The Book Vipers discussion

The discussion thread is now open. Spoilers are allowed on this thread. Don't read on if you haven't finished the book. Can you also unclick the 'Add to my update feed' people don't see your comments in their home screen.

We seem to have two identical threads for Nothing to Envy - spoilers allowed

Thanks Pink, removed that one now.

What an amazing read.

I was always curious about the goings on in n. Korea and this gave such a personal insight into not only the cruel regime but the peoples understanding of what's happening.

Strangely enough the image of horror of the life of a North Korean although grave, is not the thing I'll remember most about this story. It's the image of a boy and a girl holding hands in the dark.

Just finished this book. I had read another book about North Korea previously and was interested at the similar stories of the going ins there. I am totally intrigued about the country now after ready these books

I really liked this book, finding it great for learning about North Korea's history, but also learning about people's everyday lives. I liked the innocent romance of Mi-ran and Jun-sang holding hands, but found it quite sad that they grew apart once they'd reconnected in South Korea.

My favourite people to learn about were the young female Dr Kim who escaped to China and was shocked to find the dogs better fed than herself and also Mrs Song, who believed in the regime so much and adored her leader for so long. It's hard to comprehend what such different lives they led from us.

I thought the book was very well written and researched. What a shame that so many of the people who do escape cannot adjust to life in a more free society.

I also just read Escape from Camp 14: One Man's Remarkable Odyssey from North Korea to Freedom in the West which I thought was an excellent follow up to this book.

I think I will read Camp14 too.

Saw two books in the library today that looked interesting as well: North Korea Undercover: Inside The World's Most Secret State & The Impossible State: North Korea, Past and Future

I'll have to read more.

There is a new book out, reviewed plus an interview with the author either yesterday or last Saturday which I think I am also going to have to read. Dear Leader. He still lives in fear of his life and has four armed guards provided by the South Korean government wherever he goes.

Nothing to Envy is one of my top five of all time, the only book my Book Club were completely unanimous about.

I finished yesterday, it is one of my books of the year .

Had inspired me to read more as well, either about North Korea or by the same author.

There are links to to others that i found in the library on Friday Nikki.

I am 2/3 of the way through, compelling narrative and such sad tragic stories of what the people have to go through there.

Finished a few moments ago. Review is here

It is fascinating book, but so sad to read. You feel for the people left behind in that tragic country.

It is hard to fathom how their leader has such disregard for his own people.

Good review, Paul. I'm going to have my kids read this.

I am really enjoying this read. Only about 1/2 way through but find it so interesting. I teach International business and many of my students have asked me about North Korea so I am very glad I've had a chance to get this recommendation.

Thanks Sandy. I agree too, it is completely beyond my comprehension as to why the elite there have this disregard for their own people.

I wouldn't say it was an enjoyable read, but a well written piece of journalism.

I have just realised that I have Escape from Camp 14 on my Kindle, so I will be reading that this some time this year for sure.

I read this a while ago but it has always stuck by me. North Korea is interesting in the way that it is a completely isolated country and I love reading about how the residents live their lives, both the same (families, love, dreams) and completely different from mine at the same time.

A book I would definitely recommend.

I am amazed that the population still finds hope given how futile it can be there.

Wow. What an unbelievable report. I thought this was very well written and that the individual stories were quite captivating. Very glad to have read it. How sad and mysterious a study in human nature NK is. Left me with so much to think about.

It was, wasn't it Jessica

I didn't join in with this one but just seen it is on Amazon today for 99p so will get it and catch up later.

Cathy wrote: "I didn't join in with this one but just seen it is on Amazon today for 99p so will get it and catch up later."

Cathy, it will be one of the best 99p you have ever spent!

The comments on here had already sold it to me - I was just waiting for a deal like this to come along!

Cathy wrote: "I didn't join in with this one but just seen it is on Amazon today for 99p so will get it and catch up later."

Me too!!

Cathy wrote: "I didn't join in with this one but just seen it is on Amazon today for 99p so will get it and catch up later."

I was thinking of doing this too and based on what Jo has said and seeing Debbie will also be catching up with it, that has decided me so, I'm skipping off to buy it!

Oh poo diddly oo poo, the price has gone up now. Serves me right for prevaricating!

Ha! Catherine, I am forever doing that - looking at the daily offers and thinking 'I'll get round to buying that later' - only to discover the day has gone by. Learned my lesson this time!

D'oh!!!

Lol