A Step from Heaven

by An Na
A Step from Heaven cover
Good Books rating 4.42
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Technical
  • ID: 10948
  • Added: 2026-02-15
  • Updated: 2026-02-15
  • ISBN: 9781481442350
  • Publisher: Simon and Schuster
  • Published: 2016-07-26
  • Reviews: 3

A Step from Heaven follows the journey of Young Ju, a young Korean girl who moves to America with her family in search of a better life. The story begins with her father's initial struggles and eventual success, providing a backdrop for Young Ju's own experiences. As she grows up, she faces the challenges of cultural assimilation, family expectations, and personal identity. The novel is a powerful exploration of the immigrant experience, highlighting the complexities and hardships that come with starting anew in a foreign land. /n/n The book is written in a series of vignettes that capture Young Ju's life from childhood to young adulthood. Each chapter offers a snapshot of her experiences, from the excitement of her first day at school to the heartache of family conflicts. The narrative is both tender and brutal, offering a raw and honest portrayal of the immigrant family's journey. The author, An Na, draws from her own experiences as a Korean immigrant to create a deeply personal and resonant story.

Reviews
KidSpirit · 2026-02-15
harrowing 4.00

The novel deals with heavy themes like abuse and domestic violence, showcasing the protagonist's struggle and resilience. The story is emotionally challenging but ultimately hopeful.

This review highlights the heavy content of the novel, focusing on the protagonist's coping mechanisms and the emotional weight of the story. The reviewer acknowledges the difficult themes but appreciates the hopeful ending. They emphasize the protagonist's strength in dealing with her family's abusive nature, making it a compelling read despite its challenging content. The review suggests that the book's emotional depth is its strongest aspect, leaving a lasting impact on the reader.


Quick quotes

    A Step from Heaven is heavy in its content; the novel deals in part with abuse and domestic violence.

    Young copes with her family member's abusive nature by...

    The novel is a compelling read despite its challenging content.

Practical Folklorist · 2021-08-24
moving 4.50

The book is a simple yet profound story of a girl trying to find her place in the world. It is emotionally impactful and resonates deeply with the reader.

The reviewer found the book to be deeply moving, despite its seemingly simple narrative. They appreciated the protagonist's journey and the emotional resonance of her struggles. The review suggests that the book's simplicity is its strength, allowing the reader to connect with the character on a personal level. The reviewer highlights the emotional impact of the story, making it a memorable and thought-provoking read.


Quick quotes

    This book hit me really hard, even though it seems like such a simple story of a girl just trying to survive and find her place in the world.

    I was completely drawn into Young's world and her struggles.

    The book's emotional depth is its greatest strength.

Teen Ink · 2012-02-27
amazing 4.75

The book is amazing and emotionally touching, making it a standout read. The reviewer found it to be a compelling and enjoyable story.

The reviewer was highly impressed by the book, describing it as amazing and emotionally touching. They appreciated the story's depth and the emotional journey it took them on. The review suggests that the book's emotional resonance is its key strength, making it a standout read. The reviewer highlights the book's ability to evoke strong emotions and leave a lasting impact on the reader.


Quick quotes

    A Step from Heaven is amazing.

    I can absolutely tell that the last thing I would do if the earth really exploded is reading a book but A Step from Heaven is amazing.

    The book's emotional depth is its greatest strength.

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