A Step from Heaven

Written by An Na

A Korean girl navigates cultural clashes and family turmoil in America, seeking her own identity.

3.8 Goodreads · 8,525 ratings

148 pages· 38,953 words· Est. 3.5 hour read· 670L

$10.99Save 5%

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Bookroo's summary

Young Ju moves from Korea to Southern California, expecting a paradise. Instead, she faces cultural barriers, family struggles, and gender biases. As her family fractures, Young Ju must find her voice amidst chaos. A pivotal event challenges her dreams but reveals her inner strength. Can she redefine her vision of heaven and carve out the future she deserves?

From the publisher

When four-year-old Young Ju Park first hears the words Mi Gook – Korean for “America” – she is sure that they mean “Heaven.” But when her family moves to Southern California the following year, she finds the transition from life in Korea far from easy. The countless unexpected challenges – from learning English, to finding work, to attending school – put more and more pressure on the Park family until its fragile construction begins to splinter. Yet as Young Ju grows from child to adolescent in her new home she finds a surprising new voice – neither Korean nor American, but uniquely her own. That voice allows her to make sense of her world, and gives her the strength to succeed. A Step from Heaven is the stunning debut of an equally unique writer.