This would not be a genre that I would normally read, however I was intrigued by the offering.
This unique story captured me from the beginning. Even though I am widely read across many cultures, this is the first novel I have read about North Korean life.
The character development is terrific and my caring for them made the story even more suspenseful. I would recommend this book to my friends and my book club as it has so many points of view to discuss.

I was impressed by the author's ability to make her characters three dimensional, almost as if I was watching a film. Having grown up in the urban east coast , both this setting and period in history, were totally unfamiliar.
I enjoyed this book as it carried me along a character driven story which made me re-evaluate
the definition of family and how our lives can change with just one small adjustment in the wheel of life.
This would be an excellent selection for book club readers who really enjoy getting to know a novel's characters on a personal level.

The author has done a good job of bringing the character of Grace alive as well as the others. I did find the book somewhat repetitive in terms of the story line. The subject matter was very compelling as I love stories about the immigrant experience. This was not the best book I have read in the past 6 months but it is worth reading if you liked "The Help".

I selected this book because I loved "Three Cups of Tea's" message that one person can change the world. I was looking for a similiar story, which of course I found, however it is clear this was not an attempt to "copycat" Mortenson's autobiography.
Instead I was drawn in by the power of the author's ability to take you into these characters' lives and emotions. As an American reader I am once again reminded that human joy comes from the spirit, not the bank account. Thank you for a remarkable book and for inspiring me to take personal action in this world of increasing disparity.

I love to read about people and relationships ... all life is, is a tangled web which never ceases to amaze me.

I liked "Stuff.." even though the plot line was at time a bit shallow. I must admit that my personal past experiences during that period of my life made this book come alive for me! I think the author has selected an interesting way for Annabelle to view her life in perspective and with some level of self acceptance and forgiveness which often is missing. It is a surprisingly good read that draws you in, even when you can guess where the story is headed ... read it anyway.