Under the Same Sky

From Starvation in North Korea to Salvation in America

By: Joseph Kim, Stephan Talty

Narrated by: Raymond Lee

Length: 9 hrs and 26 mins

Publisher's Summary

A searing story of starvation and survival in North Korea, followed by a dramatic escape, rescue by activists and Christian missionaries, and success in the United States thanks to newfound faith and courage.

Inside the hidden and mysterious world of North Korea, Joseph Kim lived a young boy's normal life until he was five. Then disaster struck: the first wave of the Great Famine, a long, terrible ordeal that killed millions, including his father, and sent others, like his mother and only sister, on desperate escape routes into China.

Alone on the streets, Joseph learned to beg and steal. He had nothing but a street-hardened survival instinct. Finally, in desperation, he, too, crossed a frozen river to escape to China. There a kindly Christian woman took him in, kept him hidden from the authorities, and gave him hope. Soon, through an underground network of activists, he was spirited to the American consulate and became one of just a handful of North Koreans to be brought to the US as refugees.

Joseph knew no English and had never been a good student. Yet the kindness of his foster family changed his life. He turned a new leaf, became a dedicated student, mastered English, and made it to college, where he is now thriving thanks to his faith and inner strength.

Under the Same Sky is an unforgettable story of suffering and redemption.

©2015 Joseph Kim (P)2015 Audible, Inc.

Tugs at the heart strings

Not only was is a great book but the reader really invokes the emotions of Joseph.

Interesting, but a bit unbelievable.

What made the experience of listening to Under the Same Sky the most enjoyable?

The narrator sounds very authentic. Pacing, speed and pronunciation is spot on. Nothing is awkward.

How would you have changed the story to make it more enjoyable?

Some of the story was not particularly believable. After listening for a while, I was surprised to find out that all that had been shared were memories before the age of 7. While I would expect someone to have clear memories of important events in life, such vivid memories at such a young age, so many years later after starvation pushes it for authenticity.

The examples of fighting seemed fictionalized.

Any additional comments?

Not bad if you're a fan of North Korean memoirs.

All about survival.

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I would for the history if the friend wants to know more about North Korea.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Under the Same Sky?

The scene in the prologue where the main character has to fight off his prison guard, and he manages to win, and takes his place.

What about Raymond Lee’s performance did you like?

It was well done, but at times the accent was rather thick where I couldn't understand some parts.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes

Any additional comments?

A must-have for people wanting to know more about North Korea.

A humbling experience

Following Joseph’s journey was a gut wrenching adventure, but it’s aboslutely worth a read. It’s a culture shock to be introduced to the workings of Noeth Korea but I think a lot of people really should read this

Terrific

Wonderfully executed insight into North Korea in general and the plight of refugees everywhere. Highly recommend.

Amazing!

It’s so inspiring to hear this. This book really puts in perspective the things we take for granted as Americans, but more importantly the difference we can make with as little as a chicken wing.

A pretty interesting read

I enjoyed reading this story, though after awhile it blends in with the many other stories of escaping North Korea. Still, it is a touching story filled with sorrow and hope.

North Korea refugee stories: Skip this one

Seems like he just wrote a generic story to cash in. Pretty much a run of the mill scenario of events repeated over and over. There are much better books out there about escaping North Korea.