A rated it a \\\"No\\\" as a good book for book clubs, but that is not quite right. It makes for excellent discussion if you know what you are getting yourself into, and are willing to brave it.

This book was a difficult read because of the darkness, as well as some deliberate confusion. For many of us in the club, this made it difficult to appreciate the book\\\'s strengths, and it had many of those. It is extremely thought provoking and mentally challenging, and provides a look into a part of our world I had next to no information about.

This book is very \\\"eye opening\\\" into the Communistic way of life in North Korea. I sat on the edge of my chair, biting my nails all the way through the book.

The book begins slowing and seems so dark but in third act it moves so quickly and you are completely rooting for the main characters! Lots of great things to discuss and much to learn about the North Korea. Read the author insights!

Tough read in places, but well written and informative. Lots of discussion

A great sociological study of how humans react when propaganda, power, love, self-preservation and freedom collide.

Wow I found this a very difficult, graphic read. More then half my book club (about 7 people) did not finish it. Way to much (fiction or non-fiction) hardship, torture, bizarre an all around difficult read, not for the light at heart.

Ultimately enjoyed the story. Very interesting but I found it difficult to keep track of what was going on throughout the book. Fascinating story.

Reggie - 4.5 - loved the main character and shocked at the everyday life shown in the book. Disturbing

Gwynne - 4.75 - the creative way the book was written - made us do a double take. Also made me curious and want to learn more about North Korean society. Amazing story about enduring human spirit

Karen - 4.75 - loved the creativity and the changing voice and vein suddenly in a new persons head. Timeliness incredible and felt like non fiction. Fantastic

Tricia - 5 - maybe the “perfect book”. Began slow but once he got to Texas it took off and didn’t stop. Very rewarding and tough. Enlightening as the experience of a person in North Korea. “He’s a nobody who has to figure out his identity”.

Lisa - 5.25 - listened on audible. Loved how main character evolved from basic character to someone who figures it out. Liked how it explored “intimacy”. Struggled getting into it at first