Dear Leader: Poet, Spy, Escapee - A Look inside North Korea

I agree with other reviews stating that once you start listening, it's hard to pause for any reason. This is a heart-stopping story, probably the greatest eye-opener I have ever read. The North Korean regime is abominable--how truly horrible, I had no idea until I listened to Dear Leader. The author, Jang Jin-sung, gave up a privileged existence to seek truth and freedom outside the confines of his brutally repressed country. Even though it is obvious from the start that he must have survived his escape attempt in order to tell his story, I was on the edge of my seat until I finished the book and confirmed that Mr. Jang had indeed survived. I can't say much more without providing spoilers. Either read or listen to this book. You won't be the same person after you finish it. The narration is excellent and moving, as is the writing. I would give Dear Leader ten stars if I could.

A captivating and richly detailed recap of the authors escape from North Korea. Very interesting to hear exactly how it was done.

The combination of an exciting personal narrative with shocking expose about what goes on in North Korea as recently as 10 years ago blew me away. I loved this book.

This is an excellent book. I was throughly entertained. I have always wondered how life is inside North Korea.

I loved the escape across the River that separates China from North Korea.

Good performance.

I listened to this book on my way back and forth to work.<br/>

Thats easy!! A plagiarist of George Orwell, a pedophile, and a narcissistic sociopath. I am not overstating when I say this book could change your life. Your own problems will simply disappear into an embarrassing haze of utter meaningless. Forget North Korea's violations concerning nuclear proliferation, this government has inflicted genocide using starvation against its people, and should lose their sovereignty. The suffering of the Korean people most notably the execution of the soul is a repeat of man's worst history. Never has a such a high ranking official from North Korea defected and lived to tell about the horror left behind. There is actually a "Room 101" used for practically the same atrocities as in Orwell's 1984. Speechless and heartbroken, there is nothing else to say. A must read!!!

This story coming from a top propagandist of the North Korean government is simply amazing. The author was was a true believer in the regime. But after meeting Dear Leader and seeing the outrageous luxury he wallowed in Jang started having doubts. As time passed Jang saw the deprivation, starvation, imprisonment and murder of hungry citizens he could no longer continue to participate in the lies he was required to write. He and a friend decided to escape North Korea and tell the world the truth of the truly evil nature of Dear Leader and his government.

The book reads just like a good thriller, but it is true which makes it heartbreaking. The amazing attempt at escape will keep you glued to this wonderful book. It will also leave you grateful for the privilege of living in the United States, or any other free nation.

This is a heart-touching story that will make you feel and think deeply. You will get a great insight into how a starving country will allow adults and kids die by the thousands, and yet to keep the world from focusing on that will militarily attack disputed islands and do other things just short of war to keep things confused.

It shows the depth of evil in a communist dictatorship. Often, I am asked why I back a large western military. The answer to me is simple. Evil lives on. Everyone should read this book (or listen to it via Audible) to obtain a clearer understanding of what can happen in a totally corrupt nation -- even to the "privileged".

This is a book a thinking person will be very glad they took the time to read.

The slow unfolding of the authors change of heart and willingness to ask himself the difficult questions. After all, he was priviledged, well fed and taken care of physically. To willingly work himself out of the labrinthe of lies and deceit was amazing to me.

I didn't have a favorite character. Jang and all those he worked with and those who helped him were fascinating to me. Looking forward to hearing more from the author.

I have not listened to any other performances by Daniel York before this. I can say only that he was remarkable in making the entire story come to life and believable.

A Manual on how to lie to the world and get away with it!

It's hard after listening to this book to not go off on a political rant, but I think I'll do that elsewhere.<br/>Well worth the listen. I agree with the reviewer who mentioned after hearing these truths it is very difficult to pay attention to our petty little problems.

This work of non-fiction is not only informative, but it also offers the drama of a novel. It's impossible to stop listening once you start.

Warning this book my cause you problems at work and or in your relationships. Because once you start listening you can't stop.