Review of American Dream?
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Albert Kuczkowski
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- Latest Review: American Dream? by Jeoung Lee
Review of American Dream?
[Following is a volunteer review of "American Dream?" by Jeoung Lee.]
Hanel is admitted to the hospital as a possible COVID-19 patient and as she battles the virus. Jeoung Lee tells us the story of Hanel’s life growing up through her flashbacks. Hanel grew up in Korea when the assassination of their president happened and civil war broke out. At a young age, she sees a lot of hurt around her. She and her brother, Daehan, were instilled with strong values and morals to do good no matter the situation by their parents, who led by example. This guides Hanel into a career in nursing. She has a big heart that spills over into her occupation. She treats people with dignity, love and respect. This causes her problems with the white staff in the American hospitals. Hanel encounters racism that is deeply embedded into the system. Hanel is denied promotions, and given tougher tasks and shorter breaks because she is not Caucasian. As Hanel is fighting for her life, her flashbacks tell the story of a fighter from a young age with a passionate drive for the well-being of others.
Hanel has excellent character and is heroic yet relatable. Hanel’s unpleasant work experiences hit home. If you have had a job in an unfit work environment or are currently in one this book will make you feel like you are not alone. The injustice that can be found in some work areas can be bad enough that not even the labour laws can help you. People like to say how easy it is to make the right choice in a situation. The same people show very little empathy while saying it. The author does a superb job unfolding the events in an excellent order that makes this story feel real. The harassment is obvious but fighting through the bureaucracy creates impossible odds. The fight Hanel gives throughout her life starts at the very beginning putting you on an emotional roller coaster until the last page.
I enjoyed the characters, the relationships, and the message to the reader. Thank you for sharing this story. I have no negative feedback.
American Dream? deserves 5 out of 5 stars. The emotional ride keeps the reader involved in Hanel’s story. With her passion and cute personality, Hanel finds a place in your heart quickly. You will be overcome with joy every time Hanel steps up for the greater good against harassment, discrimination and racism. From growing up in Korea to working in Dubai and finally trying to settle in the United States. Following Hanel’s story as she grows up you will learn about different cultures and a little bit of Korean history.
This book reminds me of the movie Nomad. Both tell the story of a protagonist who had to change the person they were, not because they were flawed in any way, but because life seemed to test them more than other people. There is mild usage of profanity. I recommend this book to adults as it mostly will relate to workplace experiences. I believe the older and more experiences you have in life will allow you to more easily feel empathy for Hanel and get dragged right into this story.
******
American Dream?
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon | on Smashwords
Hanel is admitted to the hospital as a possible COVID-19 patient and as she battles the virus. Jeoung Lee tells us the story of Hanel’s life growing up through her flashbacks. Hanel grew up in Korea when the assassination of their president happened and civil war broke out. At a young age, she sees a lot of hurt around her. She and her brother, Daehan, were instilled with strong values and morals to do good no matter the situation by their parents, who led by example. This guides Hanel into a career in nursing. She has a big heart that spills over into her occupation. She treats people with dignity, love and respect. This causes her problems with the white staff in the American hospitals. Hanel encounters racism that is deeply embedded into the system. Hanel is denied promotions, and given tougher tasks and shorter breaks because she is not Caucasian. As Hanel is fighting for her life, her flashbacks tell the story of a fighter from a young age with a passionate drive for the well-being of others.
Hanel has excellent character and is heroic yet relatable. Hanel’s unpleasant work experiences hit home. If you have had a job in an unfit work environment or are currently in one this book will make you feel like you are not alone. The injustice that can be found in some work areas can be bad enough that not even the labour laws can help you. People like to say how easy it is to make the right choice in a situation. The same people show very little empathy while saying it. The author does a superb job unfolding the events in an excellent order that makes this story feel real. The harassment is obvious but fighting through the bureaucracy creates impossible odds. The fight Hanel gives throughout her life starts at the very beginning putting you on an emotional roller coaster until the last page.
I enjoyed the characters, the relationships, and the message to the reader. Thank you for sharing this story. I have no negative feedback.
American Dream? deserves 5 out of 5 stars. The emotional ride keeps the reader involved in Hanel’s story. With her passion and cute personality, Hanel finds a place in your heart quickly. You will be overcome with joy every time Hanel steps up for the greater good against harassment, discrimination and racism. From growing up in Korea to working in Dubai and finally trying to settle in the United States. Following Hanel’s story as she grows up you will learn about different cultures and a little bit of Korean history.
This book reminds me of the movie Nomad. Both tell the story of a protagonist who had to change the person they were, not because they were flawed in any way, but because life seemed to test them more than other people. There is mild usage of profanity. I recommend this book to adults as it mostly will relate to workplace experiences. I believe the older and more experiences you have in life will allow you to more easily feel empathy for Hanel and get dragged right into this story.
******
American Dream?
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon | on Smashwords
Latest Review: American Dream? by Jeoung Lee
