Year of Impossible Goodbyes by Sook Nyul Choi

I didn't like this book in comparison with So Far From the Bamboo Grove. I didn't think there was as much action, and it took a while to get into. It was a slower read for me than the other novel. However, it was interesting to see both sides of almost the same story, or atleast time frame. I think this would be great to teach in an upper grade class. I really liked reading both of the books and I would recommend this dual book project, it would be a great lesson on perspective. Sookan is a very strong character. I can't imagine being that courageous, leaving home, watching my grandpa die, taking care of my little brother, or pressing on while leaving my mother at the passport check. I also would be depressed to not be able to show my culture. Sookan can't speak Korean or dress how she wants, she puts on a complete act at school. In fact most of the children at that school do, they are repeating things they don't believe and getting hit with rulers if they don't abide by the rules. How awful! At ten years old Sookan was doing all of these things! These characters grow up so fast, but they had to it was there lifestyle and these things had to be done. Even though all of these things were happening to her she still had hope that she took from her Grandfathers words. ""Afer darkness, there will be light. The light cannot come without darkness. Better days are bound to come now.""