Book Surgeon No. 17

Crying in H Mart by Michelle Zauner has been on my mental to-read list for a while now, so when I saw that it was available from the library, I took the opportunity. I often do not have very strong reasons for starting a book. More often than not, all it takes is for a book to meet a few criteria: be nonfiction, be available from the library, and be recommended by a friend or generally liked by others. So ever since hearing positive comments about this book from a few friends, I have kept my eye out for this book. I think I was also drawn in by the title of Zauner’s memoir. Is someone actually crying in H Mart? Did something happen there? Why is Zauner crying? Grocery stores, for me, are a place of happiness and excitement. There is so much opportunity to learn and explore. What dish can I try to make next? Which type of noodle or brand of coffee will find a place at home this week? Thus, since crying in a grocery store is a bit paradoxical to me, I was particularly curious about the contents of Zauner’s memoir. And knowing almost nothing about the book beforehand, I allow its words to push and pull me through an ocean of emotions without an expectation of a destination. 

I ended up reading the majority of this book in Greece, on a boat ride from Athens to Paros. I would sit on the ship’s deck, allowing the warm wind to mess up my hair as I read Crying in H Mart, a powerful story of family, loss, and culture—hence the crying and the H Mart references in the title. What do we do when we lose a loved one? How about losing the person that has cared and loved you more than anyone else in the world? Losing them is like losing a part of yourself. When Zauner loses her mother, she is confronted with the challenge of a gaping hole in herself. Memory, regret, and desires all arise when we are confronted with such a tragedy, and Crying in H Mart is a beautifully written expression of Zauner’s own experiences. Her ability to be vulnerable and write about such an emotional period allows a reader to consider some very critical questions about our own lives. For instance, how do we want to spend the time we are blessed with each waking day? Who do we want to share it with? Are we feeling and expressing gratitude for the time we get to spend with our loved ones? Are we cherishing these times? As a twenty-two year old myself, I am constantly pushed to consider the career path I want to follow and to prioritize the advancement of such a career. However, a career to me can only be successful if I am able to simultaneously spend my youth and life of opportunity around the friends and family I so deeply care about. Thus, I am constantly striving for a balance of professional advancement and enjoying the limited time I have with loved ones. Crying in H Mart is a reminder that the time we share with the people we love is indeed finite and limited. Thus, do not take the people that care about you for granted. Do not ignore them and expect them to be there forever. Thank them. Treat them well. Sacrifice for them. Make memories with them. In the end, you and the people around you will benefit. 

Share with others if you enjoy! Thanks for reading and see you next week!