Book Review: I Want to Die but I Want to Eat Tteokbokki by Baek Sehee
A raw and realistic memoir about being human, what it takes to recognize our flaws, and finding the strength to overcome our obstacles, I’m so excited to review I Want to Die but I Want to Eat Tteokbokki by Baek Sehee.
Book Information
With half of this novel being transcripts of her sessions with her psychiatrist and half being her own reflective thoughts, Baek Sehee masterfully delves into what it means to be human. Most of all, though, she writes about what it means to love yourself, and how she finally found a way to stop her cycle of self hatred and self abuse.
Review | Heidi Dischler
While short, this novel gives such a detailed and raw look into the human mind. I found myself often nodding in agreement and wondering if I often chastise myself for things that are beyond my control. This book was a wonderful way for me to reflect on my own life and see the ways in which I often judge myself.
With two different formats (the psychiatrist transcripts and the self-reflective writings), I found myself enjoying both equally, which doesn’t happen very often. The psychiatrist notes helped me to see Baek Sehee in an analytic manner where you can see a lot of how she is as a person. The reflective writings, however, let me see who she desperately wanted to be.
Depression is a strong thing. It takes a lot to be able to pull yourself out of it. If nothing else, I Want to Die but I Want to Eat Tteokbokki is a wonderful example of how we often get in our own way when it comes to healing. It is also a beautiful example of what it looks like when a person finally takes steps in the right direction. While it’s not an instantaneous process, healing is beautiful in itself, and I commend anyone who has the strength and courage to pursue healing and face depression head on.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this novel. I think this would be wonderful for anyone with self doubt or depression because it makes you see that there truly is a light at the end of the tunnel.
Source: Audiobook from Libby Public Library
(P.S. You can read this book for free by signing up for a free trial of Audible, which gives you two free audiobooks of your choice!)
