Reviews

I Want to Die but I Still Want to Eat Tteokbokki by Baek Se-hee

steen19's review against another edition

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emotional informative inspiring reflective sad slow-paced

4.0

This is raw, real, and emotional. It takes you through the mind of a person struggling with their mental health as they seek out help. The ups and downs. 

The layout is interesting as it alternates between lived experience and a transcript of sessions with their psychiatrist. It feels vulnerable, like a journal. 

While I don’t relate to a lot of the loved experience of the author, I found her descriptions of depression to be so spot on. I also really enjoyed the nuggets of wisdom from the psychiatrist. There were some really thought provoking things said. 

Strong TW: depictions and thoughts of self harm: suicidal thoughts and cutting. While this would probably be comforting to someone actively going through it, making them feel seen, I recommend reading this when you’re in a good place mentally. 

Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for my advanced digital copy!

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rachellen's review

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challenging dark emotional hopeful informative inspiring sad fast-paced

5.0

Sehee has done an even better instalment than the last. 

I really enjoyed this. It was dark so I took some breaks in reading, but I related and empathised deeply with her honesty. I would like to call this book brave, because it gave us the key to Sehee’s inner workings, but I wish it would be normalised too. 

Really excellent. I will keep an eye out for further books by this author. Thoroughly recommend, particularly if you’re a psychology major such as I! <3

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eleanormck13's review against another edition

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challenging informative reflective slow-paced

3.5

heartmindhealer's review

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challenging dark emotional sad tense fast-paced

3.0

carolinate's review

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challenging dark emotional sad tense medium-paced

4.0

girlglitch's review

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emotional hopeful reflective sad medium-paced

4.0

carammcdermott's review

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I DNF. Deleted 20% in when her psychiatrist discussed appetite suppressants with her, spoke of her own experiences with them, and offered to prescribe after acknowledging that the author was a healthy weight. Yikes. 

aieshab's review against another edition

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dark emotional funny hopeful inspiring reflective sad medium-paced

3.75

Baek Sehee's poignant exploration of mental health continues in "I Want to Die but I Still Want to Eat Tteokbokki," offering readers a raw and intimate glimpse into the complexities of living with dysthymia. Baek invites readers to peek through the curtain to her journey of self-discovery, healing, and resilience.

From the very first page, it's evident that Baek's words come from a place of profound honesty and vulnerability. As she grapples with the realities of her condition, she bravely shares her experiences with a sincerity that is both striking and relatable. Baek's words offer solace and guidance to anyone navigating their own journey towards healing.

One of the most compelling aspects of the book is its exploration of mental health from a cultural perspective. Through Baek's lens, readers gain insight into the nuances of South Korean society and how it shapes the way mental illness and differences are perceived and treated. This cultural exchange adds richness and depth to the narrative, allowing readers to appreciate both the similarities and differences in how mental health is approached around the world.

Despite being the second book in the series, "I Want to Die but I Still Want to Eat Tteokbokki" stands on its own as a powerful and thought-provoking read.

Thank you to Bloomsbury and NetGalley for this ARC.

georgiarose710's review against another edition

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dark emotional reflective

3.75

noplacestogo's review against another edition

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reflective sad medium-paced

3.0