P. J. Lee

PJ Lee is a very good writer. She's also a professional musician. Adopted as an infant by a Maryland couple, her self-published memoir, MY BIG SKINNY KOREAN FAMILY was written as a kind of therapy for the long-standing emotional trauma and confusion she has suffered since she was reconnected with her biological family at age 13. Shocked to learn she has TEN much older siblings in Seoul, Korea, Lee endured many ups and downs throughout her life after this revelation, pressured by these siblings and bio mother to move to Korea, to learn the language and, in general, to be more Korean. Raised American in the Maryland suburbs, she manages to resist all such demands and entreaties. But her memoir is also about a very happy childhood, with loving adoptive parents and two (also adopted) Korean-American siblings, followed by an adolescence filled with turmoil, angst and rebellion. But those years are saved by a love of music (she studied classical piano throughout her childhood) and becoming part of a close-knit high school drama club. She also tells of her musical career, two failed marriages and a long-term relationship with a much older man, who she loses to cancer. Another reason for this book - grief therapy.

I'll say it again. PJ Lee is a very good writer, and her wry sense of humor and sharp sarcasm shine through, a saving grace that has helped her survive some tough times. Bravo, Ms Lee.… (mere)