In this moving and introspective memoir, Michelle Zauner opens up about the biggest challenges of her life. Raised in a Korean American family, Zauner came to terms with her own identity while also reckoning with the expectations of her parents. She explores how she found herself drawn to food as a way to cope with grief following the death of her mother when she was just sixteen years old. Zauner eventually moved across the country for college and began making music under the name Japanese Breakfast. In Crying in H Mart, she divulges what it was like balancing two cultures as an artist, excavating painful memories from her past along the way. With humor and honesty, Zauner offers readers a window into both her culinary awakening and emotional development over several intense formative years.” I was so excited to read this book because I’m a big fan of Japanese Breakfast.
For who is this book for ?
This memoir is for anyone who has ever struggled to find their place in the world. Michelle Zauner offers readers a candid look at her life, from grappling with loss and identity issues as a teen to finding success as an artist. With humor and honesty, she provides valuable insight into both her personal growth and culinary awakening.
Pros :
- The author is very introspective and honest in her writing.
- The book offers a window into both the culinary awakening and emotional development of the author over several intense formative years.
- This memoir is moving, introspective, and funny all at once.
Cons :
- The author spends a little too much time discussing her food choices and not enough exploring the important events of her life.
- The writing feels scattered and could use more editing.
- Some parts are repetitive or unnecessary. However, I overall enjoyed reading this book and felt that it offered an interesting perspective on growing up as a Korean American in today’s society.
Learn more about the author
Michelle Zauner is the musician behind Japanese Breakfast, whose songs have been featured in several TV shows, including “Girls,” “The OA” and “13 Reasons Why.” She was born and raised in a Korean American family near Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Reader Reviews
“This memoir is a beautifully written and introspective exploration of the author’s life. Michelle Zauner opens up about the biggest challenges of her life, including growing up in a Korean American family and reckoning with the expectations of her parents. She also shares how food became an important coping mechanism for her following the death of her mother when she was just sixteen years old. Zauner offers readers a fascinating window into both her culinary awakening and emotional development over several intense formative years.”
“Crying in H Mart is a keenly observed, gorgeously written exploration of family, food, and self-acceptance. Michelle Zauner’s story is both universal and intimateāI couldn’t put it down.”
“Zauner’s memoir is heartbreaking and hilarious, harrowing and refreshing. She brings her characteristic wit, insight, and candor to the story of her life thus far ā from grief-stricken teenager to globe-trotting musician. Honest and lyrical, Crying in H Mart is a fascinating exploration of Zauner’s unique heritage as well as an intensely personal look at creative inspiration and growth.”
“Crying in H Mart is an intimate and introspective look at Michelle Zauner’s life as a Korean American woman. It’s honest, funny, heartbreaking, and inspiring all at the same time. If you’re looking for a powerful memoir that will make you think about identity, family dynamics, grief, and self-acceptance then this is the book for you.”
