Author: Son Wonpyeong
Genre: Drama, Human, Friendship
Publisher: Changbi
Page: 233

 Almond, published on March 2017, is loved by the public as a long-term bestseller among Korean novels. This book is a coming of age novel which deals with the hardships, events, and friendships that the protagonist, who lacks emotions and empathy, faces in the process of growth. The events surrounding the main character developed in a-gripping story.
 Yoonjae, the protagonist, lost his family on Christmas Eve. Therefore, he lives alone with help from Dr. Shim. He realized that he lacks emotions and empathy due to a problem in the amygdala. In the story, he faces various conflicts with others inside and outside of school, and sometimes he builds friendships and deep connections which encourage his inner growth. The plot contains not only Yoonjae’s story and but also Gon’s who is a significant character in this book. A reader who looks at the conversations and actions of the characters fall into their story without boredom.
 This book draws in readers through lively lines, speedy and attractive stories. With shocking introduction and charming characters, readers will be fascinated to the plot. Furthermore, the growth of characters also give feeling that readers are growing with them. Through this story, we can realize again how difficult it is to understand others and empathize with other’s feelings. The trials and development of one boy help us consider the deep meaning and process about growth.
 
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