Written from the perspective of an outsider in North Korea, this book is as terrifying as it is insightful. Suki Kim leaves nothing to chance in her words or avtions as she teaches North Korean teens because someone may report her to the government. They want so much to be teens but they're also beholden to their benevolent Dear Leader, so no one is ever truly free to be themselves even though their curiosity of the outside world is constantly present. Incredible read.

This book successfully balances academic knowledge with real life family situations and explains the emotional and psychological fall-out in a relatable way. This book nurtured my understanding and compassion for my upbringing as I continue processing it as an adult.

The American justice system is susceptible to racism and broken. This book does an excellent job of laying out everything that's wrong through the author's personal experience, but also keeps a compassionate and understanding tone for others (of opposite beliefs) trapped in the system as well.

Learning how other people live is very important to expand our world view, and this book does exactly that. The people the author meets and their stories are compelling and outline how capitalism leaves many people behind.

While I didn't appreciate the sometimes condescending tone, this book is an interesting deep dive into human history and the roots and motivations of organized religion all over the world. The historical context is captivating.

Bill Bryson lends his sardonic tone to a thorough overview of proto hum a and human history as we know it. The way all the info is threaded together and narrated kept me engaged the entire time, and there are plenty of laughs to be had too. Definitely a perspective-changing book.