About the Book

Michelle Zauner, the indie rock sensation known as Japanese Breakfast, offers a poignant memoir that explores the depths of family, identity, and the healing power of food. In Crying in H Mart, Zauner recounts her experiences growing up as one of the few Asian American kids in Eugene, Oregon, and the complexities of her relationship with her Korean mother.

Family and Identity

Zauner’s narrative delves into her childhood struggles with cultural identity and her mother’s high expectations. Her story takes readers from cherished moments in her grandmother’s Seoul apartment to her adult years on the East Coast, where she navigates the music industry and her evolving sense of self.

Grief and Healing

The memoir reaches a pivotal moment when Zauner’s mother is diagnosed with terminal cancer, prompting a profound exploration of her heritage and the culinary traditions that connect her to her roots. Through intimate anecdotes and family photographs, Zauner paints a vivid picture of resilience and love.

Why Read This Book?

With a voice that is both vivacious and honest, Michelle Zauner’s Crying in H Mart is a celebration of life, culture, and the enduring bonds of family. It’s a narrative that resonates widely, offering solace and inspiration to anyone who has grappled with loss or sought to reclaim their identity.