Grace Notes

Hi Sang, I have just finished Grace Notes and wanted to tell you how much I enjoyed it. You have led an interesting life and the way you have written it kept me enthralled. I am impressed by your accomplishments  and your writing ability.  I am also an Immigrant  from the Netherlands, however I was only 3 yrs old when my parents brought me here.  My parents, however, were just in their 20′s and fresh from WWII, they too, have amazing stories to tell.  Just before my Dad died, 3 years ago we started to write down his story.  I was fascinated by the life he led and how he and his family overcame so much adversity. I applaud your willingness to share your story with others and just wanted to let you know how inspirational it was to me….. HENNY

How wonderful of you to take the time to document your most interesting history for your current family and the families of the future.  The Korean customs were fascinating and I have a new appreciation of the struggles that blending into a new “world” entails.  Thanks again for sharing your heartwarming and some times heart breaking story….

……Now allow me to tell you just how much I enjoyed Grace Notes. Not only did you have a wonderful story to tell, but you told it absolutely beautifully.  Maybe it was because I knew the storyteller, maybe it was because I admired your tenacity at being able to produce such a product, or maybe it was just because it was interesting and informative and simply a pleasure to read…..

Sang’s honest story-telling captivated my attention so much that I stayed up late at night until the book dropped out of my hand! I was hooked from the first page. I was entertained while learning about the Korean war and of her early childhood in North Korea and her family being forced from their home to South Korea. She shows how her musical talent was the catalyst for many of the twists and turns in her life. She portrays a life of destiny where the hand of God led her every step of the way to a point of realization that it was Him all along. Historical and entertaining read!

Dearest Sang,

…….This last year has been a blur to me and now with my twins home there is never enough time to do anything it seems but I must say that I’ve been stealing time to read pages of your book whenever I get an opportunity……..I just can’t focus, but I find myself gravitating toward [...]

…….I was very impressed with the depth and breath of your book and your amazing recollections of your young childhood with such details and perception.  As an ophthalmologist, I appreciated your precise description of your eye surgery experience at that young age.  I thought your candid feelings that you have expressed in your relationship with your family and friends were truly unusual for an Asian person.  Your commend of  English as your second language is no less astounding…..

Dear Mrs. Bukaty,

My name is Lee Jong Wan, English professor at Yanbian University of Science & Technology. I have recently read your book, Grace Notes and I have enjoyed it very much. I would like to congratulate you on your accomplishment of having written the amazing book. I have been impressed with your keen observation, sharp memory, detailed reminiscence, appropriate expression, rich vocabulary, excellent English, and refined sentence structure.

As an English teacher, I have learned a great deal from the book. I recommended it to my colleagues and my son, Jim Lee, chaplain at Oaks Christian High School in California. He was as impressed as I was. I wish you more success with the wonderful book.

I have also listened to your fantastic performance of Boccherini’s Cello Concerto on the Internet. It sounded heavenly. I believe you still play the instrument. My hobby is the classical music and I love especially violin and cello music. My favorite violinist is Sarah Chang. I am an armature singer with a baritone voice. I used to be a broadcaster at KBS, CBS and Voice of America. May the blessings of the Lord be with you and your family always.

Prof. Lee Jong Wan

July 28, 2009

Message: Dear Sang:  I want to tell you how extremely proud I am of you!!
This book made me want to cry at times, laugh at times, and filled my heart with joy!!!  It is truly a masterpiece!!!

July 16, 2009

Hi Sang!  I just finished your book.  It took me two days to read, i could not put it down.  Wow! i don’t know where to start. Yes, I do….I am so proud of you!  You have been telling me for years about your book and after reading it, I can understand why it took so long to write. Your story brought out a myriad of emotions.  I was entranced and enchanted as I turned the pages.  I laughed, I had empathy pangs, i cried, I felt myself being pulled into your life.  Your girls are so lucky and blessed to have you for their mom.  Great Job!

Stephanie is reading it next, then Ron, then my mom…I know they will enjoy your book as much as I have. I hope all is well with you and Dan, your daughters and your precious grandchildren.  Take care….Love, Dana

July 17, 2009

…..I was deeply moved for your honesty and courage to share your  
personal story with your readers. Your book is written beautifully and  
professionally. It is heartbreaking as well as heartwarming. I was  
totally engaged throughout your book.

Almost all of first generation of Korean Americans had similar  
experiences in adapting to a different culture and language for the  
pursuit of their American dreams. Therefore, Korean readers of our  
generation as well as our next generation would be able to easily  
connect to your book, be touched, and appreciate it.

    Heejoo Han