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 Books That I Loved
Ven. Beop Jeong; Munhakeui Sup: 488 pp., 18,500 won
Following the passing, Thursday, of Ven. Beop Jeong, one of the most respected Buddhist figures in the country, his book about his favorite literature has become one of the most noted publications overnight.
Just as its title suggests, this book introduces 50 works of literature that have left a deep impression upon the late leader.
Reading influences a person's growth and thinking, and those who sift through the book will be able to catch a glimpse into an integral part of Ven. Beop Jeong's life ― what fed his wisdom and accompanied him during lonesome nights while he practiced spiritual exercises.
The list includes books by a diverse range of authors, local writers such as Jang Il-soon and Dasan Jeong Yak-yong to 19th- and early 20th-century Western thinkers such as Henry David Thoreau and Frenchman Jean Giono. Also included are titles by Japanese authors Sansei Yamao and Takashi Tachibana, who himself is famous for being an avid reader and a great reference for recommending books.
Even though the leader has passed away, his words will stay with us. The best part of the book is that it encourages the reader to always strive to read more.
-Lee Hyo-won
 Princess Munyong
Yu Ju-hyun; Areumdaunnal; 472 pp., 491 pp., each, 11,800 won each
Following the recent popularity of ``Princess Deokhye,'' an epic novel in two volumes titled ``Princess Munyong'' has been published, which deals with the life of a daughter of King Gojong who was secretly born in a commoner's house in 1900.
Her mother, a court lady, was poisoned begetting a royal heir despite her low status. After her mother's death, Munyong was adopted by a couple living in Kimcheon, North Gyeongsang Province.
Her name is almost unknown to the public as her birth and life had to be kept in secret.
After her adoptive father died and her mother left home, she wandered the streets. She only came to know of her origins after a colleague of her mother found her.
She was not registered as a princess of the royal family of the Joseon Kingdom (1392-1910) until the Park Chung-hee government restored her status. The novel was first serially posted in 1972 in ``Sasanggye.''
-Chung Ah-young
 Get a Grip: Your Two Week Mental Makeover
Belisa Vranich; John & Wiley: 240 pp., $37.95
Many people don't want to receive therapy for many reasons. Belisa Vranich, an established clinical psychologist and media personality, suggests an alternate method ― self-action and self-therapy.
The book motivates readers to start their own serious self-examination, seek out their individual problems, and go in the right direction _ all within a 14-day program. With a combination of traditional therapy techniques, this book offers on-the-go treatment and the key to emotional problem-solving for the reader's lingering hang-ups.
It also includes the top 20 most commonly asked questions in therapy sessions, thus helping the reader meet all the challenges head-on with a strengthened sense of self-determination.
The book is for people who have found that neither quick fixes nor expensive therapy have worked for them. It takes the reader through the steps of what would happen in analysis _ therapy sessions with a psychologist or psychotherapist ― albeit swiftly and inexpensively.
-Chung Ah-young
 Superheroes and Philosophy
Tom Morris et al; Translated from English to Korean by Ha Yun-suk; Zam Publications: 408 pp., 15,000 won
From Superman, Batman and the Fantastic Four to the Incredible Hulk and X-men, superheroes have created a culture of their own.
The book `` Superheroes and Philosophy'' tackles their world. But instead of focusing on their heroic deeds and superpowers, the book offers insights and perspectives from 16 scholars, journalists and writers about the philosophy behind the characters.
The book delves deeper, offering more profound insights hidden beneath the bright red cape of Superman and the dark mask of Batman.
The writer, for example, questions the reasons behind Superman's good deeds. Why would he risk his life to save others, especially in a place where he has no real connections and family? Would we be able to welcome such a person with superpowers if we saw him in real life?
``Superheroes and Philosophy'' is interesting in that it deals with familiar characters in a different light. The book may not be drawn inside square boxes, but it manages to attract the reader with original ideas and analysis.
-Han Sang-hee
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