Name: Katelyn
Grade: 11th
Title: Crying in H mart
Author: Michelle Zauner
Published in: 2021
Pages: 256
Rating: 4 stars
“Crying in H Mart” is a memoir of Michelle Zauner’s life and relationship with the people she loves, especially her mom. Today, Zauner is an indie pop artist in the band called Japanese Breakfast, but before her career, she was the daughter of her mom. Since her mom died from cancer, she has been coping with various methods to recreate her Korean culture.
As an Asian person born and raised in America, I found her story to be very familiar to my personal experiences. I love how Zauner included specific niche details that are often overlooked in Asian culture. Her writing is very real and personal, offering life’s ugly yet true side. It covers topics such as grief and a struggle for identity, which everyone has or will go through. I was particularly fond of how she explored multiple aspects of life and their respective hardships.
That being said, I highly recommend this book if you want to cry and laugh. “Crying in H Mart” will make you realize how similar your childhood experiences and mother-child relationship are to others. It’s a perfect book for relating to cultural aspects and personal struggles. This book will make you want to hug your mom and wish cancer had a cure, and it will also make you appreciate all that you have now.
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