tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12738985.post3039820061305224644..comments2024-03-08T03:18:48.591-05:00Comments on Lotus Reads: This is Paradise! Hyok Kang with Phillipe GrangereauLotus Readshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02081192215823615529noreply@blogger.comBlogger27125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12738985.post-40522532638099766082006-11-08T15:07:00.000-05:002006-11-08T15:07:00.000-05:00Thank you so much for the info gs, will keep my ey...Thank you so much for the info gs, will keep my eyes peeled for the Amartya Sen book. I didn't know about the Great Bengal famine - thanks for bringing it to my attention!Lotus Readshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02081192215823615529noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12738985.post-43923869006469544492006-11-07T19:52:00.000-05:002006-11-07T19:52:00.000-05:00hi lr
amartya sen's forte is the subject of famine...hi lr<br />amartya sen's forte is the subject of famines.please read 'poverty and famines-an essay on entitlement and deprivation'.<br />257 pages.oup. the great bengal famine of 1943 when about 3 million people died,the famine in ethiopia in 1972,the sahel famine between 1968-73 and the 1974 catastrophe in bangladesh. all these are brilliantly analysed and the economic and sociopolitical causes explained.gshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04576528133434077283noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12738985.post-27755300017154243992006-11-06T21:47:00.000-05:002006-11-06T21:47:00.000-05:00So welcome Jude and Sharon I do appreciate you sto...So welcome <b>Jude and Sharon</b> I do appreciate you stopping by!Lotus Readshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02081192215823615529noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12738985.post-16554944055134168182006-11-03T23:35:00.000-05:002006-11-03T23:35:00.000-05:00very useful list lotus, thanksvery useful list lotus, thanksbibliobibulihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16456636355933524132noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12738985.post-2905972576647973502006-11-03T16:50:00.000-05:002006-11-03T16:50:00.000-05:00The east is a fascinating place. I had two friend...The east is a fascinating place. I had two friends in school who were Korean and this book whilst sad sounds interesting. There is so much to find out in the world and your reviews are an insight into some of them- thanks.Judehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14121286194338647357noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12738985.post-69772208474351294342006-11-03T15:27:00.000-05:002006-11-03T15:27:00.000-05:00yea one of those books where it's ok to judge what...yea one of those books where it's ok to judge what's inside by the cover, unfortunately.Smoothieshakehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16301956210438081195noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12738985.post-57141528629806562472006-11-02T19:57:00.000-05:002006-11-02T19:57:00.000-05:00Hi, Amelia!
So glad you stopped by! Yes, this bo...Hi, <b>Amelia!</b><br /><br />So glad you stopped by! Yes, this book is truly an eye-opener. Another book (a memoir) that's come to my attention is "The Aquariums of Pyongyang" about life in a North Korean Gulag - it's supposed to be a better-written, even more moving story than "This is Paradise", and I suppose I will read it someday, but for now I want to mull over this one!<br /><br />Hi, <b>Sruthi</b><br /><br />Yes, it is an eye-grabbing, heart-tugging cover, isn't it?Lotus Readshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02081192215823615529noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12738985.post-10329886461096569382006-11-02T18:56:00.000-05:002006-11-02T18:56:00.000-05:00the book cover alone is harrowing!the book cover alone is harrowing!Smoothieshakehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16301956210438081195noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12738985.post-57214992904458292482006-11-02T17:11:00.000-05:002006-11-02T17:11:00.000-05:00When I opened your blog, the first thing I noticed...When I opened your blog, the first thing I noticed was the picture of the two boys. Then I went on to read your review. I'm really glad that you posted a review on this book and I look forward to reading your opinions on the subject at hand. I am definitely going to purchase this book not only to help understand and form opinions on the situations that are occuring, but to also educate myself to the atrocities that are going on everywhere in this world. <br /><br />Thanks, Lotus! This review was definitely an eye-opener, and I'm more than sure this book will do the same for me.Ameliahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05105214470972651791noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12738985.post-1173307599259197902006-11-02T06:54:00.000-05:002006-11-02T06:54:00.000-05:00Hello, gs and thank you so much for visiting. I ...Hello, <b>gs</b> and thank you so much for visiting. I would love to read more about India and the poverty and famines during the British occupation...do you have any book suggestions off the top of your head?<br /><br /><br />Hi <b>nomadica</b> Yes, don't you just love a book that has the power to tranform you? ( I just love that word and all it stands for) I haven't contacted the volunteer organization yet, but I'm hoping to do so today. Let's hope I will be able to be of some assistance to them. Canada has the largest number of volunteers in the world and sometimes it is harder to get a volunteer's job than it is to get a regular job, crazy isn't it? :)<br /><br />You're so welcome <b>lavanya</b> and thanks for visiting and for the mention, too!<br /><br />You're welcome <b>Melissa</b> Why this book is extra-special is because there are so few books written by people who are of North Korean descent and who have lived in the place.<br /><br />Hello <b>gaijinmama</b> and thank you for the book suggestion, I'm going to link to it on the main post and will definitely keep an eye out for a copy. Thank you!Lotus Readshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02081192215823615529noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12738985.post-8858603352331203302006-11-01T20:10:00.000-05:002006-11-01T20:10:00.000-05:00May I also suggest LITERATURE FROM THE AXIS OF EVI...May I also suggest LITERATURE FROM THE AXIS OF EVIL AND OTHER ENEMY NATIONS? The selections from North Korea were highly propagandistic, and I actually preferred the writings from Libya and Syria, but glimpses of North Korea are hard to come by.Gaijin Mamahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13268842213024777679noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12738985.post-42873959845766676912006-11-01T05:03:00.000-05:002006-11-01T05:03:00.000-05:00north korea is such a mystery! whenever i read ab...north korea is such a mystery! whenever i read about it on the news, i wonder what propaganda those poor people are being spoon-fed by kim jung il. here's a book that can help explain it, and i thank you for the review.hellomelissahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11109229454400994627noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12738985.post-14864944154422111122006-11-01T04:49:00.000-05:002006-11-01T04:49:00.000-05:00The few details that you've let out are disturbing...The few details that you've let out are disturbing. Shall read the book. Thanks for all the pointers on North Korea as well.Lghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08814806570260310180noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12738985.post-8129291434890491072006-10-31T23:22:00.000-05:002006-10-31T23:22:00.000-05:00This book and your review sounds heartbreaking. It...This book and your review sounds heartbreaking. It is lovely to see that you were inspired enough after reading it to sign up your time to volunteer for the Host a Newcomer program. That's what I love about some books - the transformative power they can hold over us.nomadicahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17412410622244954585noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12738985.post-40443276551766031172006-10-31T21:50:00.000-05:002006-10-31T21:50:00.000-05:00i was very much moved reading your review on this ...i was very much moved reading your review on this book which deals with life in north korea.food famine is the worst curse for humanity.i have read about some severe famines we have had during the british rule and the collossal deaths and unimaginable suffering.even now many people in remote villages do not get even one square meal.will add this to the list of books to be read.thanks for your eye-opening review.gshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04576528133434077283noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12738985.post-73051129359289248772006-10-31T06:40:00.000-05:002006-10-31T06:40:00.000-05:00Hi Angela, true, it's their isolation which allows...Hi <b>Angela</b>, true, it's their isolation which allows Kim Jong to make his people believe what he wants them to believe. It is most unfortunate. I keep wondering what would happen if the regime were to topple, but then, China would never allow that because it would mean tens of thousands of refugees making their way into China...they just couldn't afford it. And then South Korea and their <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sunshine_policy">"Sunshine Policy"</a>might be causing more harm than good.<br /><br />Hi <b>sylvia</b>!<br /><br />I felt the same way - so blessed and grateful for what I have. I have been told that the French version of this book is much better (apparently they hashed the translation),so if you are planning to read it, get yourself the French version since you speak the language. <br /><br /><br />Hi, <b>booklogged</b> <br /><br />North Korea has been on my mind ever since I saw a BBC documentary about a family (the kids went first and alone) trying to escape into China, it broke my heart. <br /><br />You're welcome <b>bookfool</b> and thanks so much for stopping by to read my posts. Although the contents of the book are grim, the narrrator, being a kid, has a very matter of fact way of putting things across, so in that respect it's not a distressing read, but it is dark and it does make you uncomfortable.<br /><br /><br />Hi, <b>Saaleha</b> <br /><br />Most memoirs and other examples of narrative journalism don't feel like non-fiction, you should give the genre a try!Lotus Readshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02081192215823615529noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12738985.post-67790529383328782042006-10-31T06:25:00.000-05:002006-10-31T06:25:00.000-05:00I don't know sasgirl, at this point North Korea ce...I don't know <b>sasgirl</b>, at this point North Korea certainly does seem like a lost cause. There isn't much anyone can do - more sanctions on the country will simply hurt the people. If only China and South Korea would be less strict about repatriating these poor fugitives, then maybe more people could escape that hell and send money back to those too tired, sick or poor to make the escape.<br /><br /><br />Hi, <b>Susan</b>! <br /><br />It is a grim situation and now with the food shortages and a harsh winter on its way, things are going to be even worse for the people of North Korea. It's nice for us to be aware of these things, makes us more grateful for what we have, doesn't it?<br /><br />Glad you brought that up <b>beenzzz</b> because what I didn't mention (and perhaps I should have) is that despite all the hardships this boy and his family have gone through, this is basically a story of survival and human triumph! <br /><br /><br /><br />Hello, <b>Melanie</b> <br /><br />THere must be other ways we can help. Only recently I heard on the radio of a modern-day underground railroad, an organisation that works to send North Korean defectors to safety. I'll put up a link on the main post so you can read more about them.<br /><br /><br />So true, <b>Asha</b> it is always the little kids that suffer. It just doesn't seem fair, does it?Lotus Readshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02081192215823615529noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12738985.post-27193588422098607452006-10-31T04:06:00.000-05:002006-10-31T04:06:00.000-05:00Sounds horrible, though the books sounds like it w...Sounds horrible, though the books sounds like it will prove to be an enlightening read. I'm going to have to rethink my view on confining myself to fiction only.Saalehahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12607453476839291138noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12738985.post-7593491623024780482006-10-30T22:39:00.000-05:002006-10-30T22:39:00.000-05:00Lotus, I'm constantly amazed and enlightened by yo...Lotus, I'm constantly amazed and enlightened by your blog entries. We are so sheltered in North America. Just the description of the book, alone, is a horror. Thanks for sharing with us!Bookfoolhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08247136634069540446noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12738985.post-36290102764292704122006-10-30T22:22:00.000-05:002006-10-30T22:22:00.000-05:00How heartbreaking that people live like this in to...How heartbreaking that people live like this in today's world. How can the leaders in these countries be so evil and heartless? It's hard to know what to do to help. It's wonderful that you've found some way. <br /><br />I appreciate you reading this book and sharing it with us, Lotus. I think it's important that we know.Bookloggedhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00651016653247142255noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12738985.post-68298028400656628842006-10-30T20:34:00.000-05:002006-10-30T20:34:00.000-05:00Hi Angali:
Thanks for the profile of this book. I ...Hi Angali:<br />Thanks for the profile of this book. I really feel I must read it, even though,as you say it is disturbing. I feel I owe it to the people who have already left, or want to leave there home country. We lead such a privileged life here in Canada, it is a real eye opener to see how this part of Korea is so oppressed. My heart aches for these beautiful people,I feel so blessed to be able to write these words without fear of government retributionAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12738985.post-67786697862340798472006-10-30T18:17:00.000-05:002006-10-30T18:17:00.000-05:00Sorry, I didn't finish that comment. I know it is...Sorry, I didn't finish that comment. I know it is hard for us to imagine that there could be people out there who think that way, but there are. Just goes to show you how influential government can be.<br /><br />I read a book many years ago about the Korean War and what was going on then...it really made me open my eyes. I would really like to read a "human" view about North Korean life. Thanks for the title.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08517218658953992674noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12738985.post-16761596426566562092006-10-30T18:13:00.000-05:002006-10-30T18:13:00.000-05:00Yeah, james frey.....not much we can say about him...Yeah, james frey.....not much we can say about him. <br /><br />I think that a lot of dictatorships brainwash their population. I know some Germans who still believe the whole idea of concentration camps where fabrications of the U.S. They think they never existed!Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08517218658953992674noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12738985.post-11912808797031259272006-10-30T17:48:00.000-05:002006-10-30T17:48:00.000-05:00It's always the little kids who suffer the most in...It's always the little kids who suffer the most in any country's misguided politics!!:(<br />While we are pampering our kids for Halloween, they are going through a real one everyday of their little lives!!FHhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16120251231228218853noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12738985.post-62489019151675625442006-10-30T17:29:00.000-05:002006-10-30T17:29:00.000-05:00Lotus my friend, I have been waiting for your new ...Lotus my friend, I have been waiting for your new review and now that you have posted it, my heart aches. <br />I have long known of the conditions in North Korea and have felt the pain that these poor people have gone through.<br />I too am shocked and wish like you I could be a host.<br />My health makes this impossible.<br />What a heartfelt review. It makes one realize how small the world truly is.<br /><br /><br />love-bdCassiopeia Riseshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02625091389788114012noreply@blogger.com