That’s the Book!

I thought that I should put some more effort into reading some Korean literature and other books about Korea while I’m here.  I’ve read a few but most are about North Korea or have some connection to North Korea (okay, not some but all).  And I’ve started a new this morning (not having a job right now is great for reading).  So, here are the books in no particular order;
An Appointment with My Brother by Yi Mun - Yol
This was a nice little short story about a South Korean imagining his reuniting with a half brother from North Korea.  I really enjoyed all the cultural references in the book and it made want to read more and more.  There is something about these two countries that you cannot get out of your blood once you’ve been here.  For anyone interested in some Korean liturate I would suggest you read this one, if you can get your hands on it.  It was translated by Suh Ji-moon and is a collection of Korean short-fiction I’m looking forward to reading more from this collection.

The Two Koreas: A Contemporary History by Don Oberdorfer
This is the non-fiction work that I started this morning.  I haven’t got too far in the book but it seems to be well written and can keep my interest.  This is one book that is really introducing me to the full extent of the conflict that has ravaged this country for years.  I just thougth I’ve been here for almost a year and don’t really know that much about the Koreas and this looked like a great opportunity to learn about the country I’m living in.

Pyongyang A Journy in North Korea by Guy Delisle
This is a wonderful graphic novel by a french Canadian who was sent to the North Korean capital to finish a short animated film.  The pictures are great and capture what I think foreigners are allowed to see quite well.  It doesn’t take long to read but it was well worth it.  It really got me hooked on the graphic novel thing…I should really join the graphic novel challenge - and it’s nice to have pictures sometimes (lol).

The Aquariums of Pyongyang by Kang Chol Hwan
Kang Chol Hwan is a North Korean defector to the South.  This story is very disturbing but one of the best books I’ve read in recent history.  The only thing I wanted more of was about his time adjusting to life in South Korea, maybe a new book “The Seas of Seoul”?

I hope to read more Korean liturature so if any of you have any suggestions I’m open to them.  Pass anything you have on to me, the more the better.  What I’ve read so far I’ve loved and it’s got me craving more.