Recent book
Healing Water
Sanetaka Shirahata and Munenori Kawamura; RH Korea; Translated from Japanese to Korean by Lee Jung-hwan: 200 pp., 13,000 won
While drinking water is good for one’s health, this book says that all water is not the same. Known as “miracle water,” believed to cure some diseases, water found in such locations as Lourdes in France, Tlacote in Mexico, Nordenau in Germany, Hita in Japan and Hunza in Pakistan, have something in common, according to the authors.
They argue that these so-called “healing waters” contain active hydrogen (atomic hydrogen) and hydrogen (molecular hydrogen). These elements are known to be effective in suppressing aging and improving immunity levels.
The book introduces successful cases in which these elements were proven effective in curing diseases such as diabetes, atopy and hepatitis. It provides various methods to improve one’s health both mentally and physically through the elements contained in water.
The authors insist that people can be healthy when they drink hydrogen rich water, a way of making the body immune to various diseases and helping recover from illness easily.
―Chung Ah-young
Sa Suk-won’s Story of Love for Seoul
Sa Suk-won; Samtoh: 272 pp., 14,000 won
Painter Sa Suk-won, known for his bold use of color and brushstrokes, has written a book filled with affection for his home city, Seoul.
"Story of Love for Seoul" is composed of essays based on his memories, which were published serially in a local daily. Sa has edited them, added new stories and painted 35 works for this book.
Born in Seoul in 1960, this is Sa’s confession to the city that raised him. He explores Seoul’s charms, tastes and colors. He recollects street bars in Gwangjang Market in Jongno and talks about the best “naengmyeon” (cold noodles) restaurants on Euljiro. The author also shares 10 of his favorite restaurants in Seoul. These are not only tales of growing up in the capital but also a history of Seoul through its industrialization and growth.
Sa’s paintings are on display at Lotte Gallery in central Seoul through Jan. 28.
―Kwon Mee-yoo
Carnegie’s Children Coaching
August Hong; H books: 240 pp., 13,000 won
The majority of parents can become exasperated with their children, especially when they go through adolescence.
This guide is designed for parents and based on training programs developed by American writer and lecturer Dale Carnegie (1888-1955). Carnegie’s child development programs, initially developed by the Korean branch of Dale Carnegie Training, headquartered in New York, have been adopted and applied by numerous reputable schools here including Daewon Foreign Language High School, Seoul Global High School and Hanyoung Foreign Language High School.
The book is comprised of four parts covering different aspects of child development. The first stage is to understand the abilities and circumstances of each child, not only their grades but also their mental state, the level of stress they are undergoing and their favorite subjects. Then the author suggests parents create a vision for them and provides know-how on to realize their vision. The third step is about overcoming any difficulties and obstacles in the way of achieving their vision. The final step that parents should follow is to give praise and encouragement for everything their children do so that they will be willing to take on other challenges.
― Rachel Lee