Reading – The Things We Love

“Crooked Teeth: A Queer Syrian Refugee Memoir” by Danny Ramadan

February 17, 2025February 17, 2025Book Review, Books, Reading, WritingLeave a Comment

Danny Ramadan came to Canada as a refugee 10 years ago. Though the identity he assumed after this event is what gives its name to his new book, Crooked Teeth: A Queer Syrian Refugee Memoir, becoming a refugee is but a small part of Ramadan’s story.

I first encountered Ramadan through his piece “Speak my Tongue” which appeared in the 2021 essay collection Tongues: On Longing and Belonging through Language. His essay was so striking that I became immediately fascinated with his voice. Reading his memoir was a reminder of the indelible impression his essay left on me.

Continue reading ➞ “Crooked Teeth: A Queer Syrian Refugee Memoir” by Danny Ramadan

From BookTok to debut novel “Oxford Soju Club,” Jinwoo Park spreads the love of books and Korean literature

January 30, 2025Books, Current events, News, Interview, Reading, WritingLeave a Comment

When South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol suddenly declared martial law on the evening of December 3, 2024, the country plunged into uncertainty and chaos. Extraordinary images of Korean citizens congregating outside of the National Assembly building filled the news. Six hours later, thanks to the heroic efforts of lawmakers who protected the National Assembly and held a vote in the middle of the night rejecting it, Yoon’s martial law declaration was lifted.

On TikTok, Jinwoo Park started releasing videos explaining the fast-moving situation, adding context and nuance to the news coming through regular media channels. The videos helped convey the shocking and historical nature of Yoon’s actions but also showed the deep connection Park maintains with South Korean politics, history, and culture.

Continue reading ➞ From BookTok to debut novel “Oxford Soju Club,” Jinwoo Park spreads the love of books and Korean literature