Dear Reader,
The evening before February 1 witnessed thunderstorms. Throughout the night, the darkness of the sky left a haunting spell, following which we enjoyed a sun-lit day. A new month has begun and winter chill seemed to have mellowed a little. You are probably wondering why I am obsessed with the weather. I can’t help it. I love bright blue skies, fluffy clouds and golden sunshine.
On sunny days, I feel happier; whereas a melacholy dove-grey sky brings my spirits down. I find myself curling into blankets with the passion of a caterpillar burrowing its existence into the earth and somehow I don’t want to open my eyes at all and confront the cold emptiness around me.
The only silver lining is that I plonk myself into the softest corner of the bed and I go on a book reading spree!
This bestseller ‘I want to die but I want to eat tteokbokki’ is my first foray into reading a book written by a Korean author.
The title is intriguing. That the book has been a huge bestseller in Korea makes it interesting too. Clearly, it has struck a chord with many readers as the author navigates the inner terrain of emotions and traces her own vulnerability.
The author’s candid revelations open a window into our hidden selves - Are we really okay as we pretend to be? tell ourselves and everyone else around us?
“I Want to Die... “ Think about the clever use of candour and humour as Baek shows us the importance of self-awareness and using it as a medium to harness empathy.
Your self-esteem determines how you feel about the sincerity of others.
- Baek Sehee
Every problem is viewed through the intelligent probing of a psychiatrist who wants to inhabit the insecurities and anxieties, understand and navigate it, word by word.
A word of appreciation for Anton Hur, the translator, who has captured the finest facets of the Korean book and made it thought-provoking for English readers.
Before the world goes over the brink, teach the believers how to think.
- Philip Appleman
This is a candid story about why it’s ok to be the way you are and how you can illuminate your life with choices that empower you to express your emotions fearlessly.
Eat what you want….but don’t die for it!
We are so far and yet so near to so many people. To learn and imagine the emotions that I don’t understand or immediately empathise with: that is the affecton I extend to others, and the only way to ensure that what’s inside of us doesn’t dry up or rot. Maybe complete empathy is impossible but we can certainly keep trying. I believe that trying in the face of this knowledge is the most worthwhile thing we can do. - Baek Sehee
Every book I read teaches me something new. There are new perspectives to think about, new cultures to experience and new words to mull over.
Now I wrap up this week’s newsletter with one plea: Read more! Conquer new worlds.