Crying in H Mart: A Memoir

I loved the writing style. Throughout the book either the water coming out of my mouth or from my eyes. It's captivating.

Like - It showcases emotions in different ways and that is very beautiful. The mother and daughter bond and the beautiful description of korean culture. Dislike - In between it got a bit slow and boring so had to be patient and consistent very much. Overall- Nice book

Crying in H Mart” by Michelle Zauner is a poignant memoir that delves into the intricate layers of identity, grief, and the profound dynamics of mother-daughter relationships. Zauner’s writing skillfully captures the essence of her Korean heritage, weaving a narrative that is both emotionally charged and beautifully articulated. The memoir takes readers on a compelling journey through the author’s experiences, exploring the depths of loss, the complexities of love, and the profound impact of cultural roots. Zauner’s ability to convey raw and authentic emotions makes each page resonate with a deep sense of honesty. As she navigates the challenges of her personal journey, readers are drawn into a narrative that is not just about individual experiences but also about the broader themes of self-discovery and acceptance. The richness of Zauner’s storytelling lies in her vivid descriptions and the palpable emotions she conveys. From the aisles of H Mart to the complexities of grief, every aspect of the narrative is infused with a sense of authenticity. “Crying in H Mart” is more than a memoir; it’s a powerful exploration of the human experience and the universal quest for belonging. This book is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and a poignant reminder of the importance of embracing one’s roots in the journey of self-discovery.

I feel a bit conflicted sharing my thoughts on Crying in H Mart. It is such a beloved memoir, but I found myself in the minority with my experience. It didn't quite reach the same emotional heights as I expected, and though engaging, I didn't shed any tears while reading it. Michelle Zauner's courage in sharing her life story, particularly her intricate relationship with her mother and the journey through grief, is undeniable. However, the effectiveness of this memoir is somewhat hindered by its writing style, which felt more introspective. I also tried listening to the audiobook, narrated by Zauner herself, but I couldn't shake the feeling that the emotions fell a bit flat. Having read other memoirs on grief and loss, I found this one somewhat lacking in comparison. The memoir opens with a poignant Korean saying, "Save your tears for when your mother dies," setting the tone for Zauner's exploration of her mother's life and their shared love for food, especially Korean cuisine, through which Zauner paints a vivid picture of her mother's influence on her life. Most of us have similar experiences of remembering our mothers through the dishes they cooked, and in that way, it is highly relatable. However, despite the relatability of this theme, I couldn't help but feel that the narrative lost some of its momentum as it progressed. At times, the motif of food, which is central and significant, overshadowed other emotional and relational aspects that begged for more attention. I wished for more depth and complexity in certain areas. It occasionally felt repetitive, and I struggled to maintain my attention towards the middle and end. It feels odd to assign a rating to this book because it seems more like a personal journey for Zauner than a narrative intended for an audience. It felt deeply intimate and uniquely hers. Her honesty about the messy dynamics within her family adds depth to her portrayal of grief, although I wished it had resonated with me as deeply as it did with others. However, I appreciate Zauner's bravery in sharing her story and the insight it offers into the complexities of grief and cultural identity.

Got this for my sis! She loved it

I was so excited to read this book , I've heard nothing but great things about it and the storyline is so fabulous. The book came in in well condition

A daughter celebrating the memories of her lovely mother in her endless mourning. It hits you in the gut and also gently strokes you at the back in a reassuring manner. This book is about letting the dead not die. This book is about keeping in touch with what's gone forever. If you have ever lost anyone you truly loved you will thank Michelle Zauner with all your heart. I took my first ever Korean dinner with the love of my life, thanks to this book.

Even though I couldn't relate to the identity crisis and the food narratives, yet fewer have been the times, I have felt so deeply connected with anything in my life. This book bears an exception. It's achingly beautiful. I could exactly understand what Zauner is trying to convey and at the same time, I fail to explain in words. This book is a complex and yet a tender palpability. As hard as she may have tried, Zauner never wanted her mom's last words to be 'pain'. I realised how important are parting words. Their finality shapes you in an unprecedented way.

Top d+

Vogue calls this book 'deeply necessary'; I raise that and also call it long overdue. Crying in H Mart doesn't use the over-analyzing, ponderous prose that so many books about cancer and death do; instead, it is refreshingly modern. Zauner skillfully takes us through her mother's diagnosis, the stages of her cancer and her eventual death. But she never loses touch with herself or gets swallowed whole by it all; instead, she somehow manages to grow personally and professionally. While death is one of the worst things we face, it doesn't have to be all-consuming. Zauner channelled so many emotions as she prepared the meals of her Korean heritage and, in turn, shared this with her readers through a lyrical writing style. We also learn about her fascinating extended family, fraught relationship with her father, rise as an indie rock musician, and the founding of Japanese Breakfast. Still, somehow, the book never overwhelms the reader. Every culture deals with grief differently. People generalize that Europeans, particularly the British, are cold, especially in times of extreme sadness; this is far from true. There is nothing wrong with the fact that many of us grieve privately over a cup of tea and Peak Freans biscuits, but I will admit that might not be the copy for a good memoir. Crying in H Mart holds nothing back, so if you are going through someone's cancer battle or are still raw from a recent death, this might not be the best book for you, but when you are ready, Zauner's words will bring some pain, some laughter, some soul searching and in the end like the author you will emerge stronger. Michelle Zauner wanted 'to make the ordinary beautiful', and she succeeded.

The book wasn't in the best condition

I generally do not read non-fiction because my primary purpose for reading is escapism. I want to go places and meet people that are far removed from my reality- where I know there will always be a happy ending. So, when a trusted friend suggested Crying in H Mart, I put it on my TBR without reading the synopsis or any reviews. I needed a non-fiction book to to earn a badge for my Prime Reading Spring Challenge, so I decided that this book would check that particular box. I had absolutely no idea just how much I needed to read this emotionally raw and poignant memoir. I have no knowledge of what growing up half-asian child in America feels like. But, as a black child of emigrant parents, I can identify with the disenfranchisement and the longing to fit in which Michelle Zauner so eloquently describes in this novel. As a daughter of a Mother who was brutally honest and lovingly hypercritical, I understood this writer's point of view. As a child whose mother's love language was cooking and serving food to feed as well as heal the soul, I loved experiencing the gastronomic journey Michelle and Chongmi traveled. As an woman who has lost her mother to the beast that is cancer, I appreciated the way that this author laid her most brutally painful feelings and memories bare for us, more than Ms. Zauner will ever know. I found myself reading this book and crying in the booth at Starbucks, overwhelmed with emotions that were latent and unresolved in the almost four years since my mother's death. I felt seen and understood for the first time in so many ways. Michelle Zauner writes with blatant honesty, humor, and humility. Her prose is so lyrical that I found myself flipping back to the cover in oder to make sure I was indeed reading a memoir. Her words are all necessary and cathartic for those who have ever served as care-givers for a treminally ill person. Any one who has had their family dynamic devastated by an unexpected malignant medical diagnosis will appeciate the care and detail that is used by this writer to describe the complete eviscerated that occurs when a loved one succumbs to the ir battle with a terminal disease. Crying in H Mart is a testimony that life and love do not end with the loss of a loved one. It is a true life reminder that the transformative power of love exceeds the human capacity to demonstrate it in mortal ways. I will recommend this book to others because its relevance transcends time and any other parameters influenced when a loved one physically leaves us to live life without them.

This is one of the best books I’ve read this year only realised half way through it’s a memoir, I cried so much it’s just beautifully written about her relationship with her mom I couldn’t put it down