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In Order to Live

A North Korean Girl's Journey to Freedom

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In Order to Live

Written by: Yeonmi Park
Narrated by: Eji Kim
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“I am most grateful for two things: that I was born in North Korea, and that I escaped from North Korea.” —Yeonmi Park

“One of the most harrowing stories I have ever heard—and one of the most inspiring.” —The Bookseller

In In Order to Live, Yeonmi Park shines a light not just into the darkest corners of life in North Korea, describing the deprivation and deception she endured and which millions of North Korean people continue to endure to this day, but also onto her own most painful and difficult memories. She tells with bravery and dignity for the first time the story of how she and her mother were betrayed and sold into sexual slavery in China and forced to suffer terrible psychological and physical hardship before they finally made their way to Seoul, South Korea—and to freedom.

Park confronts her past with a startling resilience. In spite of everything, she has never stopped being proud of where she is from, and never stopped striving for a better life. Indeed, today she is a human rights activist working determinedly to bring attention to the oppression taking place in her home country. Park’s testimony is heartbreaking and unimaginable, but never without hope. This is the human spirit at its most indomitable. Asia Gender Studies Social Sciences China Imperial Japan Heartfelt Inspiring Emotionally Gripping North Korea Korean Authors
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What the critics say

"One of the most harrowing stories I have ever heard - and one of the most inspiring." - The Bookseller

“An eloquent, wrenchingly honest work that vividly represents the plight of many North Koreans.” —Kirkus Reviews

“Park's remarkable and inspiring story shines a light on a country whose inhabitants live in misery beyond comprehension. Park's important memoir showcases the strength of the human spirit and one young woman's incredible determination to never be hungry again.” —Publishers Weekly
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Narration a bit monotone at times, not because of accent so much as style.

Incredible story and so well-told.

Amazing story

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Astonishing story. Amazingly told. Heartbreaking and pulled on every emotion. What bravery, and determination, she and every other defector has had to have to make it out.

Incredible read

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Wow! intense! brought me to tears a few times. i will definitely recommend this to others. thankful to Yeonmi for sharing her story

Eye Opening

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I just finished the whole book. It is so painful and melancholy but I listened to it because I took it as my responsibility to listen to it when so many have to live through it. It truly makes me grateful for all that I have. Thank you, Park Yeonmi. Thank you for being brave and telling your story. I will never forget it.

Eye opening

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This was an astonishing insight into one of the most corrupt countries and the cancerous ideology that is afflicting the rest of the world. I truly consider this woman a role model and I hope her story inspires others.

One of the most important contemporary biographies

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