Crying in H Mart

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From the indie rockstar of Japanese Breakfast and author of a viral New Yorker essay, this powerful memoir explores the complexities of growing up Korean-American, losing a mother, and forging an identity. Michelle Zauner shares her journey with humor and heart, recounting her experiences as the only Asian-American kid in Eugene, Oregon, and navigating her mother's high expectations. She reflects on a painful adolescence and cherished moments spent in her grandmother's Seoul apartment, bonding with her mother over food. As she moved to the East Coast for college, worked in restaurants, and performed with her band, her connection to her Koreanness began to fade, even as she built the life she desired. A turning point came with her mother's terminal cancer diagnosis at twenty-five, prompting Michelle to confront her identity and reclaim the cultural gifts her mother had imparted. Zauner's vivacious and honest voice shines through, making her writing as captivating as her music. Filled with intimate anecdotes and family photos, this memoir is a heartfelt exploration of love, loss, and the enduring impact of family.