July 6, 2013 Meeting

The East Bay Book Club gathered last night for an amazing meal and lively discussion about our three books about North Korea. Kathy made several Korean dishes, including: galbi (beef), chap chae (noodles), chicken and vegetables (I didn't get the name), fried seaweed and many other sides. My favorite was the sesame leaves. We also had cabbage and radish kimchi and Mary brought a selection of teas (dandelion, chrysanthemum, green and others) and sweet rice cakes with red bean paste. We had so many dishes and sides, I know I am forgetting what everyone contributed! We ended the meal with the all-American chocolate cupcakes with ganache frosting and celebrated Mary and Kathy's recent birthdays.

The books: Not everyone read all three books, but most felt Nothing to Envy was the best of the three. Most of us found it hard to believe that we weren't reading about events that took place many, many years ago. It was hard to think that the starvation and suffering of the North Korean people continues to this day, and that no other countries were doing anything about it.

We also talked about Escape from Camp 14 and how hard it must have been to adjust to life outside of the prison camp when that's all you've ever known. The least liked book, although still liked and rated a "3," wasThe Orphan Master's Son. Some of us found it hard to believe that all of the things in the book happened to this one guy, but knew that they had all happened to someone over time.

I think we all came away appreciating what we have a little more. We also knew that we would probably never know what it was like to really be hungry like the North Koren people do.

Ratings: Nothing to Envy = 4, Escape From Camp 14 = 3.5, and Orphan Master = 3.

Our next meeting is August 17. Julie will select books, but we still need a host.

Next books: The Kitchen House by Kathleen Grissom The Orchardist by Amanda Coplin