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A Step From Heaven Audiobook
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(3.01) - 2,753 listener ratings
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Publisher Description
From master storyteller An Na comes the Printz Award–winning novel about a Korean girl who tells her firsthand account of trying to find her place and identity in America from the day she leaves Korea as a child to her rocky journey through the teenage years. At age four, Young Ju moves with her parents from Korea to Southern California. She has always imagined America would be like heaven: easy, blissful, and full of riches. But when her family arrives, she finds it to be the opposite. With a stubborn language barrier and cultural dissimilarities, not only is it impossible to make friends, but even her family’s internal bonds are wavering. Her parents’ finances are strained, yet her father’s stomach is full of booze. As Young Ju’s once solid and reliable family starts tearing apart, her younger brother begins to gain more freedom and respect simply because of his gender. Young Ju begins to lose all hope in the dream she once held—the heaven she longs for. Even as she begins to finally fit in, a cataclysmic family event will change her idea of heaven forever. But it also helps her to recognize the strength she holds, and envision the future she desires, and deserves.
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"I really LOVE THIS BOOK. The reason is because it is a story about a very different unique story. I think that this book is very instresting. If your like a person into different culture and unique life styles than this book would be perfect! I read this again because it was one of a kind. I cannot let it go! I know you will enjoy this much as I would! Trust me it is not a book that will be disappoint you. Unless you have different type of opinions. Otherwise I think this book is a FUN book. I wonder if An Na has any more books. You should definitely READ this! I think this book will be always be in my head! If someone asks , I'll respond with this book!"
— Karen (5 out of 5 stars)
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“Oh’s appropriately girlish voice and measured reading bring to life Young Ju, quiet heroine of debut novelist Na’s dark tale of a family of Korean immigrants…Oh’s characterization, which realistically captures this powerful contemporary story and gives authentic crispness to Korean words and phrases, will keep listeners in its grip.”
— Publishers Weekly, audiobook review
A Step From Heaven Listener Reviews
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Joanna Forakis, 2/18/2021
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— Tori, 2/8/2014 -
" A Step From Heaven was an excellent book placing the reader in the shoes of an immigrant to the United States. Young Ju is the character that the reader follows as she moves to America from Korea. THe book is written in such a way that the reader can see how Young Ju is growing in her English and knowledge of what is truly American by the way the book is written. Although this book does evoke sadness it brings to light the reality of the experiences of some immigrants to America. This helps the reader think about how he or she treats immigrants and breaks down stereotypes placed on immigrants. "
— Amelia, 2/7/2014 -
" I thought that this book was very powerful. I read it in one day so it kinda sped by and I only read it for school but it was pretty good and exceeded my expectations.It was about a Korean girl who moved to America, convinced it was heaven, but her experience was completely different and she learns more about herself as a person and her family. At first it was weird because it starts out when she was 5 and extends until she's going to college, which is pretty cool. Usually I wouldn't like it because I like more of the fantasy kind of books like the hunger games but this was a "good read". "
— Crazy, 1/27/2014 -
" This book is amazingly real and haunting but so beautiful at the same time. The emotion is so raw and so consistent, I couldn't put the book down for one second. A beautiful read for anyone who enjoys stories about families from other cultures who move to America searching for the American Dream. "
— Diana, 1/21/2014 -
" What a great strong heroine, learning to live in a new culture while her father falls apart and turns abusive under the strain and her mother struggles to keep the family together. A fast read but worth it. "
— Handd51, 1/13/2014 -
" Excellent multicultural book for young readers. "
— Dina, 1/4/2014 -
" Heart-breaking story. Interesting information about Korean immigrants. "
— Sarah, 12/30/2013 -
" This is a powerful and intriguing novel once you get through the beginning. It begins with the four-year-old Young Ju Park describing how she sees the world though her eyes. The ending is memorable and well written. "
— Mrs., 12/27/2013 -
" A true account of a young girls struggle with immigrating to America from Korea. Beautifully written. Short and easy to read. Adolescent literature. "
— Amity, 11/25/2013 -
" Verrrrry sad, verrrry abusive dad I found this sad but I learned a lot from it. Summer reading book #1 "
— Haley, 11/7/2013 -
" Better than I expected, beautifully crafted. "
— Tara, 10/3/2013 -
" it's an adorable book where you learn about a Korean girl who goes to her new home and finds out how to live with new people who are from different places. "
— Paloma, 4/15/2013 -
" Great book about acculturation from young adult perspective. "
— Janet, 6/9/2012 -
" I couldn't put it down and am still haunted by it. A must read. "
— Jayme, 6/1/2012 -
" You can totally learn from this book. I am sure every one can read this book! "
— SooMin, 5/25/2012
About An Na
An Na was born in Korea and grew up in San Diego, California. A former middle school English and history teacher, she lives in Vermont.
About Jina Oh
Jina Oh is a voice talent and audiobook narrator.