Crying in H Mart

In celebration of Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month, we are thrilled to feature the next in our #bookvibes series, Crying in H Mart. What started out as a personal essay by Michelle Zauner, originally published in The New Yorker, has now turned into her first memoir. This is a moving account of family, love, grief, and the theme of true identity, as discovered and interpreted through the author’s experiences.

Zauner takes the reader on a journey made up of vivid memories around her childhood, many involving her mother and the way that food was at the center of her association with growing up Korean American. Through these experiences she learned the most about her heritage. As Zauner’s mother battles cancer and their bond strengthens, she tries to hold on but struggles with the concept of what it means to “be Korean”. After her mother’s passing, she begins to find solace in cooking traditional Korean food. Through this painful journey she becomes herself- and it is clear that she will always carry her mother’s wisdom and lifelong lessons with her.

This is a story that not only children of immigrant parents can relate to, but also mothers and daughters, in the unique bond that they share. Crying in H Mart is a must-read not only for the life lessons but as a brilliant illustration of the connection between family and food!

xo, VOOVIBE