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1 of 1 found the following review helpful:
 White Pearl & I...and me, too! Jan 26, 2009
By James William Guzel
"Portrait Photographer"
I've been reading this book over the last few days and I am definitely enjoying it. My grandparents immigrated from Slovenia to the US after WWI, poor certainly, but of Europian stock and so much different from someone of Korean ancestry, or so I thought. However, I find it fascinating that I have so much in common with Svetlana. My paternal grandmother did many of the same things as hers did to make ends meet, in particular the gardening. I love to garden myself and that delight was passed down to me through my grandmother and my father. Of course, many of the same or similiar foods that were part of what I grew up eating, too. I recognized about 90% of those mentioned.
I find the entire story facinating. What a fantastic tale of hope and fortitude winning out!
1 of 1 found the following review helpful:
Redefining the American dream - an inspiring journey of a Russian-Korean woman. Jan 26, 2009
By Alina Li
A captivating and moving book that sheds light on the lives of Soviet Koreans and their brutal deportation to Central Asia by Stalin.
An inspiring story of a young Russian-Korean woman who arrived in the United States without knowing the English language and only with $1 in her pocket. A gripping page-turner that portrays one woman's sense of survival as she masterfully turns a series of misfortunes into opportunity. Her wit, perseverance, faith and high moral standards lead her to success in all her pursuits. But behind all her determination and desire to succeed is a loving heart and great character that attracts all who encountered her. Values that were passed down to Lana by her family, especially paternal grandmother, guided her path. A must read!
Climbing to the Top Has to Begin at the Bottom! Sep 17, 2010
By Author Carl Franklin
"You will never know the outcome until you take action." - Bya-ok (White Pearl: Svetlana's grandmother)
When I first met Miss Kim on Facebook, I admired her smile and most of all her success. At first look of her credentials, I thought "Wow! This amazing woman makes success look so dang easy."
Needless to say, when I read her book a month later, "White Pearl and I" I got the real truth and the actual impression. You see, success isn't easy- but it's possible. After reading about the obstacles Lana has overcome in her time, my eyes opened and to silently say--my jaw dropped to the floor. Success wasn't easy for her at all; it was very hard work.
Moving to seek freedom in The United States, Miss Svetlana Kim's American journey started at the age I am now. At twenty three with one dollar and a small backpack of her only belongings, Lana Kim gave birth to a bigger dream. But she'd overcome a dozen plus obstacles before she found it. She went from making 5 dollars a day to the top as a fundraiser, stock broker, influential speaker and award winning author.
Readers will dive below the surface of her words and easily place themselves in the shoes of a young lady making it in a world where she had to learn everything from the ground up. From language to life changing decisions, she made it and she still lives to tell her story. It's a story not necessarily to entertain but to raise awareness and open up the minds of her readers about the possibilities lingering around them. I recommend you to read this memoir of resilience, honor and evolution.
"What does my future hold? Who knows? What I do know is that our future can be triggered by standing in line to buy a loaf of bread that doesn't exist. My life is nothing but a string of serendipitous events and good fortune." - pgs. 285
So click the "buy" button and be prepared to grab a tissue or two. I should have posted my review sooner, but you see--her wisdom sparked inspiration to pursue positive change. She's good at that, once you read for yourself you'll understand and be compelled to look in the mirror and see a world of possible change. But as dear White Pearl says, "You'll never know the outcome until you try."
~~Reviewed by Carl Franklin, Author of Bloodlines (2010) Legacy (2010) and Highway to Love (2011)~~
Enlightening, Inspiring, Thought Provoking, Incredible May 25, 2010
By J. A. Rodriguez Jr.
"White Pearl & I" is a riveting story that is underscored by passion over adversity, kindness over impartialness, survival over disparity, endurance over feebleness, and above all, perseverance over vacillation. It is a validation that perception drives behavior and ultimately your destiny and that uncertainty is not a reason to succumb to what most consider the unmistakably obvious.
J. A. Rodriguez Jr.
Author of "Not Intuitively Obvious - Transition to the Professional Work Environment"
An Inspirational Journey for All Jan 31, 2010
By Jennifer M. Depaul
I had the privilege to meet Svetlana a few weeks ago and she started telling her story and discussing her book. She gave me a copy and little did I know I was about to embark on a mesmerizing journey through her life. "White Pearl & I" is colorful, captivating, and written in an easy to read conversational manner. After reading it, if you are like me, you immediately want to meet with Lana for tea and hear more about her life. "White Pearl & I" is honest and you feel connected with her after reading the book. You almost feel like Lana is your new best friend.
I highlighted some of my favorite quotes or areas throughout the book. "Embrace all that life throws at you, good or bad. Neither of them will last forever. Life is a gift from God, and it's up to you how you use it."
Another line that really stuck with me is, " the journey is more important than the destination".
Her journey and candid experiences are timeless. They are inspiring and allow the reader to look at their inner being. I found this book to be a learning experience as well. This is a memoir that translates to any age and gender. It's one that can be read several times. It isn't everyday that you come across a story and an individual with such passion and charisma.
See all 18 customer reviews on Amazon.com
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