compelling. Many defector accounts end with "and then I made it to America and everything was okay." But the adjustment period is difficult and I enjoyed getting a glimpse of it. (less)
In particular, Joseph Kim's book is unique in a few regards; it continually struck me that he is my peer in age (only four years younger than myself) and so I reflected constantly on where I was and what I was doing with my own life during his various ordeals. That created a powerful reminder that these accounts are really happening, happen to real people, and continue to happen. It's a powerful thought.
Finally, the epilogue was particularly compelling. Many defector accounts end with "and then I made it to America and everything was okay." But the adjustment period is difficult and I enjoyed getting a glimpse of it. (less)
Jul 27, 2015Jeanette rated it really liked it
The writing skill is not 4 star, but much slack is given for that aspect as he has had English for few years, and still struggles. It has only been 6 or 7 years since the change of emigrating from North Korea thru China has occurred for this very young man. Much of the book is year by year, no- month by month of his life from the time he was 5 years old.
So many fiction or non-fiction reads upon 1st World problems have readers reporting weeping and flushing emotively in their reviews. Of course hardship or grief has no solid boundary for emotional reaction. BUT- to me, majority of these people problems pale in comparison to Joseph Kim's story.
His spirit and honesty for his own hard held perceptions, committed acts he admits he did to stay alive but morally questions, and his just plain integrity for his own declared faults are exceptional. Exceptional not just for an immigrant or a refugee or an orphan adventurer- any category his example may encompass- but exceptional for a human being. Highly exceptional.
He was poor at school, he took his sister's sacrifices for granted and he enjoyed an only son status in a patriarchal system that gave that position highest perks. And yet, this governmental and societal system dehumanizes every position but the ruler's to such an extent- that even that perk mattered zero in the end.
This is about starvation. Pure decades long group dying. One year there is food and yet again no food for two. This is watching others leave or the conversations held as loved ones encourage you to eat weeds. Or dig for tiny snails and try to dig out the speck.
But the story is told in such a way that the hunger is always accompanied by the integrity of the person who is suffering it. And what happens to humans who are dying and yet trying to live under these limited choices is not told gratuitously but in heroic, and usually positive looking honesty.
Empathy doesn't alter horrific situations, it just makes us "aware" that they exist and we can sympathize with the sufferers. As if the awareness changes a system so far away from us or the current particulars, as this N. Korean horror? Nope, it doesn't. Actions do.
In this particular situation individual actions made the entire difference for Joseph. And in several cases there was no "empathy" taken or expressed by those individuals for large proportions of the process either. And a few people on the way held rejection with the information to escape. What mattered was the action that followed.
Oliver Twist or David Copperfield experienced day trips to the urban zoo in comparison to Joseph's tale.
The hair on my arms was raised when he wrote of being more terrified upon the anarchy than demoralized by the physical suffering. That feeling when you see people acting in groups of mobs where there is absolutely no one or entity in control over long periods of time. That he can speak of it so bluntly was awe inspiring to me. It's similar to being in war zones? Maybe worse, because there is no "side" or compatriot. Anything could happen. Afraid to sleep. Not just for a day or a week, but for months on end.
He was smuggled through by a Christian church pathway. He sees things in Brooklyn now that he still cannot parse or have "normal" reactions to/with the surrounding population. This I very much understand. He still feels such deep sorrow over his losing knowledge of what has happened to his older sister. She was sold as a "China" bride and lost to him and he prays he can find her someday. If she is still alive.
This book relates much about the North Korean culture, especially in marriage and funeral, or child to ancestor obligation and honor particulars.
Joseph made me laugh out loud more than a few times. I do not think I know any male of any teen age or above age that loses their pants with a 27 inch waistband because they are too big. Nor an adult male who is trying to get all the way up to 30 inch waist size pants. The smile on the back cover is priceless. Watch out NY girls! (less)
So many fiction or non-fiction reads upon 1st World problems have readers reporting weeping and flushing emotively in their reviews. Of course hardship or grief has no solid boundary for emotional reaction. BUT- to me, majority of these people problems pale in comparison to Joseph Kim's story.
His spirit and honesty for his own hard held perceptions, committed acts he admits he did to stay alive but morally questions, and his just plain integrity for his own declared faults are exceptional. Exceptional not just for an immigrant or a refugee or an orphan adventurer- any category his example may encompass- but exceptional for a human being. Highly exceptional.
He was poor at school, he took his sister's sacrifices for granted and he enjoyed an only son status in a patriarchal system that gave that position highest perks. And yet, this governmental and societal system dehumanizes every position but the ruler's to such an extent- that even that perk mattered zero in the end.
This is about starvation. Pure decades long group dying. One year there is food and yet again no food for two. This is watching others leave or the conversations held as loved ones encourage you to eat weeds. Or dig for tiny snails and try to dig out the speck.
But the story is told in such a way that the hunger is always accompanied by the integrity of the person who is suffering it. And what happens to humans who are dying and yet trying to live under these limited choices is not told gratuitously but in heroic, and usually positive looking honesty.
Empathy doesn't alter horrific situations, it just makes us "aware" that they exist and we can sympathize with the sufferers. As if the awareness changes a system so far away from us or the current particulars, as this N. Korean horror? Nope, it doesn't. Actions do.
In this particular situation individual actions made the entire difference for Joseph. And in several cases there was no "empathy" taken or expressed by those individuals for large proportions of the process either. And a few people on the way held rejection with the information to escape. What mattered was the action that followed.
Oliver Twist or David Copperfield experienced day trips to the urban zoo in comparison to Joseph's tale.
The hair on my arms was raised when he wrote of being more terrified upon the anarchy than demoralized by the physical suffering. That feeling when you see people acting in groups of mobs where there is absolutely no one or entity in control over long periods of time. That he can speak of it so bluntly was awe inspiring to me. It's similar to being in war zones? Maybe worse, because there is no "side" or compatriot. Anything could happen. Afraid to sleep. Not just for a day or a week, but for months on end.
He was smuggled through by a Christian church pathway. He sees things in Brooklyn now that he still cannot parse or have "normal" reactions to/with the surrounding population. This I very much understand. He still feels such deep sorrow over his losing knowledge of what has happened to his older sister. She was sold as a "China" bride and lost to him and he prays he can find her someday. If she is still alive.
This book relates much about the North Korean culture, especially in marriage and funeral, or child to ancestor obligation and honor particulars.
Joseph made me laugh out loud more than a few times. I do not think I know any male of any teen age or above age that loses their pants with a 27 inch waistband because they are too big. Nor an adult male who is trying to get all the way up to 30 inch waist size pants. The smile on the back cover is priceless. Watch out NY girls! (less)
Nov 12, 2015Joan rated it really liked it
Though not 4 star writing, a compelling story told with great humanity.
Jun 05, 2019Lindsey (Books for Christian Girls) rated it really liked it
Shelves: i-swear-i-read-non-fiction, own
This book is hard.
This book is gritty at times.
But, this book tells the actual life story of a North Korean deflector who God had His hand on the entire time.
~*~*~
After watching numerous TED Talks and researching about the organization Liberty in North Korea (LiNK), I quickly placed an order for this book after hearing Joseph Kim's story. [YouTube link to his TED Talk]
I'm truly not a non-fiction reader. With the type of content reviews I do, it's easy to feel like I'm nit-picking someone's life and their experiences. The truth of the matter is that real like isn't pretty. I'm sharing the main content from "Under the Same Sky" below for those to see if they can handle the content featured and discussed in this novel.
It's a hard read, but it's one that should be read.
"As American Christians, we can no longer turn a blind eye to what is happening worldwide to our brothers and sisters" -Dede Laugesen
Content:
Fighting, hitting, pain, & blood/bleeding (up to semi-detailed); 1 ‘b*tch’, 1 ‘hell’, 2 ‘what the hell’s, 2 ‘damn’s, 4 ‘bastard’s, Many mentions of pain, fighting, beatings, blood/bleeding, & killings (including a husband beating his wife, up to semi-detailed on all); Mentions of graves, dead people, & bodies (up to semi-detailed); Mentions of executions, public executions, & firing squads; Mentions of the propaganda of anti-America that North Koreans are taught & killing (up to semi-detailed); Mentions of rumors of eating humans & children during a famine; Mentions of rumors about killing & selling children; Mentions of stealing & thieves; Mentions of gambling; Mentions of drinking, alcohol, & alcoholics (Joseph does drink a bit a few times); Mentions of cigarettes & smoking (Joseph, like most North Korean teens, smoked); Mentions of eating dogs, rats, & frogs during a famine; Mentions of superstitions, ghosts, & shamans; A few mentions of using the bathroom; A mention of suicide.
Sexual Content:
Mentions of girls being sold as “bride slaves” (sex slaves) or to brothels as prostitutes and raped repeatedly; Mentions of rapes & girls being sexually abused (it’s mentioned that he never heard of a boy being sexually abused); A mention of women selling their bodies to get food; A mention of not getting married or having sex after a loved one’s death; A mention of kicking someone in the privates; A mention of girls’ figures being full. (less)
This book is gritty at times.
But, this book tells the actual life story of a North Korean deflector who God had His hand on the entire time.
~*~*~
After watching numerous TED Talks and researching about the organization Liberty in North Korea (LiNK), I quickly placed an order for this book after hearing Joseph Kim's story. [YouTube link to his TED Talk]
I'm truly not a non-fiction reader. With the type of content reviews I do, it's easy to feel like I'm nit-picking someone's life and their experiences. The truth of the matter is that real like isn't pretty. I'm sharing the main content from "Under the Same Sky" below for those to see if they can handle the content featured and discussed in this novel.
It's a hard read, but it's one that should be read.
"As American Christians, we can no longer turn a blind eye to what is happening worldwide to our brothers and sisters" -Dede Laugesen
Content:
Fighting, hitting, pain, & blood/bleeding (up to semi-detailed); 1 ‘b*tch’, 1 ‘hell’, 2 ‘what the hell’s, 2 ‘damn’s, 4 ‘bastard’s, Many mentions of pain, fighting, beatings, blood/bleeding, & killings (including a husband beating his wife, up to semi-detailed on all); Mentions of graves, dead people, & bodies (up to semi-detailed); Mentions of executions, public executions, & firing squads; Mentions of the propaganda of anti-America that North Koreans are taught & killing (up to semi-detailed); Mentions of rumors of eating humans & children during a famine; Mentions of rumors about killing & selling children; Mentions of stealing & thieves; Mentions of gambling; Mentions of drinking, alcohol, & alcoholics (Joseph does drink a bit a few times); Mentions of cigarettes & smoking (Joseph, like most North Korean teens, smoked); Mentions of eating dogs, rats, & frogs during a famine; Mentions of superstitions, ghosts, & shamans; A few mentions of using the bathroom; A mention of suicide.
Sexual Content:
Mentions of girls being sold as “bride slaves” (sex slaves) or to brothels as prostitutes and raped repeatedly; Mentions of rapes & girls being sexually abused (it’s mentioned that he never heard of a boy being sexually abused); A mention of women selling their bodies to get food; A mention of not getting married or having sex after a loved one’s death; A mention of kicking someone in the privates; A mention of girls’ figures being full. (less)
Apr 11, 2015Dawn rated it liked it
Despite the detailed horrors of starvation, violence, loss and betrayal the author expresses in "Under the Same Sky," I never felt the story to be completely without hope or heart. There are times I felt guilty for enjoying the book, because the author, Kim, really lives through some truly dark and unbelievably awful years. His constant hunger and struggle to survive, and not only survive but connect with another human being who won't leave or betray him somehow, is written in a genuine and appealing voice. Kim also does a good job of bringing in and giving life to the good things in his life even when the threat of starvation clung to him (and everyone around him). Kim's sister, Bong-Sook, is a bright star and I really loved her (and it's plain how much Kim realizes over time how good she's been to him and that he loves her, too). Kim's father is also a positive influence on him and there are just as many other good people who help him, as there are people who refuse to help or prove to be cruel to him. It's a well-balanced book (I also like how the author tries to look at both sides of a story, to try and understand there are sometimes reasons behind bad behavior, not to excuse the bad behavior, but he does try to give people the benefit of the doubt when he can) about a boy who beats the odds and survives to become a man who's not doomed by the hardships he endured in North Korea, but is instead a man with hope, education, friends, dreams, and a future in America. Inspiring, easy to understand, and honest in a personal way that draws readers in and doesn't let them go until the last page. (less)
Jan 22, 2018Dalia Hosam rated it liked it
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.
I've read a few stories about North Korea, but Joseph Kim's is the one that certainly moved me the most so far. It's beautiful, heart breaking, and inspiring. It's a clear story with memories, and dates that I found myself identifying with. This little boy's struggle to understand a world that was collapsing around him, losing his father, and the never knowing of what has happened to his sister and mother.
There are several reasons, I loved this book. It's written by a contemporary. A person of my generation, and near my age. To think that this was happening to him thousands of miles away in North Korea while I enjoyed my merry carefree life here in America, in someways, it haunts me, but even with it's haunting story and yet, it is filled with hope.
This is a book I want to purchase for everyone on my Christmas list to read, to understand and comprehend. there is so much going on out there in the world, and North Korea is one that I feel is very much neglected and ignored.
Please read this book, get it from your library, or purchase it from where 100% of the price goes back into helping North Koreans escape and build better lives. (less)
There are several reasons, I loved this book. It's written by a contemporary. A person of my generation, and near my age. To think that this was happening to him thousands of miles away in North Korea while I enjoyed my merry carefree life here in America, in someways, it haunts me, but even with it's haunting story and yet, it is filled with hope.
This is a book I want to purchase for everyone on my Christmas list to read, to understand and comprehend. there is so much going on out there in the world, and North Korea is one that I feel is very much neglected and ignored.
Please read this book, get it from your library, or purchase it from where 100% of the price goes back into helping North Koreans escape and build better lives. (less)
May 31, 2015Jill rated it really liked it
Kim's story is horrifying. It's different from many of the other stories of DPRK defectors I've read in that Kim was pretty much a child when he escaped North Korea and was motivated to leave first and foremost by starvation. The epilogue was heart-wrenching and the acknowledgements even more so. Kim's perspective is that of a child fighting to live homeless, starving, and without family in the DPRK; there are more comprehensive accounts of life in North Korea, but this personal, sad story of a young boy's struggle to stay alive is definitely worth a read. (less)
May 28, 2018Anne rated it really liked it
This North Korean refugee memoir ends on a much more hopeful note than the first one I read, so for that reason alone, I would recommend this one for anyone interested in the topic. Be warned, though, that the hope is a long time coming. I could only read a couple chapters at a time in certain portions of the book. It's heavy reading.
Also be warned: after reading this book, you might go straight to your computer to look up North Korea relief agencies to find out ways you can help!
Also be warned: after reading this book, you might go straight to your computer to look up North Korea relief agencies to find out ways you can help!
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