Under the Same Sky is a well crafted memoir about Joseph Kim's life in North Korea, living through multiple famines, escaping to China, and living in America. His prose is well crafted, with simple yet powerful descriptions of begging on the streets for food, his father's eventual death from starvation, his loneliness after his family is scattered, and his thoughts on both China and America, two countries completely different from North Korea. For anyone interested in learning more about modern North Korean history, and who would rather read one story instead of several (a la [b:Nothing to Envy: Ordinary Lives in North Korea|6178648|Nothing to Envy Ordinary Lives in North Korea|Barbara Demick|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1320449375s/6178648.jpg|6358552], which I also highly recommend for anyone interested in modern North Korean history), I would recommend this book. ( )

In this book Joseph tells us the story of his life in communist-ruled North Korea. In North Korea he starved for 10 years due to inflated prices of food and his country's inability to grow their own food. He tempts fate when he crosses the Tumen River during the day and is "free" in China. Once in China, where he could be exported at any time, he finds life easier with the help of some Christian people. Through the help of LiNK, an activist organization, he is smuggled though China and boards a plane to America where he is placed in a foster home. He finds life easier in America and desires to finish his degree. This book details current affairs in North Korea.

Heather H. / Marathon County Public Library
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From Starvation in North Korea to

Extremely moving - famine in childhood. Very close relationship with sister Pong-suk, his father dies, his fortunes go up and down. Lots of moving around. Family lives with several different extended relatives, including "Small Grandfather". He joins association of thieves, almost captured, then becomes a thief on his own. Walks across the frozen Yalu River in the middle of the day, escapes to China. Tries several churches, taken in by "Grandmother" who he becomes close with also (had to pretend his name was, in fact, "Joseph"). Becomes Christian, more or less, taken in by LiNK volunteers, ends up in America. Chapters 42 and 53 have really interesting outsider's perspectives on Christians. Does not find his sister or his mother by the end. ( )

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 ( )