Han Pil-won; Humanist; 384 pp., 23,000 won
Cities are the symbols of modernity and civilization, and as they continue to grow the result is the destruction of humanity and historical identity.
The author, who is an avid architect studying ancient cities, writes how they are supposed to serve as an ideal place for human beings who always dream of other places while living in them. On that score, he argues cities should stop development and growth and instead pay attention to upgrading the quality of people’s lives.
The writer finds the answers in the corners of nine old cities after touring the nation for seven years. The nine are Miryang, Tongyeong, Andong, Chuncheon, Anseon, Ganggyeong, Chungju, Jeonju and Naju.
The cities have three common denominators — a long history, small alleys to walk along in the heart of them, and their potential.
Particularly, this book examines the cities from the perspectives of the alleys, especially the blind alleys, as one of the most distinguishing characteristics of Korean cities. “The blind alleys” are inefficient from an architectural aspect but the spaces create diverse functions and a cozy atmosphere for neighbors, according to the author.
— Chung Ah-young
Choi Sang-han; Dolbegae: 432 pp., 20,000 won
A variety of religions coexist relatively peacefully in Korea. Christianity has the second largest believers after Buddhism.
This book gives some clues to those who wonder about the origins of Korean Christianity that is largely divided into two branches — Catholicism and Protestantism, which were introduced here in the 18th and 19th centuries respectively.
However, the book casts a different view of its Korean origin, arguing that Christian practitioners had already disseminated their doctrines long before the 18th and 19th centuries. It broadly deals with Christianity including the Nestorian Church.
The author traces the origins of the religion back to Goryeo, Balhae and Silla where the Nestorians flourished because these ancient states were influenced by Mongolia and China.
Although few historical documents remain, some ancient relics show Christianity was deeply inscribed into the heart of Koreans through the exchanges of cultural products and thoughts with neighboring countries, according to the book.
Marcia Tucker; Edited by Liza Lou; translated from English into Korean by Bae Eun-kyung; Art Books: 432 pp., 18,000 won
This autobiography is about Marcia Tucker, the first woman to be hired as a curator at the Whitney Museum of American Art and the founder of the New Museum of Contemporary Art in New York City.
As an art lover from her young days, she majored in theater and art at Connecticut College, dreaming to become a painter. She started out as a secretary at the Museum of Modern Art (MOMA), and then went on the path to reinventing herself as a curator. Through her experiences as a curator and founder of the New Museum, readers will be able to understand how New York’s art world became prosperous.
Tucker died in 2006 while she was working on this autobiography and her friend, Liza Lou, completed it. Her life story encompassing her lover’s death, failure in business, deafness in one ear, and divorce will touch the hearts of readers.
— Baek Byung-yeul
Jenny Downham; Translated from English into Korean by Kwon Sang-mi; Munhak: 448pp., 13,800 won
English author Jenny Downham’s debut novel is about 16-year-old Tessa who was diagnosed with leukemia and has just a few months to live. She fights while enduring endless therapy, drugs and excruciating side-effects. Tessa compiles a list of her wishes to do before she dies to spend her remaining life as fully as possible.
She tries new experiences to make her feel alive while her failing body struggles to keep up but a reckless act leaves her angry, bitter and mean.
The book also portrays her father’s pain which deepens as he watches her complete the crazy things on her list while dying.
While there are many reasons to read this novel, among others it makes readers feel grateful for the time they have and encourages them to enjoy it to the fullest.
— Rachel Lee