Today we have our first interview in a comic format and it’s definitely a treat. Kim Hyun Sook and Ryan Estrada along with Ko Hyung-Ju created the graphic novel memoir Banned Book Club. I was lucky enough to read an advanced copy and reviewed it at the end of March. You’ll want to snatch it up when it goes on sale May 19th.
Banned Book Club was fascinating. In 1983 Hyun Sook was a young college student. When someone invited her to a book club, Hyun Sook wasn’t expecting to find danger, but that’s exactly what she walked into. During that time, censorship was alive and well in South Korea. Reading banned books and sharing them with others was seen as an act of rebellion. Even in the face of severe consequences though, young people were willing to work together fighting to make their society better for everyone. Hearing the story from a person who lived through the experience made it very compelling. When I finished reading, I had plenty of questions and am so glad Hyun Sook and Ryan were able to answer a few of them for us all.
To learn more about this book and the creators, check out @BannedBookClubs & @ryanestrada on Twitter or visit Ryan’s website.
You guys are inspiring. What an amazing team you have become. I am looking forward to reading the book in the near future.