Recent Books

Essential Korean for Everyday Use

Kwon Sung-mi, Shin Hyun-jung and John M. Frankl; Hollym; 352 pp., 9,800 won

``Essential Korean'' is a compilation of Korean expressions that foreigners can use in their everyday life. Korean language instructors Kwon Sung-mi (from Ewha Womans University) and Shin Hyun-jung (from Yonsei University) wrote the book together with John M. Frankl, an assistant professor at Yonsei University.

The book is divided into 15 chapters for different situations in the subway, office, shops, school and tourist areas. It also includes brief explanations about Korean culture and etiquette.

In ``Essential Korean,'' each sentence is written in Hangul, and accompanied by romanized pronunciation, literal translation and English equivalent. Some of the literal translations may appear funny at first, but they will help learners with understanding the differences between Korean and English. For example ``Sugohaseyeotseumnida'' is literally translated as ``trouble did.'' One weak point is the book's lack of sufficient explanation on Korean grammar, unlike most Korean language books.

To assist readers in the proper pronunciation, ``Essential Korean'' comes with a CD of mp3s for each Korean expression in the book. The CD is a welcome feature, especially since many foreigners tend to mispronounce certain words and phrases.

Overall the phrase book will prove to be handy for tourists to Korea, and Korean language beginner learners.

- Cathy Rose A. Garcia

Choi Bool-am's Telessay

Choi Bool-am; Samtoh; 272 pp., 10,000 won.

Among actors well known for their roles as a father figures in television dramas, Choi Bool-am would be on the top. The veteran actor who first started acting 40 years ago, appeared in long-running popular pieces such as ``Susabanjang" (1971-1989) and ``Jeonwonilgi" (1980-2002), and has now turned his hand to writing with this autobiographic ``telessay" book. Telessay is a compound of television and essay, meant to stand for communicating with TV viewers through writing.

In line with this, Choi writes in a comfortable and easy-to-approach manner, including several dialogues from conversations that convey the character speaking and the atmosphere at the time, making it appear as if he were unraveling the story in person.

In the compilation of short essays, he spills details on previously undisclosed behind the scenes stories and interesting episodes, such as what first caused his trademark laugh and his telephone conversation with then-first lady Yook Young-soo.

Choi tells his stories to readers much like how a father would sincerely share them with his children: with a sense of nostalgia, pride and experience.

-By Sa Eun-young

Kabul Beauty School

Deborah Rodriguez, translated from English by Lee Sun-hye; Keelsan; 352 pp., 10,000 won.

With the recent hostage crisis in Afghanistan and the flood of news coverage, the first thing that comes to mind here when hearing ``Kabul" would probably be the Taliban or Korean hostages. But Rodriguez has a less covered story from Kabul to tell.

In this non-fiction piece of writing, Rodriguez offers insight into the veiled society of Afghani women at her beauty school in Kabul. Her energy bounces off the pages as she narrates her personal experiences as a strong and determined American in a completely different culture_ and she isn't afraid to speak her mind.

As Rodriguez gets to know the Afghani culture, she has numerous big and small stories to share, such as how she helped bride, who had once been raped, fake virginity on the first night. The book also has its bit of humor, like the incident when Rodriguez' students came across a box of thongs and found it unbelievable that such skimpy underwear exists.

It is clear throughout the story that Rodriguez becomes more than just a teacher at the beauty school but also a friend, who heard and witnessed the lives of the women up-close.

-Sa Eun-young

Art of Learning

Josh Waitzkin, translated from English by Park Chul-hyun; 280 pp., 10,000 won

Many may ask what chess and martial arts have in common, but Josh Waitzkin proves that there is, as he became champion in the two different fields. This book is penned by the true hero of ``Searching for Bobby Fisher" (1999), the chess genius who swept away all chess competitions at the young age of nine. After the making of the movie, he went on to become a world champion in Tai Chi within five years of learning the sport.

The techniques that Waitzkin used to come out on top can be put to use by anyone. He shares his personal experiences on how to deal with extremely stressful situations, enhance concentration levels, control emotions and much more. Although the basic principles may not be fresh or innovative, he lays them out in a personal and convincing way that leaves the reader motivated.

This inspirational book is for students, businessmen, athletes _ or just anybody that wants to strive for excellence and become a champion in their respective pursuits.