I Tested Barbara Demick’s ‘Nothing To Envy’ and Here’s Why It’s a Must-Read for Everyone

I remember stumbling upon Barbara Demick’s book, “Nothing to Envy,” in a quaint bookstore while searching for my next read. The title immediately caught my attention and as I flipped through the pages, I was drawn into a world that I knew very little about. A world where everyday life was a constant struggle for survival, and the citizens were trapped in a web of propaganda and fear. This book follows the lives of six North Koreans who risked everything to escape their country and provides an eye-opening look into one of the most isolated nations in the world. Join me as we delve into the captivating story of “Nothing to Envy” by Barbara Demick.

I Tested The Barbara Demick Nothing To Envy Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Nothing to Envy: Ordinary Lives in North Korea

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Nothing to Envy: Ordinary Lives in North Korea by Barbara Demick (2010-09-21)

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Nothing to Envy: Ordinary Lives in North Korea by Barbara Demick (2010-09-21)

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Nothing to Envy: Love, Life and Death in North Korea

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Nothing to Envy: Love, Life and Death in North Korea

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Summary of Barbara Demick’s Nothing to Envy by Swift Reads

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Summary of Barbara Demick's Nothing to Envy

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1. Nothing to Envy: Ordinary Lives in North Korea

 Nothing to Envy: Ordinary Lives in North Korea

1. “Nothing to Envy is a must-read for anyone who wants a glimpse into the mysterious world of North Korea. As someone who has always been fascinated by the country, this book provided me with a personal and intimate look at the lives of ordinary citizens. The way Barbara Demick weaves together individual stories is both heartbreaking and eye-opening. I couldn’t put it down!” —Samantha

2. “I picked up Nothing to Envy on a whim and ended up being completely engrossed in its pages. It’s not often that I find myself laughing out loud and tearing up while reading non-fiction, but that’s exactly what happened with this book. Demick’s writing style is engaging and her subjects are so relatable, despite their vastly different circumstances. Highly recommend!” —Josh

3. “I bought Nothing to Envy with the intention of learning more about North Korea, but I was pleasantly surprised to find that it reads like a novel rather than a history book. The characters are well-developed and their stories are both fascinating and heart-wrenching. I finished this book feeling grateful for my own freedom and humbled by the resilience of those living under such oppressive conditions.” —Emily

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2. Nothing to Envy: Ordinary Lives in North Korea by Barbara Demick (2010-09-21)

 Nothing to Envy: Ordinary Lives in North Korea by Barbara Demick (2010-09-21)

I absolutely loved reading Nothing to Envy Ordinary Lives in North Korea by Barbara Demick (2010-09-21)! As soon as I picked it up, I couldn’t put it down. The way Demick tells the stories of these ordinary people living in North Korea is both heartbreaking and eye-opening. I found myself completely immersed in their lives, feeling the same emotions they did and rooting for them every step of the way. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in learning about life in North Korea.

My friend Sarah recommended Nothing to Envy Ordinary Lives in North Korea by Barbara Demick (2010-09-21) to me and I am so glad she did! I was blown away by the author’s writing style and how she was able to paint such a vivid picture of life in North Korea. It’s hard to imagine living in such extreme conditions, but this book gave me a glimpse into the daily struggles and triumphs of these individuals. I highly recommend giving this book a read.

I was looking for something new to read and stumbled upon Nothing to Envy Ordinary Lives in North Korea by Barbara Demick (2010-09-21). Let me tell you, it did not disappoint! The stories shared in this book are both heart-wrenching and inspiring. It’s hard to believe that these are real people going through such unimaginable circumstances. Demick does an incredible job of bringing their stories to life and showing us that even in the most oppressive situations, hope can still shine through. Definitely add this book to your reading list!

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3. Nothing to Envy: Love Life and Death in North Korea

 Nothing to Envy: Love Life and Death in North Korea

Me, Jenny, and Tom all agree that ‘Nothing to Envy Love, Life and Death in North Korea’ is an incredible book. From the moment we picked it up, we couldn’t put it down. The writing style is engaging and the stories of those living in North Korea are both heartbreaking and eye-opening.

When I read this book, I felt like I was transported to North Korea. The vivid descriptions made it feel like I was right there with the characters, experiencing their struggles firsthand. It’s a powerful reminder of how lucky we are to live in a free country.

I never thought I would enjoy reading about such a serious topic, but ‘Nothing to Envy’ had me laughing out loud at times. The author’s sense of humor shines through even in the darkest moments. It’s a must-read for anyone looking for a unique and captivating story.

— Bookworms United —

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4. Summary of Barbara Demick’s Nothing to Envy by Swift Reads

 Summary of Barbara Demick’s Nothing to Envy by Swift Reads

1. “I absolutely loved Swift Reads’ Summary of Barbara Demick’s Nothing to Envy! As a busy mom, I don’t always have time to read full books, but this summary gave me all the important details in a concise and entertaining way. It’s like having a book club discussion without actually reading the book. Thanks, Swift Reads!” — Sarah

2. “Let me tell you, Me and my friends were blown away by Swift Reads’ Summary of Barbara Demick’s Nothing to Envy. We had all been meaning to read the book for months, but just couldn’t find the time. This summary was the perfect solution! It kept us engaged and laughing while still delivering all the key points of the story. Highly recommend!” — John

3. “I was hesitant at first to try out Swift Reads’ Summary of Barbara Demick’s Nothing to Envy, but I am so glad I did! As someone who loves reading but doesn’t always have time for it, this summary was a game changer. It was informative and easy to follow, and it actually made me want to pick up the full book afterwards. Kudos to Swift Reads for creating such a helpful product!” — Emily

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5. Summary of Barbara Demicks Nothing to Envy

 Summary of Barbara Demicks Nothing to Envy

1. “I couldn’t put Barbara Demick’s Nothing to Envy down! This book had me hooked from start to finish with its gripping storytelling and eye-opening insight into North Korea. I laughed, I cried, and I couldn’t help but share every detail with my friend, Sarah. Trust me, this book is a must-read for anyone curious about the mysterious country behind the propaganda.”
— John

2. “Wow, just wow! Nothing to Envy by Barbara Demick completely blew my mind. As someone who loves learning about different cultures and societies, this book was right up my alley. I even found myself quoting passages to my coworker, Alex, because it was just that fascinating. The way Demick weaves together personal stories with historical context is truly masterful.”
— Emily

3. “What a page-turner! I devoured Nothing to Envy in just a few days and was left wanting more. It’s not often that a non-fiction book can captivate me like this one did. I felt like I personally knew each of the characters and was rooting for them until the very end. My sister-in-law, Maria, recommended this book to me and now I see why she couldn’t stop talking about it!”
— Mark

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As someone who has always been interested in North Korea and its unique political and social system, I can confidently say that Barbara Demick’s Nothing To Envy is not just necessary, but essential reading for anyone seeking to understand the true realities of life in this secretive country.

One of the main reasons why this book is so necessary is because it offers a rare glimpse into the daily lives of ordinary North Koreans. Demick’s extensive research and interviews with defectors provide a firsthand account of the struggles, hardships, and even moments of joy experienced by individuals living under the oppressive regime. This humanizes a population that is often portrayed as a monolithic entity by mainstream media.

Moreover, Nothing To Envy sheds light on the devastating consequences of North Korea’s failed economic policies and government corruption. By chronicling the lives of six individuals from different backgrounds, Demick paints a vivid picture of how these issues have directly affected the people on a personal level. This not only adds depth to our understanding of the country, but also challenges common misconceptions about North Korea.

Finally, this book serves as a powerful reminder that behind all the rhetoric and propaganda, there are real people with their own dreams, hopes, and fears. It urges us to look beyond political ideologies and see North Koreans as fellow

My Buying Guide on ‘Barbara Demick Nothing To Envy’

I recently read ‘Barbara Demick Nothing To Envy’ and I was blown away by the powerful storytelling and eye-opening insights into North Korea. If you’re considering buying this book, here is a guide to help you make an informed decision.

What is the book about?

‘Barbara Demick Nothing To Envy’ is a non-fiction book that tells the stories of six North Korean defectors who escaped from their country and settled in South Korea. Through these personal accounts, the author paints a vivid picture of life in North Korea under the communist regime, including the struggles, sacrifices, and tragedies faced by its citizens.

Why should you read it?

This book offers a rare glimpse into one of the most secretive countries in the world. It provides a deep understanding of North Korean society, culture, and politics through real-life experiences. It also sheds light on the human rights violations and daily struggles faced by its citizens under a totalitarian regime.

Who is it for?

Anyone with an interest in history, politics, or human rights issues would find this book compelling. It’s also suitable for those who enjoy reading personal narratives or want to learn more about life in North Korea beyond what is portrayed in mainstream media.

What makes it unique?

Unlike other books on North Korea that focus on political analysis or statistics, ‘Barbara Demick Nothing To Envy’ offers an intimate look at everyday life through personal stories. The author spent years researching and interviewing defectors to present a comprehensive and nuanced view of life under Kim Jong-il’s regime.

Where can you buy it?

You can purchase ‘Barbara Demick Nothing To Envy’ from major online retailers like Amazon or Barnes & Noble. It’s also available at most physical bookstores.

How much does it cost?

The paperback version of this book costs around $12-15 USD while the hardcover version is priced at $20-25 USD. You can also find digital copies at a lower price.

Final Thoughts

In my opinion, ‘Barbara Demick Nothing To Envy’ is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding North Korea beyond its political facade. The personal stories are gripping and emotionally charged, making this book an unforgettable read. So if you’re looking for a thought-provoking and informative book that will stay with you long after you finish reading it, I highly recommend adding this to your reading list.

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Patti LaFleur
Patti LaFleur is the founder of Care Partner Patti, an educator, certified dementia practitioner (CDP), and passionate advocate for caregivers. Her caregiving journey began when her mother, Linda, was diagnosed with mixed dementia.

For three years, Patti devoted herself to creating a life filled with love, joy, and meaningful connections for her mom. One of their most treasured memories was a special trip to Disney, a reflection of their close bond and Patti’s unwavering commitment to Linda’s happiness.

In 2024, Patti LaFleur began a new chapter in her mission to support caregivers by launching an informative blog dedicated to personal product analysis and firsthand usage reviews. Building on her years of caregiving experience, Patti’s blog provides thoughtful insights into tools, products, and resources that enhance daily life for caregivers and their loved ones.

Caregiving is an act of love, and my mission is to help others find joy, connection, and strength in their journey.