Recent Books
A Manual for Writers of Research Papers, Theses and Dissertation
Wayne C. Booth et al; Translated by Kang Kyung-i from English to Korean: Sidae Books: 612 pp., 35,000 won
For professors, students and researchers, following Turabian’s Chicago manual is the most common practice when writing a thesis, research paper or dissertation. But in Korea the manual has not been widely introduced so far despite its importance in international academic circles.
The recent Korean publication of Turabian’s manual will help Korean students, researchers and professors make a breakthrough in writing English theses.
Since it was first published in 1937, it has sold more than 8 million copies worldwide. Kate L. Turabian first wrote the manual as a small leaflet to help students then, and it was published as a book in 1955. As time passed, the manual became a must-read book for many university students in the United States. Turabian passed away in 1987 when the fifth edition of the manual was released.
The Korean version is the seventh edition, which extends the scope of the content supplemented by Wayne C. Booth and other two authors.
The book newly includes “Researching and Writing: From Planning to Production,” which is a revision of the authors’ book “The Craft of Research” in a more organized way.
— CHUNG AH-YOUNG
The Help 1, 2
Kathryn Stockett; Translated from English to Korean by Chung Yeon-hee; Munhak Dongne: 400pp., 12,000 won
"The Help" revolves around a young white prospective writer and two African American maids in Jackson, Mississippi who try to overcome their limitations during the 1960s.
The debut novel of Kathryn Stockett depicts the time when the civic movement of African Americans was rising and the wave of change rippled through the United States.
Eugenia "Skeeter" Phelan returns to Jackson after graduating university and comes up with the idea of writing about African American housekeepers in memory of her childhood nanny who had disappeared without a trace.
She meets Aibileen Clark, a middle-aged African-American maid who raised 18 white children, and Minny Jackson, a younger maid who often lands into trouble because of her back-talk, and persuades them to tell their story.
However, when the book is published a privileged white woman in the area tries to suppress Skeeter and causes problems for the maids.
The novel is going through a film adaptation by DreamWorks and slated to be released in August.
— KWON MEE-YOO
Lunch Box Note
Kim Eun-ah; Haseo: 144 pp., 11,000 won
Among hordes of recipe books out there, this one stands out for featuring fun, healthy and creative lunch box ideas.
Working urbanites toiling at the office and students spending long afterhours at “hagwon” rarely get to taste homemade meals. But even if there is time to sit down in the dining room, those addicted to heavily seasoned fast food and MSG-heavy fare often find homespun cooking quite bland.
Nevertheless, lunch boxes provided a fine alternative. But even organic food or healthy-eating obsessed diners find it a hassle to prepare meals on-the-go.
The author, a seasoned food stylist, presents 52 recipes that can be quickly prepared even in the morning.
The book presents options for different occasions, such as fried rice that can be prepared the night before and refried the next morning, two dishes that can be whipped up using one frying pan, or quick fixes using frozen or canned food.
There is also a chapter for artful creations for a romantic picnic, special meals for parents or nutritious lunches for kids. All featured recipes are low-calorie meals that do not exceed 500 kcal.
— LEE HYO-WON
Namhaean (Southern Coast)
The Organizing Committee for Expo 2012 Yeosu Korea; Random House: 580 pp., 14,000 won
The southern coastal area of Korea is renowned for its scenic views and clean environment.
The Organizing Committee for Expo 2012 Yeosu Korea has published a new guide book to introduce the hot spots located within 100 to 200 kilometers of Yeosu, which is located there.
Readers can enjoy a wide range of details including 33 famous tourist attractions, and 41 travel routes recommended by the organizing committee and 13 recommended by municipal communities.
The book also gives information on accommodation, famous restaurants and shopping districts for visitors to the expo which will be held from May 12 to Aug. 12 next year.
The routes are appropriate for trekking, historical tours, literary experiences and gourmet travel. The accommodation information includes the prices from rental room services at ordinary houses to high-end hotels. Also, the maps and colorful photos included in the book show all the information at a glance.