Regan Hill

This is my first time reading Hemingway and I love a sulking bastard, so I wanted badly to love this book. Unfortunately, the only thing The Old Man and The Sea ever made me feel was the desire to take a nap. Maybe it is a failure of sophistication or imagination on my part, but I would not pick this book up again.

An incredibly human book. A reminder that though we are products of environments which imprint on our behaviors and perceptions heavily, all people share common innate desires—for purpose, for togetherness, and for love. I adore books that only one person could ever write. Suki Kim is the only person who could have written this story. She brings a voice and perspective that is unadulterated.

The relationships she builds with her students and the psychosocial map that declares itself chapter by chapter is akin to watching a puzzle form. It is a heart-wrenching picture, but the longer we stare, the more we begin to see ourselves in its image.

The story is accented well by brief history lessons on North and South Korea, and the profound cultural impacts the divide has had over the last 80 years on families of both sides. There is thoughtful commentary on the way each nation has transformed culturally since the Korean War—the inevitable consequences of two opposing super powers sinking their claws into each.

We are left holding in our hands both fear and hope for the future. Our uncertainty of what tomorrow brings for North Korea's sons and daughters parallels the author's uncertainty with each lesson plan. Each encounter with the minders. Each field trip off campus. She shared the intimate details of her farewells and they became our heartache to bear as well.

An incredible introduction to existentialism (and related philosophies) planted firmly in the historical context required for true appreciation. ATEC is readable, scandalous and, above all else, endlessly thought provoking.

A timely allegory: The magical fantasy version of a young Kamala voter learning that neoliberal Democrats and evangelical Republicans are all the same at their core—wolves in sheep's wool, justifying any opportunity to perpetuate an abusive imperialist system. Our young protagonist experiences each stage of grief on this journey of self-actualization and is ultimately better off for it.

Despite the silly (albeit accurate) review, this really is an incredible book that I highly recommend.

This book is like having a front row seat to watch someone's unpleasant fever dream. At times funny, at times agonizing—a loud reminder of how grateful I should be to have not turned into a giant insect (yet). I don't feel any different for having read this, but I enjoyed the experience nonetheless.