Recent books

A Guide for Professors: For Instructing Undergraduate Students’ Employment and Career Development

Kim Woong-tae et al; CBS Consulting Co.: 94 pp., 12,000 won

As the youth unemployment rate has reached an all-time high in Korea, there have been many efforts at a governmental level to help curb the numbers. A career development expert has taken the initiative to start the process at the academic level.

This guide, penned by the supervisor and consultants of the Global Career Development Facilitator-Korea (GCDF) features step-by-step instructions for professors, rather than students.

“Given the current socioeconomic climate, college graduates’ foray into society is no longer an individual problem but a task for which all stakeholders in an academic institution should be responsible,” says Kim, president & CEO of GCDF-Korea.

The book aims to direct instructors on how to give career advice but also boost decision-making skills that are required to enable not just professional consultants but all faculty members to help students develop a successful career.

It is currently available and/or being sold at some 350 universities, colleges and research centers, as well as major bookstores.

— LEE HYO-WON

The Moment

Douglas Kennedy; Translated from English to Korean by Jo Dong-seok; BaleunSesang: 595 pp., 13800 won

“The Moment” is the 10th novel by Douglas Kennedy, a best-selling author based in New York. It is a tragic love story starting in divided Berlin.

A travel writer Thomas Nesbitt who now lives alone in Maine receives a box in the mail from his unforgettable first love, Petra Dussmann, a woman he met in 1984 while visiting Berlin.

Their intense love affair comes to a painful end when Nesbit learns that Dussmann is a Stasi agent and worse, that she has been using their relationship to gain information. Nesbitt leaves her furious and broken hearted.

However, the box from Dussmann reveals her true story and why she had to work for the Stasi.

As the title suggest, the book illustrates the life changing moment when Nesbitt had a choice — to commit to her believing that their love is real or walk away in disbelief.

— NOH HYUN-JI

Itaewon Freedom: A Guide to Trendsetting Cafes in Itaewon

Lee Dong-mi; Andbooks: 248pp., 12,000 won

Experienced travel writer Lee Dong-mi takes on the task of introducing the new hip and happening venues in the commercially thriving foreigner-friendly neighborhood of Itaewon that now stretches from Noksapyoung to Hangangjin subway stations.

Answering all your questions of where to go and what to eat once your there, the colorful pictures and vivid descriptions suggest 54 cafes, restaurants and bars as well as night clubs for those curious about this worldly area in Seoul.

Highlighting the contrast between what the culturally diverse district offers during the day compared to at night, there is a map to lead the way and give you the freedom to traverse the alleys, uncovering many hidden spots.

With over 14 years of experience writing about her trips to cities dotting the globe, Lee provides details and insight on how to best enjoy Itaewon and the surrounding area by providing select menus and interesting tips. Also included is a mini note supplement with 16 pages of coupons to take with you to explore the cool cafes featured in the guide.

— Agnes Yu

Make Miracles in Forty Days: Turning What You Have into What You Want

Melody Beattie; Translated from English to Korean by Choi Gyeong-eun; Henggan: 196 pp., 12,000 won

For those feeling limited in their everyday lives and wanting to make a breakthrough, this book suggests ways to realize personal “miracles.”

The author, a counselor, explains how obstacles such as tragedies should be dealt with by looking at a variety of cases.

Solutions can take just 10 minutes of practice on a daily basis, beginning with learning to be thankful and grateful for things the problems can teach you.

The positive attitude will lead to a sense of inner peace and eventually remedies. From that point on, readers will not only become satisfied with their situation, but will also gain the power to move forward to achieve what they want.

The author also points out it is necessary to have an open mind toward the outcome of the miracle, as it may be beyond one’s imagination.

— Yi Whan-woo