Review of American Dream?
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Review of American Dream?
[Following is a volunteer review of "American Dream?" by Jeoung Lee.]
Jeoung Lee's bilingual novel, American Dream? Learn English or Korean easily with this novel,' which explores the nursing profession and highlights the systemic and racial injustices faced by immigrant workers in the U.S. The book is translated into both English and Korean, facilitating accessibility for speakers of both languages and promoting language learning in both directions.
The narrative revolves around Hanel Kim, a Korean immigrant and registered nurse in the U.S., whose life takes a dramatic turn during the 2020 global pandemic. After contracting COVID-19 and being rushed to the hospital, the story delves into her past and present. Hanel's nursing journey was inspired by a promise she made to help others after the Gwangju massacre in South Korea. She worked in Saudi Arabia before relocating to Alaska to be closer to her brother. There, she found employment at the Catholic hospital 'Angels Medical Centre.' However, her pursuit of the American Dream was marred by the harsh realities of systemic racism that persisted throughout her nursing career in the U.S., spanning multiple hospitals. 'American Dream?' provides a compelling and thought-provoking exploration of these themes through Hanel Kim's experiences.
I must confess that this book is exceptionally well-edited and error-free. I deeply admired how the author skillfully intertwined Hanel Kim's past and present in nearly every chapter, creating a sense that reaching the end of the book was akin to returning to the story's beginning. It was particularly appealing that most of the present-day events were narrated from the perspective of a secondary character, "Nurse Hyun." One of the aspects I cherished most in this book was the friendship between Hanel and Autumn. I appreciated their ability to form a close bond despite their different racial backgrounds and how they consistently provided each other with encouragement and support. Additionally, I want to commend the author for bringing attention to the experiences of individuals with mental disabilities.
I do not have any dislikes about the book, except for one poignant aspect. The author did a wonderful job of showcasing the harsh reality of racial discrimination. I was so worked up while reading about the experiences of Hanel Kim and the people around her, especially the part where individuals sit and decide to hate somebody just because they are 'not white or not white enough.' This particular aspect of the book stirred strong emotions in me and left me profoundly disturbed
I gave this book a rating of 4 out of 5 stars because it excels in its writing style, weaving past and present seamlessly and using multiple perspectives effectively. The portrayal of the friendship between Hanel and Autumn, bridging racial divides, adds depth to the story. The book's powerful depiction of racial discrimination's harsh reality evokes strong emotions. However, the absence of specific criticisms limits a comprehensive evaluation, preventing a perfect 5-star rating. I recommend this book to those interested in profound literature addressing racial discrimination, friendship, and resilience.
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American Dream?
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon | on Smashwords
Jeoung Lee's bilingual novel, American Dream? Learn English or Korean easily with this novel,' which explores the nursing profession and highlights the systemic and racial injustices faced by immigrant workers in the U.S. The book is translated into both English and Korean, facilitating accessibility for speakers of both languages and promoting language learning in both directions.
The narrative revolves around Hanel Kim, a Korean immigrant and registered nurse in the U.S., whose life takes a dramatic turn during the 2020 global pandemic. After contracting COVID-19 and being rushed to the hospital, the story delves into her past and present. Hanel's nursing journey was inspired by a promise she made to help others after the Gwangju massacre in South Korea. She worked in Saudi Arabia before relocating to Alaska to be closer to her brother. There, she found employment at the Catholic hospital 'Angels Medical Centre.' However, her pursuit of the American Dream was marred by the harsh realities of systemic racism that persisted throughout her nursing career in the U.S., spanning multiple hospitals. 'American Dream?' provides a compelling and thought-provoking exploration of these themes through Hanel Kim's experiences.
I must confess that this book is exceptionally well-edited and error-free. I deeply admired how the author skillfully intertwined Hanel Kim's past and present in nearly every chapter, creating a sense that reaching the end of the book was akin to returning to the story's beginning. It was particularly appealing that most of the present-day events were narrated from the perspective of a secondary character, "Nurse Hyun." One of the aspects I cherished most in this book was the friendship between Hanel and Autumn. I appreciated their ability to form a close bond despite their different racial backgrounds and how they consistently provided each other with encouragement and support. Additionally, I want to commend the author for bringing attention to the experiences of individuals with mental disabilities.
I do not have any dislikes about the book, except for one poignant aspect. The author did a wonderful job of showcasing the harsh reality of racial discrimination. I was so worked up while reading about the experiences of Hanel Kim and the people around her, especially the part where individuals sit and decide to hate somebody just because they are 'not white or not white enough.' This particular aspect of the book stirred strong emotions in me and left me profoundly disturbed
I gave this book a rating of 4 out of 5 stars because it excels in its writing style, weaving past and present seamlessly and using multiple perspectives effectively. The portrayal of the friendship between Hanel and Autumn, bridging racial divides, adds depth to the story. The book's powerful depiction of racial discrimination's harsh reality evokes strong emotions. However, the absence of specific criticisms limits a comprehensive evaluation, preventing a perfect 5-star rating. I recommend this book to those interested in profound literature addressing racial discrimination, friendship, and resilience.
******
American Dream?
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon | on Smashwords
Latest Review: Critical Habitat by Terrence King
