Human Acts

There is no way that this book will go under the radar when it's published in the U.S. next year. I'm calling it right now, this will be up for multiple book awards. Stunning from start to finish this book will captivate and horrify readers. Short stories are interconnected by a single event, the Gwangju Uprising in 1980 Korea, and the young boy who, Dong Ho, who was brutally murdered during it. Told from the perspectives of an editor, a mother, a fellow victim, and others; this heartbreaking story based on true events will keep readers entranced. Kang's lyrical pose, brutal imagery, and insight on human emotions make this a slam dunk hit. If I hadn't already made my top 5 books of the year, this would be on it. Everything this writer touches is gold, I can't wait for more!

The Vegetarian

A book like this is hard to accurately describe. It's chilling, beautiful, sad, haunting, and very Margret Atwood-esque. Yeong-hye lived a boring, conventional, ordinary life with her husband until she decided to give up meat when she had a disturbing dream. In a society where eating meat is a cultural staple, this act of "defiance" is seen as a moral failing. Why would anyone want to be more plant-like? Is Yeong-hye right in the head? Told through three perspectives over the course of several years, this tale shows how one seemingly innocent decision can irreparably ruin one's life and alter those of your friends and family. Surprisingly dark and haunting, this book has much more depth than can be accurately described.