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by An Na
Family and Relationships
156 pages
Mi Gook, America, is it heaven? Young Ju thought so. Young Ju immigrated to America, thinking it was heaven and that she would get to see her dear Harabugi, but she could not find him. “’Here, try this drink. Everyone in Mi Gook loves Ko-ka- Ko-la.’ I do not care if we are a step from heaven. I take a big swallow of the hurting drink. This is not heaven.”
Young Ju and her family immigrated to America thinking that they would have a better life, but they have to leave Halmoni behind. Moving into a run down apartment, her parents have to work two to three minimum-wage jobs just to make ends meat. When her brother is born Young Ju’s dad favors him more because he is the first born son. After her Halmoni dies her father starts drinking more and starts abusing her and her mother and brother. Her father believes she is becoming too American and is not a good Korean girl anymore and forbids her to see her friends.
Follow Young Ju as she goes from a shy little girl to an admirable young lady. After having to deal with her father's sexism, growing depression, and increasingly violent behavior. As the drive to be the daughter her parents would finally acknowledge as good, she finds a surprising new voice, neither Korean nor American, but her own, and that gives her the strength to strive.
- Reviewed by Rebecca C.
React to this Review Great Rivers Regional Library
Hennepin County Library
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