Crying in H Mart: Reflections on Food, Love, Grief and Identity

What could be more intriguing than a book that connects ethnic cooking, biracial identity, and a daughter’s unique relationship with her terminally ill mother? Told with humor and heart, Crying in H Mart by Michelle Zauner (Vintage Books, 2023) is a memoir that skillfully interweaves these topics as it describes a young Korean American woman’s quest to learn about her extended family, process her grief, and finally claim her own sense of self. Crying in H Mart is the One Book, One Northwestern choice for 2023-24.  Zauner (who will speak at Northwestern on October 18) is a best-selling author, singer/songwriter, and leader of the indie rock band Japanese Breakfast. This memoir was selected to offer the entire Northwestern University community an opportunity to consider the challenges we all face (or have faced) in becoming adults, with particular attention to the Asian American perspective. Through our discussions of Zauner’s text, study group participants will have an opportunity to reflect on their own coming of age stories and relationships, learn about Korean culture, and attend optional on campus events, performances, and exhibitions related to the book. We may even enjoy some snacks from H Mart together.