Super Short Summary

In Order to Live by Yeonmi Park and Maryanne Vollers chronicles Yeonmi Park's harrowing journey from North Korea to freedom. Born in Hyesan, Yeonmi and her family initially thrive due to her father's trading business, but the family's fortunes dwindle following the economic collapse of the 1990s. After her father's imprisonment and struggles, Yeonmi and her mother escape to China, only to be ensnared in human trafficking. They endure significant hardships but ultimately make it to South Korea, where Yeonmi works to rebuild her life, share her story, and advocate for human rights. Descriptions of abuse, including human trafficking, are present throughout the book.