Almond

A Novel

By: Won-pyung Sohn

Narrated by: Greg Chun

Length: 4 hrs and 52 mins

Publisher's summary

This story is, in short, about a monster meeting another monster. One of the monsters is me.

Yunjae was born with a brain condition called alexithymia that makes it hard for him to feel emotions like fear or anger. He does not have friends - the two almond-shaped neurons located deep in his brain have seen to that - but his devoted mother and grandmother aren’t fazed by his condition. Their little home above his mother’s used bookstore is decorated with colorful Post-it notes that remind him when to smile, when to say "thank you", and when to laugh. Yunjae grows up content, even happy, with his small family in this quiet, peaceful space.

Then on Christmas Eve - Yunjae’s 16th birthday - everything changes. A shocking act of random violence shatters his world, leaving him alone and on his own. Struggling to cope with his loss, Yunjae retreats into silent isolation, until troubled teenager Gon arrives at his school and begins to bully Yunjae. Against all odds, tormentor and victim learn they have more in common than they realized. Gon is stumped by Yunjae’s impassive calm, while Yunjae thinks if he gets to know the hotheaded Gon, he might learn how to experience true feelings. Drawn by curiosity, the two strike up a surprising friendship. As Yunjae begins to open his life to new people - including a girl at school - something slowly changes inside him. And when Gon suddenly finds his life in danger, it is Yunjae who will step outside of every comfort zone he has created to perhaps become a most unlikely hero.

The Emissary meets The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime in this poignant and triumphant story about how love, friendship, and persistence can change a life forever.

©2020 Won-pyung Sohn (P)2020 HarperCollins Publishers

4.8 of 5

In short, this is a Building’s Roman novel.
Actually Korean is much better than English.

Wonderful

I relate heavily to both the protagpnist and his friends. The book reminds me heavily of Korean society, my second home. Simple writing. Great story. Highly recommended

I love the main character dearly.

Great

Great book. It is detailed and moving. Loved it! Touching! Great narration. Draws you in immediately. Great moral compass.

absolutely wonderful

I loved this story. It was dark and uplifting all at the same time

Absolutely beautiful

I loved how realistically the characters were written. For such a small volume it expressed the realities of the human condition - depravity, heroism, joy, sorrow, cowardice, apathy, love, loyalty and friendship.
If only we could look beyond our prejudices and assumptions to experience empathy for others even when they may at first glance seem despicable.
It’s a book I will be recommending and gifting to my friends.

excelent read

no dull moments, very out of the ordinary for my usual books of interest and loved it, would recommend it without a doubt

Slow start but very wholesome ending

I wasn’t really sure how I was going to feel about this book until about halfway through. The narration was monotonous but I think, for this particular story and character, it worked very well. The ending is beautiful, the whole story is a little sad, but the message from the main character is excellent. I’d definitely recommend.

Very nice read

I don’t think I got carried so easily in a book as much as I did with this lovely. Finished it so quickly. Definitely recommend for anyone to read.

Emotional story about the boy who don’t feel

Short story for coming of age book but really impressive and on point. I liked the performer’s monotone but still warm for the boy who does not feel most of emotions

Hope and growth mindset

This short novel is about friendship and change. It is beautifully written and filled with ebbs and flows of life.

Some books are best read. For me, this book was more meaningful by listening. My mind could do focus on the story and visuals.

It would be a discussion point for college freshmen or as a book club selection. As the story touched my heart, I kept wondering, how might others relate and react?

The book was recommended by RM from BTS; now I understand why.