Crying in H Mart

1. General Impressions

Gather initial thoughts and broad opinions about the book.

• What aspects of Zauner’s story do you find most relatable or universal? How does her journey through grief resonate with broader experiences of love and loss?
• In what ways does Zauner explore the complexities of family relationships, especially considering cultural differences? How do her relationships with her mother and father differ in terms of support and connection?
• Zauner’s pursuit of Korean cooking and traditional recipes becomes a way to remember her mother and feel close to her. What are your thoughts on how cultural practices, like food, can become a bridge to people we’ve lost?

2. Personal Reflection and Connection

Encourage readers to connect the book’s themes and characters with their personal experiences.

• How does Zauner’s connection to Korean food as a symbol of family and heritage resonate with your own experiences of food and culture? Are there specific dishes or traditions that remind you of your own loved ones?
• Zauner reflects on her desire to win her mother’s approval and the conflicts they faced because of their differences. How do you relate to her journey toward understanding her mother, and have you experienced a similar journey with someone in your life? 
• Throughout the memoir, Zauner grapples with her Korean identity and her American upbringing. How does this experience compare to your own feelings of belonging, either culturally or in other areas of life? 
• Zauner’s mother advised her to “save 10 percent” of herself, a saying that lingers with Zauner throughout the book. How do you interpret this advice? Do you think it shaped Zauner’s views on her mother, and do you relate to it?
• Zauner shares the difficult aspects of her mother’s illness and her own painful emotions without holding back. How do you think this approach enhances or changes your understanding of grief? Do you think vulnerability in storytelling can help with healing? 
• Zauner finds that creating art and learning her mother’s recipes help her process her grief. Have you ever used creative or hands-on practices to work through challenging emotions? If so, how did it impact you?

3. Societal and Cultural Context

Examine the book’s relevance to societal issues, historical events, or cultural themes.

• How does Zauner’s portrayal of her mother’s Korean heritage reflect common experiences of immigrant families in the US? In what ways do you think cultural differences impact parent-child relationships in immigrant families? 
• Zauner finds herself at odds with her father after her mother’s death, struggling to connect in their shared grief. How does Zauner’s relationship with her father reflect challenges faced by families dealing with loss and grief? In what ways might cultural differences exacerbate these challenges? 

4. Literary Analysis

Dive into the book’s structure, characters, themes, and symbolism.

• Zauner’s descriptions of Korean food are often lush and sensory. How does her writing style reinforce the emotional significance of food in her relationship with her mother? What role does this style play in conveying her cultural identity?
• In what ways does Zauner use kimchi as a symbol of both loss and preservation? How does the act of making kimchi help her process grief and reconnect with her mother’s legacy?
• Throughout Crying in H Mart, Zauner shifts between different points in time. How does this non-linear narrative structure contribute to the themes of memory, loss, and self-discovery? 
• The relationship between Zauner and her mother is filled with tension and love. How does Zauner’s portrayal of this complex relationship challenge traditional expectations of mother-daughter relationships? 
• Zauner includes Korean phrases and culturally specific references throughout the memoir. How does this choice enhance the reader’s understanding of her cultural heritage and the personal significance of her Korean identity? 
• Karaoke is a recurring motif in Zauner’s life, and it holds different meanings in different contexts. How does karaoke evolve as a symbol of connection, catharsis, and cultural heritage for Zauner? 

5. Creative Engagement

Encourage imaginative and creative connections to the book.

• Write a letter from Chongmi to Michelle, sharing her thoughts on the parts of herself she kept hidden or held back. What insights might Chongmi offer about her own struggles, dreams, or values, and how might this letter help Michelle understand her mother even more deeply? 
• Imagine you are preparing a traditional meal from your own culture or family history. What dishes would you include, and how would you share them with someone new to your culture? Describe the significance of each dish and how it connects you to your heritage. 
• Zauner finds karaoke to be an activity that bridges personal and cultural connection. Discuss or write about an activity, tradition, or ritual in your own life that has a similar effect. How does it help you connect with loved ones, your culture, or your own identity? 

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