By: Ica Hontiveros-Cheng
I instantly fell in love with this book, even though I had no idea what it was about when I picked it up. I got so many recommendations to read the book, and when the time came to choose my birthday book (my husband’s gift to me) I chose this one. I still had no idea what it was about, since the premise of the book was written in the inner flap of the book, instead of it being in its usual place at the back.
I was just in the first few pages and I immediately fell in love with the book. I don’t think I’ve highlighted and annotated as much as I did with ‘Welcome to the Hyunam-Dong Bookshop’. If you’re ever feeling stuck in life, this is a good book to pick up and read.
The premise of the book is so simple and yet it is so beautifully written that you can’t help but fall in love with it. The book talks about life, work, love, the pressures that we all feel from society. Perfect for those of us looking for extra meaning in our mundane lives.
‘Welcome to the Hyunam-Dong Bookshop’ tells the story of Yeongju who leaves her life and career to follow her dream of opening a bookshop.
The small and quaint bookshop becomes the home and refuge of the lonely, the unhappy, of those searching for meaning in their lives.
I think the summary of the book says it best (turns out it was written in an inner flap of the book) “A heartwarming story about finding comfort and acceptance in your life and the healing power of books.”
I loved the book so much, it featured so many things that are near and dear to me such as books, reading, and writing, and yes even a dash on movies. I guess it can’t be helped as all of these are connected. And yes, bookshops are also a happy place for me. It’s a bonus that there are also chapters about coffee. I think that coffee and books just really go well together.
While I may not be well versed when it comes to K-Drama, I think that ‘Welcome to the Hyunam-Dong Bookshop’ would make for a good K-Drama, I for one would like to take a stab at writing a screenplay for it.
Let me end this review with an inspiring excerpt from the book (trust me when I say that there are many) here’s to hoping that you feel as inspired as I did while reading it.
“As I close the book, I think to myself – I should stop labeling myself an inadequate person. I still have opportunities, don’t I? Opportunities to act kindly, to speak with compassion. Even a disappointing human like myself can still be, occasionally a good person. The idea gives me strength. And for the days ahead, hope.”