Pat Harris invited Sang to her book club in Newport Beach on August 11, 2009. Members, Pat Harris, nancy French, Sue Gilbert, Terry Mitchelle, D’ette Steelberg, Marcy Strom, Lynn Tomalas, Carol Woodman and guests, Janet Clause and Linda Maggard enjoyed discussing Grace Notes after a Korean Kal-bi dinner at her lovely home.
Mesa Verde Book Club 9.21.09
Mesa Verde Book Club, where Sang is a member, met at Sang’s house on September 21, 2009. Members, Sonja Gray, Jan Brown, Joanne Fuerbringer, Rochelle Russo, Kendra Jacoby, Emily Pierson, Bette Rothman, Marylane Graham, Carol Banks, CJ Thomas and Pat Rieden had lots of questions to ask Sang and enjoyed an intimate discussion about her book.
Grace Notes is an ambitious memoir, June 15, 2009, by Betty Rothman
“Grace Notes is an ambitious memoir, telling of the author’s life in Korea and her immigration to America to follow her dream of becoming a famous cellist. Her honest, emotional revelations make this an appealing book. She shares her family struggles, loves and losses openly and fearlessly. I thoroughly enjoyed reading about her journey to discover her own life’s grace notes.”
We need more memoirs like this, June 20, 2009, by E. Chang
“Ms. Bukaty writes an honest, enveloping memoir of trials and tribulations, but also of pure joy and love. One of the most remarkable things about this memoir is its author, a first-generation Korean-American mother. How often do first-generation Asian-American women write memoirs of their lives, in English, no less? The author of Grace Notes does an excellent job of balancing her Korean and American lives, earning her the true title of a Korean-American woman. From the beginning I was drawn in by her childhood experiences, and especially her relationships with her father, mother and sisters. Furthermore, you will find yourself effortlessly learning about what it is like to grow up in Korea – with the holidays, funerals and preparation of traditional meals described in complete detail. The author’s note is another highlight of the book, as it artistically, poetically explains why she chose to write the story of her life. Upon finishing the book, you will wonder who wrote this book, but at the same time, you will feel as if you experienced everything by her side.”
The blessings and toll of life., June 18, 2009, by B. Baker (Los Angeles, CA USA)
“Sang-Eun Lee Bukaty’s beautiful autobiography is rich in scope and as honest as anything I have ever read.
From the very first pages I was hooked. Beginning in Seoul we are introduced to a family of tradition and heritage,
and unfortunately for grandfather, another granddaughter.
Sang-Eun invites us into her life’s story and captures our hearts. From the invasion of South Korea to her family’s harrowing ordeal during occupation, I felt like I was reading a spy novel. With brutally honest descriptions of life and the confusion and pain of dealing with issues that all children face, it was stirring to know that someone could put such thoughtful and poignant words down on paper.
Her life as an artist begins and it is wonderful. There are stories about music and food and boys, and yet throughout it all her devotion to her family and talent is inspirational. Life in America proves to be a challenge, but with her usual grace and economy she takes us on a ride that is both funny and heartbreaking. I recommend it not just to mothers and daughters, but also to anyone who yearns to experience a journey worth taking. It is an important book about the blessings and toll of life.