Suki Kim has spent some time in North Korea as a journalist and as an English teacher. This memoir talks about her 2 semesters teaching at a brand new university that catered to the male offspring of the ruling class. Like many teens, these boys are trying to figure things out like girls, their future, etc. Unlike other teen around the world, they are living in one of the most oppressive regimes in the world where everyone is watched very carefully and lives are very scripted. Kim is a virtual prisoner on campus where she too is under the watchful eye of "minders" who have to ok all off campus trips and movements. Even though the facility is new, the pressure of being so restricted takes a toll on her. Her students are an enigma to her, they love her but talk horribly about the U.S. and how evil American's are and how many victories North Korea has had over the U.S. At the same time they lie with no hesitation and make up stories about their wonderful childhoods, food they ate and the perfection of the political system and the dear leader. This book is a bit draining to read. It is hard to comprehend how difficult it would be to watch every word you speak in hopes of not being deported. Of course for the citizens, they must do an even better job and if they don't, their fate is much worse.
Not uplifting!
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