Banned Book Club

"State-sponsored violence, censorship and youth-led protests are a reality of life in 1980s South Korea, which is ruled by a fascist military regime. Amid this harsh political climate, Kim Hyun Sook starts her first week at college and plans to stay apolitical. But her plans change when she accidentally joins a secret club that reads books banned by the government – and makes friends among the tear gas of the protests. Ko Hyung-Ju’s stylized art depicts powerful scenes of authoritarianism and activism while also skillfully weaving in recognizable moments, like the fear of disappointing loved ones and the butterflies of new love. A timely read about friendship amid chaos, how to fight oppression, and, for Kim Hyun Sook, at least, what it means to consider oneself apolitical in a world where politics is everywhere."