In the emotionally captivating book “Every Falling Star” by Sungju Lee and Susan McClelland, readers are offered a rare glimpse into the harsh realities of life in North Korea. Lee’s gripping memoir recounts his upbringing as a privileged child in the capital city of Pyongyang, abruptly shattered when his father disappears and he is forced to fend for himself on the streets.
“Every Falling Star” powerfully captures the essence of human resilience in the face of unimaginable hardship. Through vivid descriptions, Lee paints a vivid picture of the struggles endured by countless North Koreans, revealing the strength and resourcefulness required to survive in a society plagued by poverty, corruption, and political oppression.
Combined with Lee’s personal experiences, the book incorporates poignant quotes that offer a profound insight into the human condition. These quotes resonate deeply with readers, reminding us of the universal desire for hope, love, and freedom, even in the darkest of times.
One such quote that stands out is: “There is evocative power in silence. I can hear, more than any words could tell me, the longing for a life we couldn’t live.” This poignant observation encapsulates the suppressed desires and dreams of ordinary North Koreans, stripped of their basic humanity by a totalitarian regime.
Another memorable quote is: “I know now that time only thickens the barrier between what was and what now is. It cannot erase it.” These words speak to the profound impact that Lee’s childhood experiences have had on his life, serving as a constant reminder of the atrocities he witnessed and the resilience he was forced to cultivate.
About the book “Every Falling Star”
“Every Falling Star” is a powerful memoir written by Sungju Lee, which provides a deep insight into the harsh realities of North Korea. The book vividly portrays the author’s journey from a privileged upbringing in the capital city of Pyongyang to a life on the streets, struggling to survive.
Sungju Lee recounts his experiences as a teenager, forced to fend for himself after his family falls from grace due to political changes in the regime. With great courage and resilience, he navigates through hunger, homelessness, and constant danger.
The author’s vivid storytelling and raw emotions allow readers to glimpse the daily hardships endured by ordinary North Koreans. Through his personal account, Sungju Lee sheds light on the complex social and political realities of a repressive regime.
This book offers a rare and authentic perspective on life in North Korea, providing readers with a greater understanding of the systemic issues faced by its citizens. It reveals the immense willpower required to survive and the importance of friendship and hope in the face of adversity.
“Every Falling Star” is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and serves as a reminder of the power of hope even in the darkest of times. It is a must-read for anyone interested in gaining a deeper understanding of North Korea and the human stories behind its closed borders.
The story of a North Korean defector
The book “Every Falling Star” tells the gripping and inspiring story of a North Korean defector, Sungju Lee. Born into a privileged family, Sungju’s life takes a drastic turn when his father loses his high-ranking government job and they are forced to move to the impoverished countryside.
In his new surroundings, Sungju faces hunger and fear on a daily basis. He forms a gang with his friends, relying on each other for survival in a world plagued by scarcity and violence. They scavenge for food, fight rival gangs, and navigate the dangerous world of street life.
One of the most poignant quotes from the book is when Sungju reflects on the realities of his life in North Korea:
“We were living like the silkworms we studied in science class, spinning silk that was slowly but surely trapping us until we were completely stuck.”
This quote illustrates the entrapment and helplessness felt by Sungju and his friends as they struggle to find a way out of their desperate circumstances.
As Sungju grows older, he begins to question the North Korean regime and its propaganda. He becomes disillusioned with the system, realizing that the propaganda was nothing more than a means of controlling and brainwashing the population.
In an act of incredible bravery, Sungju decides to escape North Korea. With the help of his father, he embarks on a dangerous journey, crossing the border into China. However, his escape is only the beginning of a new set of challenges as he faces exploitation and hardship as a refugee.
In the face of adversity, Sungju’s story is one of resilience and hope. Through his journey, he learns the power of friendship, the strength of the human spirit, and the importance of fighting for a better future.
The book “Every Falling Star” provides an intimate and often heartbreaking look into the realities of life in North Korea and the incredible obstacles faced by those who dare to defy the regime. Sungju Lee’s story serves as a reminder of the power of hope and the indomitable spirit of the human soul.
Quotes
“In the aftermath of my father’s death, she took over the care of my unruly brothers and me, working as a waitress and doing odd jobs to keep us fed and clothed while I languished in the orphanage.”
– Every Falling Star: The True Story of How I Survived and Escaped North Korea by Sungju Lee
“In North Korea, if you say sorry too often, it becomes a sign of weakness, and you’ll be taken advantage of. So, there’s a fine line between accepting the consequences of your actions and becoming a victim.”
– Every Falling Star: The True Story of How I Survived and Escaped North Korea by Sungju Lee
“One day, I’m going to stand up for myself and prove all my critics wrong. That’s what I tell myself every time I fall.”
– Every Falling Star: The True Story of How I Survived and Escaped North Korea by Sungju Lee
“Admiral Yi Sun-sin believed that a leader must know how to smile when defeated and how to rejoice when victorious. As long as the people standing beside him witnessed him smile, they would not be disheartened, even during a fierce battle.”
– Every Falling Star: The True Story of How I Survived and Escaped North Korea by Sungju Lee
“No matter how hard life gets, remember to keep hope in your heart. Without hope, we simply cannot survive.”
– Every Falling Star: The True Story of How I Survived and Escaped North Korea by Sungju Lee
“I was born in captivity, but that didn’t mean I didn’t know what freedom was.”
“Every Falling Star” is a compelling memoir by Sungju Lee, a North Korean defector who recounts his harrowing journey of surviving on the streets of Pyongyang and eventually escaping to China. Despite being born into a life of captivity, Sungju’s indomitable spirit and unwavering belief in the concept of freedom shines through his poignant narrative.
Sungju’s words highlight the universal yearning for freedom that exists within all of us, regardless of our circumstances. This quote encapsulates his resilience and determination to break free from the chains of oppression that surrounded him since birth.
As Sungju navigates the hostile streets of North Korea, constantly battling hunger and danger, he never loses sight of what freedom truly means. His belief in freedom is not merely an abstract concept, but a deeply ingrained understanding of the human capacity to live a life devoid of fear, control, and restriction.
In his struggle for survival, Sungju discovers that freedom is not just an external state of being, but an internal mindset that empowers one to rise above their circumstances. It is a state of mind that allows one to find solace amidst chaos and to dream of a better future.
“I was born in captivity, but that didn’t mean I didn’t know what freedom was.” This powerful quote resonates with readers as it reminds us that even in the darkest of circumstances, the spirit of freedom cannot be extinguished. Sungju’s story serves as a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the tenacity of hope.
Through his remarkable journey, Sungju inspires us to cherish and fight for the freedoms we often take for granted. His memoir stands as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the universal quest for freedom.
“It was the first time I felt that I was worth something, that I could be more than just a farmer’s son.”
In the book “Every Falling Star,” this powerful quote reflects the transformative journey of the author, Sungju Lee. As a young boy growing up in North Korea, Sungju faced countless challenges and hardships. However, when he discovered hip-hop music, it became a lifeline that allowed him to dream beyond his circumstances.
Through hip-hop, Sungju found a way to express himself and his aspirations. He felt a sense of belonging and significance, realizing that he had talents and potential that extended beyond his farming background. This newfound self-worth gave Sungju the motivation and strength to overcome the trials he faced.
The power of this quote lies in the universal truth it holds. It reminds us that each of us has inherent value and the potential to achieve great things, regardless of our background or circumstances. Sungju’s story serves as a testament to the transformative power of self-belief and the importance of finding something that gives us purpose.
This quote resonates with readers, encouraging them to reflect on their own journeys and the moments when they have felt a similar sense of worth and potential. It serves as a reminder that no matter how challenging life may be, there are always opportunities for growth, self-discovery, and personal transformation.
| “Every Falling Star” | Sungju Lee |
| Publisher: | Abrams Books for Young Readers |
| Publication Year: | 2016 |
“In North Korea, it’s as if everyone is wearing a mask.”
In the book “Every Falling Star,” the author vividly describes the facade of the North Korean society, comparing it to everyone wearing a mask. This powerful metaphor showcases the pervasive culture of secrecy and deception that exists in the country.
Behind the metaphorical mask, North Koreans are forced to present a facade of loyalty and devotion to the regime. They live in constant fear of being exposed for any hint of dissent or disloyalty, which could result in severe consequences for themselves and their families.
This mask-wearing culture extends beyond the realm of politics and governance. It infiltrates every aspect of North Korean society, making it nearly impossible to discern genuine intentions and emotions. It’s a survival mechanism that allows individuals to navigate the treacherous landscape of suspicion and surveillance.
As readers delve deeper into the book, they witness the author’s struggle to maintain his own mask while also glimpsing the moments when the masks begin to slip. These moments of vulnerability offer glimpses of humanity amidst the oppressive regime, reminding us that even in the most repressive societies, there are individuals yearning for freedom and truth.
“Every Falling Star” serves as a poignant reminder of the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity and the power of hope to defy the masks enforced by oppressive regimes.
“I could forgive myself for not being able to save my mother, but I couldn’t forgive myself for not being able to save myself.”
This powerful quote from the book “Every Falling Star” encapsulates the immense guilt and self-blame that the author, Sungju Lee, feels for not being able to protect himself during his time as a street orphan in North Korea. Throughout the book, Sungju recounts his harrowing experiences of survival and the difficult choices he had to make in order to stay alive.
As a young boy, Sungju witnessed his family’s downfall and was forced to fend for himself on the streets of Pyongyang. He was constantly in danger, facing starvation, violence, and uncertainty on a daily basis. Despite his best efforts to survive, Sungju couldn’t help but blame himself for the circumstances he found himself in.
This quote highlights the complicated emotions Sungju grapples with, as he tries to come to terms with the fact that he was unable to save his loved ones, including his mother. He realizes that he couldn’t control the events that unfolded, but still carries the weight of responsibility for not being able to protect himself.
“Every Falling Star” is a gripping memoir that offers a rare glimpse into life inside North Korea and the resilience of the human spirit. Sungju Lee’s story serves as a reminder of the power of forgiveness and the strength it takes to overcome unimaginable hardships.
“In this darkness, I found that I could be my own light.”
These words, spoken by Sungju in the book “Every Falling Star,” capture the essence of his journey through the darkest moments of his life. Born into a privileged family in North Korea, Sungju’s world crumbled when famine struck the nation. Forced to leave his comfortable home in Pyongyang and fend for himself on the streets, he faced unimaginable hardships.
Amidst the chaos and despair, Sungju discovered an inner strength that allowed him to persist. He learned to rely on his own resourcefulness and resilience, finding light within himself to guide him through the darkness. His words speak to the indomitable spirit that enabled him to endure and ultimately triumph over his circumstances.
Throughout his harrowing experiences, Sungju never lost sight of his own identity and the values instilled in him by his loving family. These values, combined with his unwavering determination, served as his guiding light. They allowed him to navigate the treacherous world of street gangs, survive unthinkable violence, and maintain his humanity in the face of overwhelming adversity.
Sungju’s story is a testament to the power of resilience and self-belief. It reminds us that even in the bleakest of circumstances, we have the capacity to find our own light and overcome the darkness. Through his remarkable journey, he teaches us the importance of staying true to ourselves, holding onto our values, and never giving up hope.
“In this darkness, I found that I could be my own light.” Sungju’s words resonate with all who read them, reminding us that we possess the strength to navigate life’s challenges and find our own guiding light.
“Sometimes you have to cry a river of tears just to keep swimming.”
In the book “Every Falling Star”, the author Sungju Lee reflects on the hardships he faced as a young boy living on the streets of North Korea. This quote captures the essence of his resilience and determination to survive despite the overwhelming challenges he encountered.
Life on the streets was unimaginably difficult for Sungju. He had to scavenge for food, constantly evade authorities, and endure physical and emotional pain. At times, the weight of his circumstances would become almost unbearable, and tears would flow freely down his cheeks.
Yet, through all the tears and despair, Sungju never gave up. He knew that crying was a release, a way to let out the pain and frustration that had built up inside him. But he also knew that he couldn’t let himself drown in sorrow.
So, despite the tears, Sungju kept swimming. He kept pushing forward, determined to find a way to survive and create a better future for himself. He refused to let his circumstances define him and embraced the strength within him to keep going.
This quote serves as a powerful reminder that sometimes life throws us into difficult situations that make us want to give up. But it is during these moments of despair that we must find the strength to keep going, even if it means crying a river of tears.
| Quotes from the book “Every Falling Star” |
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| “Sometimes you have to cry a river of tears just to keep swimming.” |
“In the end, I learned that the only walls we really have are the ones we build ourselves.”
This powerful quote from the book “Every Falling Star” encapsulates the theme of personal growth and overcoming obstacles. The main character, Sungju, goes through a harrowing journey as a street child in North Korea. He faces numerous physical and emotional challenges, but through it all, he learns that the barriers in life are often a result of our own mindset.
Sungju starts off with a limited view of the world, believing that he is trapped within the walls of his circumstances. However, as he navigates through the harsh realities of life on the streets, he begins to see that the walls keeping him from a better future are not physical, but mental.
Through perseverance and self-reflection, Sungju learns to break down these self-imposed walls. He starts to believe in his own potential and refuses to let his past define him. He discovers that the key to overcoming adversity lies in his own thoughts and actions.
This realization is a powerful lesson for all of us. It serves as a reminder that the limitations we often perceive are often of our own making. We have the power to tear down these walls and create paths to a brighter future.
By reflecting on Sungju’s journey, we can gain inspiration to confront the walls we build within ourselves. We can change our mindset, overcome obstacles, and reach for our dreams. Ultimately, this quote reminds us that we are the architects of our own destiny, and with determination and courage, we can break down any walls that stand in our way.