Customer Reviews

Quiet Odyssey: A Pioneer Korean Woman in America

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I read this book in highschool while living in in Seoul, Korea. I am a Korean-American woman and I found the information in this book to be _invaluable_. Unlike similar historical works such as John Okada's 'No-No Boy' or Sui Sin Far's 'Mrs. Spring Fragrance and Other Writings', this is pure autobiography (or ethnobiography if you want to be technical). I cannot believe how lucky we are as Americans to get a first-hand account of a Korean-American living in turn of the century America, when there were literally only a handful living in the country at the time. The 'memoirs' are not only highly satisfying in themselves, they serve as anchors to the past in which to begin tracing a discernable branch of Asian-American history. Adds perspective in which to view today's world of American race relations. I think this is necessary reading for anyone who is interested in race, American society, and/or history. Will also appeal to minority activists.

I was assigned Quiet Odyssey for an Asian American studies class, and I was riveted by the clean, simple prose. But the story is far from simple, I admire Mary Paik Lee for her incredible endurance and courage. As a second generation Asian American, my family's roots in the United States are relatively new, but now I realize, that it has been due to Asian Americans like Mary Paik Lee that allow me to lead and pursue the life I wish. Not only is Quiet Odyssey the story of her life, it is also the story of California. It's eye opening to see how much Los Angeles and the rest of California have changed since she first landed here. And lastly, Mary Paik Lee has some incredible spunk to do and say some of the things she did. Impressive.

I am a student from San Francisco State University and this is one of the books that I have to read for my Ethnic Studies Class. I really think this is a book made for student of Ethnic Studies and I strongly recommend this book to anyone who is interested in learning more about history of Asian American.

This is a well thought out, organized and very important historical document/autobiography.

I can't say how much I loved this book. I dont have to tell you that this book is about one of the first Korean immigrants in the US, you already read that in other reviews. What really touched me about this book is how Mary Paik Lee and her family survived extreme discrimmation, hunger and poverty without bitterness and anger at the world. They remained a loving and close family, happily made sacrifices for each other throughout the stormy weathers of life. I think the author and her family is a fine example of why Asian Americans are able to overcome racism and create a decent lives for themselves in the US: solid loving family unit, not being afraid of hard work and not looking for handouts.

Not many women in early 1910's traveled 60 miles to finish high school.. and not many Asian women at that. Mary lived her life with humility, determination and quiet courage. She overcame the obstacles of racisms and was grateful for the kindness of strangers she has received throughout her life.

Truly an inspirational book for not just minorites but everyone. This book makes us realize our modern day obstacles are quiet small compared to what Mary Paik Lee endured and survived.