lvor choose this next country & it’s a captivating one. While I haven’t visited, I am proud to say I know more about the country than the average person including a significant number of words & phrases in this country’s language.
Using the quick facts listed below from The Telegraph can you guess which country we’re reading next?
“1. It has the world’s fastest internet connection.
2. The most crowded flight path on Earth is found directly over this land.
3. However, more than half of this country is cloaked in forest.
4. One in three women there aged 19-29 reported that they’ve had plastic surgery.
5. Billed as this country’s answer to Hawaii, one of its many island is home to dramatic volcanic landscapes, underground caves, hiking trails, and scenic beaches.
6. it has a growing film industry & even critically acclaimed productions starring Hollywood actors (e.g., Tilda Swinton & Jake Gyllenhaal) are appearing in films there.”
Any ideas which country we’re reading next? No? What if I tell you that…
In the history of the Olympics, 2 have taken place in this country.
Our book club read a book from a country to which it is related.
And the reason I know some of the language is because my Sabom-nim required that I learn 200+ words & phrases every time I wanted to progress to the next belt level.
SO what country are we reading next?
We’ll be adventuring to the Republic of Korea (aka South Korea)!
Curious about the facts above? As a follow up:
The related country is North Korea & here’s the list of books we compiled from there.
The film with Hollywood actors is Okja.
That island I mentioned is Jeju & that’s where the bestselling historical fiction novel included here takes place. Though not written by a native Korean, I found the book engrossing because of its focus on the centuries-old tradition of female divers that eke out a living from the sea & the island’s semi-matriarchal family structure due to this. (Note: Despite its fascinating diving descriptions, female friendships, & unique place in history, the book is not for everyone…there’s war & brutal scenes of torture, rape, & killing.)
And yep, I took a special form of Korean karate when I was younger which had only 1 school in the entire US. My Sabom-nim (or Grandmaster) was female which was also unusual back then. She learned this form from the founder in South Korea & with the founder’s son brought it to the US. The style draws heavily on the ancient Korean martial art of “Soo Bahk” & also includes Chinese influences. The result is hard, linear movements & softer, circular flowing movements. When I learned it, it was taught in a strict & traditional way very different from the usual karate schools. It was for self defense, but the techniques were only 1 part of an overall program where we learned Korean history, tradition, philosophy, discipline, & respect along with significant portions of the language.
HAVE ANY BOOK SUGGESTIONS?
Just let us know your South Korean suggestions by Thurs., May 14 11PM ET. (That’s NYC time! See it converted to your time below.)
We'll use 2 suggestions from book club members, 2 suggestions from Ivor (the moderator), 1 suggestion from Mia (the book club co-admin), & 1 of my suggestions to compile a list of 6 books on which book club members will provide their thoughts. The book judged as best from the list will then be read.
Please note - We're specific in our books, they must:
Largely occur in the location specified unless the world described is an alternate reality
Be written by an author born there who has spent a good portion of their life there
Exist in paperback & ebook available on both Amazon & Kindle at least in the US & hopefully elsewhere