Daily Book Buzz: A River in Darkness by Masaji Ishikawa

Posted on by Teen Reads Admin

Quick Notes 

 

  • Memoir
  • An account of the struggle in the 1960s in a socialist North Korean government. 
  • The bitter truth about suffering in North Korea.   

    “A truthful, dark account of reality in North Korea. “

 

A River in Darkness

A memoir full of twists and turns

Although less than two hundred pages, A River of Darkness by Masaji Ishikawa takes you on the tortuous path of a North Korean. From Ishikawa’s hope at the beginning to his despair for his family. Dealing with propaganda, bullying, sickness, and death, Masaji shows courage and strength. He uses his wits alone to escape this terrible place, his only goal was how to survive another day. I recommend this book to everyone,  because it displays so many deep emotions, and honestly, one of the best memoirs I have ever read. 

 

 

Weekly Book Buzz (Feb 15th)

Posted on by Teen Reads Admin

Angela’s Ashes 

This is my BILLIONTH time reading Angela’s Ashes, a memoir by Frank McCourt. Be prepared for a fresh, boyish perspective, with hopes and dreams.  It tells the story of young Frank in Brooklyn and the slums of Limerick, Ireland in the 1930s, dealing with extreme poverty. From his alcoholic father and his desperate mother to his illness (No spoilers!), Frank, being the eldest brother, tries his best to support his family. The main idea I pulled from this story was the pure hope from Frank, and his determination to save his family. The hours he worked from factories to selling newspapers, to caring for his mother and brothers. This book honestly gives you a slap about the real world. How so many are suffering from alcohol and abuse, and the effects it has on families. I give this PHENOMENAL book 4.5 stars and recommend it to all. Happy reading! Please leave comments below.