Every Falling Star

The True Story of How I Survived and Escaped North Korea

By: Sungju Lee, Susan McClelland

Narrated by: David Shih

Length: 9 hrs and 24 mins

Publisher's summary

Every Falling Star, the first book to portray contemporary North Korea to a young audience, is the intense memoir of a North Korean boy named Sungju, who is forced at age 12 to live on the streets and fend for himself. To survive, Sungju creates a gang and lives by thieving, fighting, begging, and stealing rides on cargo trains. Sungju richly recreates his scabrous story, depicting what it was like for a boy alone to create a new family with his gang, his "brothers"; to be hungry and to fear arrest, imprisonment, and even execution. This riveting memoir allows young listeners to learn about other cultures where freedoms they take for granted do not exist.

©2016 Sungju Lee (P)2016 Tantor

Critic reviews

"A pampered son of the elite survives a nightmarish ordeal in this page-turner of a memoir." ( Kirkus)

Will help you appreciate your freedom

My daughters teacher required students to read this book in middle school. My lovely daughter Miah then said mom you should read this book it’s very eye opening. Of course I haven’t “read” a book in so long so I thought ok, I’ll do it! I NEVER knew a country could be so horrific. There were many feelings upon listening to this story. My goodness, one thing is for certain, I will never again complain about my so called “ruined childhood” mine was a paradise in comparison. I’m grateful for this read and Sungju sharing his story. Ill pray for the oppressed people who are victims of such a terrible ruler and hope they find a way to freedom.

Boy did I get an education.

Though at times I found the names confusing, I listened to it in two sittings. Showed me how ignorant I am about the whole situation. Different. Glad I listened.

Incredible

Without a doubt, the best book on North Korea I've listened to. So incredibly sad, yet awesome.

Incredible story of perseverance!

I found this story fascinating and completely captivating. Would highly recommend this as an educational story as well as one of hope and resiliency.

Not just a boy trapped in Josan

This book is not just of a boy trapped in his country but of the boy trapped in himself stuglimg to get out and save his family in blood and name he was determined to die for his new brother to keep their dreams alive he did not just want them but needed him as they did him the boys did thing meny never will do are ever want for their kids I feel for the father having to know that his son suffered a tragic loss of friends, brothers, and himself a thing no person can fathom. I want to say for the ones lost my all your dreams be happy and with the one you love

Eye opening

A story from the heart of true life in North Korea. A must read for anyone

The best written and most engaging NK memoir I’ve read

This is probably the 10th NK memoir I’ve read, ABD it’s my favorite. The target audience is young adults, but there’s nothing babyish about it. Great storytelling and characters. And unlike many other defector memoirs, this book contains a lot of hope. And the author is a real star -He’s now a Fullbright scholar getting a PhD and also helping other refugees escape. Impressive and inspiring.

Inside look at North Korea

Very good listen. Ive always wondered about noth Korea and chapter 1 alone sets the stage.

I great book

I wasn't hard to Finnish at all. I loved this book and I want to read more books in general. the best part for me was when yum-bum died even though I didn't experience it in person it made me have a tier in my eye. I recommend this book to every one

Incredible story!

I’m on a North Korean defector bender and this is definitely my favorite book. This mans life changed when he was 12 and left behind by parents off to search for food. I can’t even imagine having the courage and strength that he had to cope and get through each day. He survived 4 years basically on his own scrounging, hustling and defending himself every day.
This is a must read/listen to book!