VOL.69/2024.04

National Library of Korea(NLK)’s Pick: Essay

2021.05.03

The writer is a humble doctor that says it was all thanks to luck that he entered medical school. He endeavored to seek to become a fellow after finishing residency - accomplishing immediate goals and believing that he will be happy in the end.
However, as he looked back on his life and realized he had been ignorant of what he truly likes, he chose to go on a long journey. After he quit the hospital after residency, he would reminisce about the stability he had when he belonged to the hospital. Yet, he soon feels true happiness as he encounters uncertain, unstable situations throughout the journey where things do not go as he planned. His “pause” comes to a “stop” when he begins to feel the traveling days he dreamed of becoming just another familiar, ordinary daily life. As he realizes that his inner self has not changed at all, even after the little “pause” in his life, he resolves to become a new person who pursues their dream, feeling of accomplishment, and excitement working as a doctor while prioritizing people and a diligent life over success.
The book How about taking a pause? offers us an opportunity to take a refreshed perspective towards the meaning and value of life, taking a break from the stagnant daily life.

*Go to the NLK website for more information on the book

The book I'm Being Swayed Today Again is a personal story of the author who has just turned 40, living with her thoughts swaying in the wind of others' perspectives, anticipations, and standards. It is a life story where she feels cured as she meets a little wild grass while going on a walk. She talks about the anxiety aroused in daily life, interacting with grass and flowers on the path of her daily walking course.
Wild grass could be trivial, a small part in nature that you pass by, but they have their own story within. For example, Korean persicary blooms beautiful flowers no matter where it is rooted, from a clear lake to a dirty drain on the road, as long as water runs. Also, a little greenish ivy grows up to cover the entire fence with its lively green color.
The writer speaks to those who are climbing up a hill in their life:
“Let’s have a break this evening and continue walking tomorrow. Just ten steps, and that will make everything much better.”

* Go to the NLK website for more information on the book

Source. Recommended Book by NLK Librarian