Crying in H Mart

by Michelle Zauner
Crying in H Mart cover
Good Books rating 4.23
Biography and Memoir
Technical:
  • ID: 1882
  • Added: 2025-10-10
  • Updated: 2025-10-10
  • ISBN: 9781529033809
  • Publisher: Pan Macmillan
  • Published: 2021-05-13
  • Formats: 3
  • Reviews: 3
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Michelle Zauner, known as Japanese Breakfast, shares a deeply personal memoir about growing up as a Korean-American. She navigates the challenges of cultural identity, family expectations, and the profound impact of her mother's terminal cancer diagnosis. Through vivid anecdotes and heartfelt storytelling, Zauner explores themes of grief, joy, and the power of food to connect with one's roots. Her journey from adolescence to adulthood is marked by a struggle to reconcile her dual heritage, ultimately leading to a powerful reclamation of her Korean identity.

Reviews
Jaclyn Paul · Jaclyn Paul · 2023-03-31
heartfelt 4.20

The author has a knack for telling an ordinary story in a way that feels human, relatable, and compelling. The memoir is both heartfelt and deeply personal.

The author's ability to tell an ordinary story in a way that feels human, relatable, and compelling is truly remarkable. This memoir is both heartfelt and deeply personal, offering a unique perspective on grief, identity, and the complexities of family relationships. The author's writing style is engaging and authentic, making it easy to connect with her experiences. It's a story that will resonate with anyone who has ever struggled with loss or the search for self-identity.

Quick quotes

    Zauner has a knack for telling an unextraordinary story in a way that feels human, relatable, and compelling.

    The memoir is both heartfelt and deeply personal, offering a unique perspective on grief, identity, and the complexities of family relationships.

    The author's writing style is engaging and authentic, making it easy to connect with her experiences.

The Adroit Journal · 2021-09-03
harrowing 4.00

The prose is both sober-eyed and harrowing, providing a raw and unflinching look at the progression of cancer and the exhaustion of caregiving.

This memoir is a powerful and harrowing account of the author's journey through her mother's illness and eventual passing. The prose is both sober-eyed and raw, providing an unflinching look at the progression of cancer and the exhaustion of caregiving. The author's descriptions are vivid and evocative, making the reader feel the weight of each moment. It's a testament to the strength of the human spirit in the face of immense loss.

Quick quotes

    Zauner's prose is both sober-eyed and harrowing in its descriptions of the progression of her mother's cancer.

    The exhaustion of her mother's caretakers is palpable and heart-wrenching.

    This memoir is a powerful and harrowing account of the author's journey through her mother's illness and eventual passing.

The Guardian · 2021-08-07
moving 4.50

The memoir is a poignant exploration of grief and identity, blending personal and cultural elements seamlessly. The author's self-deprecating humor adds a layer of authenticity to the narrative.

This memoir is a deeply moving account that beautifully intertwines the author's journey through grief and self-discovery. The blend of personal anecdotes and cultural insights makes it a compelling read. The author's self-deprecating humor and honest reflections on her relationship with her mother add a layer of authenticity that resonates with readers. It's a story that will stay with you long after you've turned the last page.

Quick quotes

    Grief, anxiety and the many flavours of instant noodles suffuse this story of loss, growth and mother-daughter love.

    Zauner's writing is both self-deprecating and honest, making the memoir relatable and deeply personal.

    The memoir is a poignant exploration of grief and identity, blending personal and cultural elements seamlessly.

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