---
product_id: 15067149
title: "Under the Same Sky: From Starvation in North Korea to Salvation in America Hardcover – January 1, 2015"
brand: "joseph kimstephan talty"
price: "A$45"
currency: AUD
in_stock: true
reviews_count: 5
url: https://www.desertcart.com.au/products/15067149-under-the-same-sky-from-starvation-in-north-korea-to
store_origin: AU
region: Australia
---

# Under the Same Sky: From Starvation in North Korea to Salvation in America Hardcover – January 1, 2015

**Brand:** joseph kimstephan talty
**Price:** A$45
**Availability:** ✅ In Stock

## Quick Answers

- **What is this?** Under the Same Sky: From Starvation in North Korea to Salvation in America Hardcover – January 1, 2015 by joseph kimstephan talty
- **How much does it cost?** A$45 with free shipping
- **Is it available?** Yes, in stock and ready to ship
- **Where can I buy it?** [www.desertcart.com.au](https://www.desertcart.com.au/products/15067149-under-the-same-sky-from-starvation-in-north-korea-to)

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## Description

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## Customer Reviews

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ oh boy
*by C***O on March 10, 2025*

This is an excellent and poignant memoir of a child who has suffered, survived and thrived- by telling his story. Highly recommend.

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Mixed feelings taint some great stories
*by T***R on July 22, 2015*

I heard Kwang Jin (Joseph) talk on NPR and was fascinated by his philosophy about what it takes to beg. It's similar to Tim O'Brien's, "The Things They Carried" in where our protagonist doesn't have the guts to dodge the war draft by fleeing to Canada. We may see that begging is an easy way out but these stories contradict that mentality. Moreover, we may find the motives for beggars and thieves to be economical gain, but as Kwang Jin recounts, it was survival. I'd argue these philosophies translate into our modern world. We bend the natural and moral to accommodate and stay afloat. As hinted when Kwang Jin visits China, he is shocked by the way people dressed. Adrian was sensitive to this and helped the refugees dress accordingly. His survival was increased by what he wore, not just by where he was. Now onto the book.This book left mixed feelings. It's not difficult to read, there are unhinged recounts of what life can be like for someone who grew up in North Korea written concisely and in a story telling way that's engaging. Feelings are mixed because it was co-written. There were a few spots that don't quite meld well with the overall theme of the story. These moments happen particularly toward the end of the book. Kwang Jin is in China and just starting to learn about Christianity and it's mentioned, "A voice inside my head said, you can't go back, you won't make it, you'll be caught and it will be another miserable chapter in your life." (page 232 second paragraph). Any other time this would be Kwang Jin simply thinking to himself. However, when he is just beginning to learn about Christianity he starts "hearing voices" opposed to thinking to himself. I found this to have an evangelistic feel to it. Not long after in the Epilogue an entire paragraph seems misplaced. In context, Kwang Jin is reflecting on his accounts with depression and his desire to help those in North Korea. A seemingly random and unnecessary paragraph ensues, "Only together can we bring justice and freedom to North Koreans. This is their right as human beings. And I hope to see the day where they enjoy the same justice and freedom that I do." (page 266 third paragraph). This paragraph seems to be a call for activism. For a book that comes off as so genuine and engaging to include small, seemingly thrown-in references is highly disappointing. In such a case the book should have been longer and include more detail on activism and Christian efforts for North Koreans to inform readers more deeply on the topics.The book is so rich with information and ideas that I'm sure will stick with me the rest of my life. My review is based solely on the book in its entirety. I'm not giving Kwang Jin's life four stars, and encourage readers to watch his TED talk after the book. I hope the other North Korean refugees are doing well, and I have high hopes for Bong Sook.

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ A true, and harrowing, tale
*by B***R on August 31, 2015*

UNDER THE SAME SKY by Joseph KimWhat a harrowing tale Joseph tells in this, his story from early childhood in North Korea to young manhood in America.His father is a mid-level party worker and his family is comfortable in the 1980’s. Kim, his father, mother and sister, Bong Sook, live with electricity, a TV and plenty of food and snacks. Then the famine in North Korea takes all of that away. His father and mother lose their jobs, then their furniture, TV and even clothing in order to eat. Eventually they lose their home and are dependent upon their extended family for a roof and food. Finally they have exhausted all options. Kim’s mother sells his sister in South Korea, and disappears. Joseph is left on his own as a young boy. The book details the heartrending life he leads as a homeless youth, descending into theft, lies and violence to survive. Written in simple, but graphic terms, he tells how he ultimately loses all hope and faith in communism and North Korea. He sneaks into South Korea at great risk, becoming a refugee from one the world’s most repressive regimes.The book’s subtitle, FROM STARVATION IN NORTH KOREA TO SALVATION IN AMERICA, gives the story of his life in one sentence. This is a book that will not leave you for many months. You will learn about life in North Korea when things go well and how quickly plenty can turn to extreme want when a government is oblivious to the needs of the citizens – and how citizens continue to defend and love their country long after the country has abandoned them.5 of 5 stars

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*Product available on Desertcart Australia*
*Store origin: AU*
*Last updated: 2026-03-02*