Somewhere Inside is the electrifying, never-before-told story of Laura Ling’s capture by the North Koreans in March 2009, and the efforts of her sister, journalist Lisa Ling, to secure Laura’s release by former President Bill Clinton. This riveting true account of the first ever trial of an American citizen in North Korea’s highest court carries readers deep inside the world’s most secretive nation while it poignantly explores the powerful, inspiring bonds of sisterly love.
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"one of the best pieces of nonfiction I've read. this was a really compelling story, and I couldn't get enough. even though I knew things turned out okay and that everyone lived and came home, it was still an emotionally tough read and left me with an overall feeling of despondency about the state of the closed-off nation that is North Korea. and praying for peace."
— Audra (4 out of 5 stars)
“Extraordinary…An inspiring story of sisters.”
— Lisa See, New York Times bestselling author“A memorable and lovely book.”
— Simon Winchester, New York Times bestselling author“A page-turning account of not only international geopolitics, sisterhood, and familial triumph but also a portrait of humanity at its best.”
— Deepak Chopra“A riveting story of captivity and the enduring faith, determination, and love of two sisters.”
— Booklist (starred review)" spellbinding account of an unbeleivable story... "
— Eric, 2/15/2014" Also looking forward to reading the book by the other woman held, Euna Lee. "
— Susan, 2/3/2014" I wept as I read this book... Very emotional. It was gripping. I couldn't wait to finish it and have them home. Love, love , love this book. "
— Barb, 2/2/2014" Gripping...the power of true Sibling love, well written. "
— Adrian, 2/1/2014" I wondered when this whole thing was happening, why Al Gore didn't go and rescue them. This book explains why it had to specifically be Bill Clinton. Scary and honest. "
— Kathy, 1/29/2014" 4-1/2 stars! An eye opener on North Korea. Amazing story! "
— Christy, 1/15/2014" The interesting thing about this book is the first hand account of what goes on inside North Korea. It's surprising. "
— Cagney, 1/15/2014" Outstanding. The ordeal the families went through and the political strings that had to be pulled to gain the women's freedom is incredible. The continued brainwashing of the NK'n people is unfathomable. "
— Denise, 1/2/2014" This was such on eye opening book about the lives of those in N Korea, and the mind set of those in power. "
— Rose, 12/20/2013" It was more interesting hearing about the political back story "
— Poli, 12/2/2013" I thought this book was awesome, as a fan of Lisa Ling way before this ordeal I am glad she chose to write about this hard experience and share it with everyone else. "
— Karim, 11/26/2013" I enjoyed this book but ended up skimming parts of it. I was more interested in the story of 2 sisters separated, not so much in the political moves of this event. Though, after reading it, I dont know that the two can be separated. "
— Jill, 8/4/2013" Great and powerful story of the women in Korea. "
— Sarah, 6/11/2013" Wow! What an interesting read. It was a great look inside North Korea and the inner workings of North Korea. "
— Beth, 2/19/2013" Enjoyed reading this. It was educational but at the same time heart wrenching. Such a good story of family ties and the bond between sisters. "
— Katiemariec, 1/28/2013" Quick read - read it this morning - interesting to see what an isolated and "big brother" country North Korea is. Would love to find the documentary that Lisa Ling did on North Korea for national geographic "
— Connie, 12/8/2012" Fantastic book! Insight into political& international policies. Could not put this book down. Thank God for getting Laura out of North Korea. "
— Linda, 10/7/2012" scared the hell out of me grate book "
— Heather, 3/3/2012" Worth reading, I really liked the way it bounced back and forth bewteen her voice and her sisi "
— Ashli, 1/22/2012" I saw Laura Ling speak last week. Excellent speaker, enjoyed her story. "
— Shelby, 12/26/2011" Absolutely fascinating read, although the leftist leanings did kind of get on my nerves (so much of it didn't feel necessary, although I understand some other parts of it). "
— Elizabeth, 7/13/2011" I was fascinated with this story when it was going on. It was great to see what was going on from Laura's point of view. "
— Katie, 6/23/2011" Interesting look into captivity in North Korea for Laura Ling, and Lisa's side while her sister is on the other side of the world. "
— Sarah, 5/21/2011" This was a fascinating read, with all the political maneuvering, in both the US and North Korea, that it took to get these two female journalists released from North Korea. It was an interesting discussion book for my book club. "
— Beth, 5/11/2011" I enjoyed this book but ended up skimming parts of it. I was more interested in the story of 2 sisters separated, not so much in the political moves of this event. Though, after reading it, I dont know that the two can be separated. "
— jillelise, 5/2/2011" I found this book quite interesting and easy to read. It gave me a glimpse into North Korea, an area I've never read about, and made me think about the world in a different way. "
— amypete, 4/27/2011" Great book! I really love the layout and how the story was told. "
— Jennifer, 3/11/2011" This story was all over the news and there really isn't any new information. North Korea is whack pure and simple. "
— Carol, 3/5/2011" Very well-written overall, and it even made me cry in a few spots! I had no idea all of this happened, which I now know was because a ton of details were withheld from the media. Definitely a great read. "
— Jennifer, 2/18/2011" This book is beautifully written. It tells it's story in a manner that would lead you to believe you were reading a novel. Unfortunately its events were all to real for the two sisters who recount their nightmare with clear and careful detail. A gripping read! "
— Whitney, 2/16/2011" Absolutely fascinating read, although the leftist leanings did kind of get on my nerves (so much of it didn't feel necessary, although I understand some other parts of it). "
— Elizabeth, 2/8/2011" Fascinating account of Laura Ling's imprisonment, conviction and ultimate release in and from North Korea and her sister Lisa Ling's experience on working on the outside to secure her sister's release. Also a sweet portrait of their relationship with each other. "
— Melissa, 2/7/2011Laura Ling is host and correspondent for E! Investigates. Previously she was vice president of Current TV’s investigative journalism series Vanguard.
Lisa Ling is a special correspondent for the Oprah Winfrey Show and a host of National Geographic Explorer. She was also a cohost of ABC’s The View and a reporter for Channel One News.