Honoring the Fragility of Life with Jimin Han

Yuliana is joined by Jimin Han, the author of the novel, A Small Revolution. Born in Seoul, Korea, Jimin grew up in the United States, eventually attending Cornell University and earning an MFA from Sarah Lawrence College. Her writing can be found in a number of publications, and A Small Revolution, her first novel, has appeared on many ‘Best Fiction’ and ‘Must Reads’ lists. Jimin currently teaches at The Writing Institute at Sarah Lawrence College and Pace University, and today she takes us on the journey of how the passing of her mother left her heartbroken but still gave her strength to continue writing.

Jimin begins by delving into the event that redirected the course of her life - her mother’s passing, how that event strongly affected her, and the further strain it put on her relationship with her father. She discusses how she channels rage and becomes more protective of her energy and space as a writer, and describes the way that realizing how fragile life can make us slow down to catch our breath. The episode rounds off as Jimin talks about playing the piano, be it Beethoven or ABCs, and how it resonates with her life. Having learned just how very precious each and every day is in our lives, Jimin has gained much wisdom which she shares with listeners here today.

Episode Highlights: 

• The event that redirected the course of Jimin’s life - her mother’s passing

• Stepping into our own after a parent’s death

• How rage made Jimin more protective

• The concessions Jimin made

• How a sense of mortality affects our decisions

• Jimin’s second book

• Navigating a strained relationship with a parent

• The preciousness of time and how it makes us slow down

• Getting comfortable in a certain amount of discomfort

• Playing the piano