Somewhere Inside: One Sister's Captivity in North Korea and the Other's Fight to Bring Her Home

Well another interesting book where I knew the ending ahead of time, but did not know the details behind the news stories. **SPOILER**Before I review the book itself - I learned something interesting in Laura Ling retelling the story. I was unaware that the guide that they had chosen to take them through China and near North Korea caused them to enter North Korea illegally. Although, my first reaction when I heard the news stories were - OK ladies - why didn't we know we were in North Korea - DUHH. WELP that thought hasn't changed because now I know that they knew they had entered the country AND not only that they had entered China on incorrect visas/passports. Instead of using media passports, they went in as tourists - I am sorry my sympathy for the situation diminishes just a little after hearing all these details. ***SPOILER COMPLETE*** After my soapbox moment - onto my review of the book. I absolutely loved how they intertwined Lisa and Laura's stories, so you were not only hearing the story from inside North Korea, but the work that was being done to free the girls at the same time. I liked how they chronologically mingled and it helped make the story complete. I was absolutely intrigued by the amount of story that wasn't released, yet included in this book. It made me wonder how much "news" I don't see hit the airwaves or is delayed due to circumstances. I know there are things that happen just down the road from me in D.C. that may never hit the news blogs and how creepy and crazy is it that some things are never shared. Makes you think. I definitely enjoyed reading this book and reading how the whole situation was handled with extreme care. I am amazed at how hard it was to have both the US and North Korea come together to agree on terms and release these two women. I am definitely not planning a trip anytime soon to Korea.

After following this story last year, and having an interest in North Korea in the past, I'd been looking for a book that could provide me with some insight into the world created by Kim Jong Il and his father, and with this book, got that and much more. Somewhere Inside is a phenomenal memoir that provides not only a riveting look into the psyche of those in North Korea, and the red tape those wishing to accomplish ANYTHING politically in the US encounter, but is also a truly inspiring story of the relationships Laura has with her husband, sister, and parents. I would absolutely suggest this book to anyone with an interest in politics, North Korea, or even those just looking for a great read, and to learn a bit.

I was surprised by the story and found the information interested. I still do not know what I think of the journalistic methods they use. I understand why they do it, but I'm still a bit uncomfortable with what they do/did. I also do not agree with NK border officers going into China. Two wrongs do not make a right.