Michelle Zauner on "Crying in H Mart"

[@hellocharlieebarley]

What I admired about the book was that Michelle didn't just reflect on good memories with her mom, but bad memories. Often times when someone close to us passes away, people think we only want to share good memories about them. But like any relationship, it's not always sunshine and rainbows. I appreciated that she was vulnerable in that specific area.

[@E_swi]

I started to cry when watching this. My mom is also Korean and I can’t imagine a world without her. She’s done so much for me and she’s sacrificed a lot trying to make it in this country.

[@a697ag]

The book was amazing I lost my mom to breast cancer as well. She was diagnosed when I was 18. I am honored that I was able to take care of her for 10 years. I miss her every moment of every day

[@jennifergargiulo4526]

Thank you for this lovely interview. I read Crying in H-Mart shortly after my own dear mother passed away and I found it very comforting. I'm not Korean but I love kimchi. All the best to Michelle Zauner, she's a wonderful writer.

[@allyson--]

The pictures of Michelle with her mother............I'm ready to cry. I can't believe she outlet her grief into such touching music & writing....& food!

[@calchurchill2730]

It's very bittersweet looking at the comments section and seeing how many people here have gone through something similar and found a way to at least process their grief through connecting with her work, whether that's her book or music. I know that was true for me after my mom died. The book brought me to tears on the subway more than once, and I loved every page.

[@Mixedpuppy]

As a Korean Amerasian with a Korean Mom. I have never had a book impact me the way this one did. I had to pick up my phone and tell my mom how much I loved her and missed her. I even think I had a couple tears.

[@AI-mg3hy]

I feel this so much, even though my family is thoroughly American and the dish I connect to my mom with is also quintessential american food. I lost my mom in 2020 to cancer, and I feel so thankful that in the middle of the worst part of the pandemic I was able to be with her and care for her most days in the months before she passed. She was struggling with her appetite and not wanting to eat much, so I asked her what her most favorite meals were. She told me that when oysters are in season she made a big batch for my dad, but she hates them, so she made herself biscuits and gravy, which my dad hates. This was a big surprise to me, since I attribute my love of seafood completely to my mom. It was news to me that she hated oysters. So I made her biscuits and gravy for one of her last homemade dinners, and she said it was delicious even though she couldn't eat but half of it. And now my kids know that when they eat biscuits and gravy that it was Grandma's favorite, so that's something that we will always have to remember her.

[@laurenconrad1799]

Food and family. That’s universal, no matter where you’ve lived. Also, I’m so sorry about losing your mom. ❤️❤️❤️ And I too love seafood, but can’t stomach raw oysters. I might enjoy them cooked. Lol

[@RSVD84]

Condolences to you and your family

[@ramencurry6672]

In Italian families they love grand mother’s cooking. When she passes away, the food can be sad.

[@robinrichards3884]

This is beautiful ❤️ I’m sorry you lost your mom. I lost mine last year 🖤

[@th2k864]

I'm old, my mother is 94 and still very vital and creative. When she dies it I know it will be very painful even though I have had so much time with her on earth. I am sorry Michelle had so little time with her mother, she was still young when she passed. I hope, if she is not now, that she will soon be in a place of peace with things.

[@RichardRjmccoy]

I am 23 and started to cry watching this. My mom is still alive but thinking about the idea of losing my mother wrecks me.

[@NicoleAZ145]

It wrecks you when it happens too. I can’t believe it’s been two years. I still miss her every day.

[@204august2]

I just discovered her yesterday, my mother died from pancreatic cancer when I was 14, so I feel her pain.

[@lillypatience]

I got her book last year after seeing her on Trevor Noah. I had no idea who she was but she seemed so personable in the interview. The book is amazing, deep, and had me in tears a few times.

[@IamMeIam]

Def check out her music Japanese Breakfast!

[@JessieDubois8]

Ditto what It’s Me said. “Be Sweet” is so good!

[@jamesmziegler]

She's one of America's rising new music stars. I wish her well. ❤

[@espedidosgs]

I lost my mother last year after years of debilitating illness and so this book is something that I could very much relate to. Thank you for Michelle for you wonderful writing.

[@rubyperez1555]

Mama was Korean and dad hispanic. The kids never got the name-calling correct. My mom died in 2019 at the age of 83 and spent her last 10 months in hospice. The wins of getting her to take a bite of something was relatable. I miss her every single day.

[@leif1075]

How can you cope? Do you still have your Dad or siblings at least if I may ask..

[@christopherkilian9763]

I lost my mother on July 19th, 2020 at 11:25pm. Its been 18 months. My best friend! Still learning to cope.

[@AI-mg3hy]

I hear you friend, I lost my mom just about a month later. I hope you are doing well.

[@christopherkilian9763]

One day at a time. Thank you my friend.

[@DoritosResidue]

Lost both my parents to cancer. I totally understand what she went through. Love that she shared her experience it's very hard to speak about when you lose your parents and watch them diminish from cancer. My twin girls are actually half Japanese and they absolutely love the name of the band.

[@tinfoilhatnews7489]

I lost my Mom at age 13. She had more time than I did. It’s great she keeps her memory alive

[@angelapham9983]

Just finished reading the final five chapters from the book! Crying in H Mart is my new favorite book! I’m not Korean, but as an Asian-American who is currently dealing with grief, some of the references were so relatable! Keep it up Michelle! ❤️

[@PH-tv2sw]

My mom passed away last April from cancer and I am so happy she taught me how to cook many Vietnamese and Chinese dishes.

[@jooddart9736]

Japanese Breakfast is an amazing band

[@tiffanyjohnson5899]

I resonate so much with her experience. Grateful that she chose to share her words in this story.

[@sammyp9514]

oh wow, her band Japanese Breakfast is really good too! what a talent..would love to read the book

[@gensanx6697]

I read the book and i was crying the whole time. I just think about my mom the whole time.

[@jungersrules]

My mom died from ovarian cancer when I was 46 years old. Her death wasn’t crippling because I knew her time was limited and we both never denied the reality of death. And, to be honest, as crazy as we were for each other, we were totally different types of people. However, and I say this without emotion or because I’m being dramatic, I don’t care if I live or die anymore. Life just seems to lack depth after she died. It’s not like I was some life advocate before she died. It’s just that her passing meant the heart of our family was gone. And, so, without a heart there just isn’t a passion anymore.

[@lillypatience]

That cute pup in your profile pic is reason to want to live.

[@kaipark4944]

Hugs to you J Kim. Keep pushing through and remember- your mom would want you to.

[@MickeyDs14]

The same thing happened to my family when my moms sister died. We shared the same birthday and were so similar in so many ways. She died unexpectedly and our family dynamic shifted. I even went to a psychic and didn’t tell her anything about myself. She flat out said, “you guys don’t even call just to check on each other anymore.” It blew my mind because we really all just kind of suffered in silence with our feelings about her passing and stopped connecting as a family. But I truly believe she sent my uncle his wife because she reminds me so much of my aunt. Now we connect more as a family, I can feel her presence in some strange way. So, it’s as if my aunt never left. I hope you and your family have the same one day!

[@charlenemack7040]

My older brother dad and mom all passed away 28 years ago, all within 18 months. When my mother cooked she would say to me, you better write this down so you’ll have it later. I thought why do I need to write it down, where are you going mom, you’re going to be here forever. I never wrote any of her recipes down but she herself did hand write one of her recipes and it was for, cream of wheat. I eat cream of wheat at least once a week sometimes twice a week and every single time I make it I think of my mom. Guess what I had for breakfast four hours ago… you guessed it cream of wheat only back then I would put sugar and cinnamon on it, now I put Smuckers seedless red raspberry jam. I’m 70 years old, I miss you mom I miss you dad I miss you Mack! 💖💖💖💐

[@vsanchez7158]

When Seafood City opened in Chicago, I wished my mom was alive to see it.

[@nanlev613]

Everyone grieves in their own way, I’m glad she found a way to handle her grief.

[@Nighthawk-8050]

Can't wait to see the movie Thank you for the interview

[@tracipark4478]

I saw the book on the shelf at BN. I go to H Mart store often so when i saw the title, just had to get it. The relationship between mother / child; 1st / 2nd generation challenges.. I recommend all the 2nd gens navigating life with 1st gen parent to read this book.

[@lees7340]

I lost my mother last summer to colon cancer, 2022 is the first lunar new year without my mother. My sisters and I tried to recreate the dishes my mother made. Nobody complained, but deep down we all knew our cooking was not on par with mom.

[@DoritosResidue]

I lost my my mom to colon cancer also. Lost my dad last year to kidney cancer. It's very hard to deal with. her telling her experience made me tear up.

[@Anonymous-vu8qq]

I remember my brother asking me if I had read her article on this before he left for vacation. He was found dead in his room. I wish so much we could go to H-mart together one last time. I still can’t believe you are gone. I won’t let you down.

[@carolynjfulton8803]

So sorry - what a shock.

[@Anonymous-vu8qq]

@@carolynjfulton8803 Thanks Carolyn it was and still is

[@icebear8985]

I’m still starting to read the book, but the first chapter, broke me in pieces. I’ve lived in another country away from my mother since I was 15, I see her around twice a year and the feeling of longing and wanting to be close to your home is so familiar to me. I miss you mom. She’s also the one who gifted me the book.

[@ellendavismcannar4472]

Such a gorgeous book. I would highly recommend the audiobook because Michelle is the narrator.

[@gens2119]

This book and her music is AMAZING. You have to read and listen. Do yourself a favor.

[@trinhleloi]

great book. she's such a good writer

[@pogbert1]

There is no place that doesn't honor this magic woman. Michelle is literally the best of us. Peace Michelle.

[@sonyalindee8676]

Her blood is with you. She will forever be a part of you.🌱

[@melledelvani]

I want to read this. Just listening to the excerpts and her story got me emotional 😢 H-mart is my Disneyland.

[@joelashadali]

I have so much respect and admiration for Michelle as a person and artist

[@cjrocksu5942]

I saw Michelle and her band "Japanese Breakfast" on SNL (last epi) and it brough me here, but she's everywhere now!

[@RaymondHng]

I had no idea that this is the same person who is the vocalist of Japanese Breakfast on _SNL_ .

[@neliareyes5921]

I too have cried in an Asian grocery store my family shops at. I miss my Father and his cooking. Wishing you well Michelle. I’m glad you have those photos with your Mother.

[@EnronnSierra]

I am from Jamaica 🇯🇲 but H Mart is my home away from home when it comes to getting essential ingredients for my meals. Kinda expensive those.

[@fiestadancers]

I loved Hmart when you could buy things so cheap. It was like the secret place for veggies and seafood. Yeah, now it’s so inflated.

[@reginaahn4470]

OMG.. finally someone who i can relate to...my mom passed away Feb. 2023 about 3 days before my birthday. She had Parkinson's Disease. At 54yr. I recall a mixture of good/bad memories our relationship. Hmart was our favorite shopping place.

[@zxh5566]

what a tough woman with absolutely stunning hard effort from what unfortunate reality brought to her. she made it and that's inspring.

[@romstar]

Please, ladies -and gentlemen-get those screenings for cancer-particularly those like ovarian cancer that are harder to detect in the early stages.🙏 I don’t know what type of cancer took Michelle’s mom,but I know fear can make most of us put off getting regular checkups.😩🙏My aunt waited too long😔 and by the time she was diagnosed, the doctors said there was nothing more they could do for her. That was 31 years ago and she was only 44...😔

[@jessicahubbard7218]

Prayers 🙏 🙏

[@romstar]

@@jessicahubbard7218 🙏😘❤️

[@stevensong8784]

kimchi is the first vegetable that I tried. like when I was little and I never looked back. your story reminds me that I better learn how to cook my ethnic dish. Ms. Zauner.

[@republicoftexas4651]

I think of other places that absolutely strive to keep themselves so homogeneous, one-toned and-- I feel so blessed to be an American. Living in Houston I can literally go out and have super authentic: Korean, Mexican, Chinese, Ethiopian, Thai, Japanese, Peruvian, Puerto Rican foods and also, hear stories about those places from immigrants. We have three H-Marts in Houston. I love going there and just browsing, asking people for a new item I should try.

[@Horseloverfat2374]

Try Okarto Chips Italian or Sour Cream flavor - It has a cartoon chef on the package.

[@jeffalbillar7625]

Be careful of the ramen soups that have black or red wrapping. Unless of course, you like extremely hot ramen. I too love in a very diverse area where I can eat just about any type of food you can think of. I also used to work at Hmarts logistics center in Santa Fe Springs, Ca. We shipped groceries to the 3 Houston stores. There are also stores in Katy, Austin and a half a dozen other places that I forget the name of. Hmart has the biggest carrots I have ever seen from a grower in California. I have to say that Hmart has top notch fruits and vegetables for their stores

[@gp1925]

It is such a good book! I read this book last year. I didn’t realize it would make me as emotional as it did. It really made me feel like I was also grieving But my mother is still alive. It sort of made me sad in advance of my mothers passing. It made me want to write down her story and to visit my mom more and not get frustrated with her and argue about petty things. One of the author’s way of reconnecting with her mother after her death was to learn to cook the dishes she loved that her mother would make. It made me panic because I’m such a wreck in the kitchen and can never seem to get anything exactly how my mom makes it. My mom just had surgery to remove a tumor in her liver. I’ve started following my mom around like a shadow now. Trying to document every thing she does in the kitchen and around the house, the way she does and says things. I don’t want to wake up one day and not remember what she was like.

[@sandiludwig3018]

Loved the book!!!

[@grat2010]

Wish I had a H Mart close by.

[@bard2x]

How can't she cry while talking about her mother... I felt like crying for her. ㅠ.ㅠ

[@thisisJUSTlikestonewall]

i didn’t even realize she was in japanese breakfast until the end haha, their new album is good! i’m gonna read this :)

[@amandat3655]

“This half-an-inch tumor destroyed my family and tore my life apart.” This. This is what it feels like to lose someone from cancer.

[@abasjewel]

Kimchi jigae. My favourite too! I can make it as well. I miss my mom’s cooking too. So thankful to meet you last night in Charleston. ♥️

[@NineteenEightyFive]

sad but heartwarming story! i also love h mart :)

[@postmodernrecycler]

Food is more eloquent than language. I cook the things my grandparents made, and we are still able to say 'hello' and 'I love you' and 'you'll never leave'.

[@Backstage61]

Wow Michelle Is So Sweet

[@LMays-cu2hp]

Thank you for sharing.

[@pardontheplay]

Stay wonderful, Michele. Be Love Always

[@_chelles]

I love this book, a very good read, and she’s a great artist!

[@janetsingleton9141]

I really enjoyed her book.

[@mililaniman]

I love to eat kimchee in stew and fried rice. This is an inspiring and insightful story.

[@specialcookday]

Wow can't imagine how free ad H mart has gotten full nationwide thanks 2 this.

[@cherylcarlson3315]

2yrs ago my health was so very bad was in a funk wondering what memories my kids had of me, how exactly I would die, how to make it easier for them... hold them close or push them away? It's not like you can ask other people who are circling the drain... so how are you handling your kids through this? Her writing helps assuage this mom who now looks like will get a good bit older.

[@turnbullac6315]

i did same thing, i went to korean grocery, and church. after my dad passed

[@rossbooth4635]

How's it feel to stand at the height of your powers to captivate every heart? Projecting your visions to strangers who feel it, who listen, who linger on every word?

[@zhinan888]

Touch story

[@Roy-G-Biv]

great book, great store.

[@garfunkle5447]

Check her band, Japanese Breakfast. The music is so good. So prolific.

[@sangikshuffle]

I also cry at H mart.... when I look at the prices

[@nicolebrown1986]

Great interview

[@neliareyes5921]

Can’t wait for the movie. Hope it will be as good as “The Joy Luck Club.”

[@NellieKAdaba]

👍🏿

[@SL-lz9jr]

That’s a huge H Mart! The ones in Manhattan are so tiny

[@makeitmakesense2616]

OK I live in an algorithm. Or something weird going on. Literally waited on a band member in Japanese breakfast last night in New Orleans Had a conversation with him about his t-shirt and music This is one of those Oprah whisper moments

[@BrooklynBaby100]

I just came back from my first trip ever to H Mart and then got this video in my reccs… creepy

[@english2039]

She is one my favorite singers ever.

[@lajo142]

Alot of koreans in america are from jeolla province in korea. famous for good korea food.

[@bonnierobinson8684]

Its hard to loose your mother!

[@1868foxpoint]

Or lose!

[@ListeningAllAround]

heard the audio verison of the book, it was depressing

[@casualsuede]

I haven't read the book, so for me, the saddest thing about this story is that the closest hmart from me is an 8 hour drive.

[@dennismorris7573]

Very nice.

[@skynet40433]

Going to any Asian grocery feels like coming home - in Boston the Japanese selection is limited so I got to know food from Korea, Taiwan, and Vietnam more intimately. The Asian diaspora is strange to describe. We are different, but build homes in one another.

[@HR-xo2tj]

She’s half Korean not Japanese

[@skynet40433]

@@HR-xo2tj I was relating my own experience of the Asian diaspora. Never said she is Japanese.

[@thatcandont]

Might holler at this book

[@michelemurphy3541]

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@lasttwhisper]

once i saw that ramp i knew which h mart it was. lol

[@chante707]

🖤Kimchi

[@MrGordonGartrelle]

The Sunday Morning crowd may have been interested in just how big Michelle is in music. A shot from the back of the stage forward at Coachella or Pitchfork etc. would have easily made the point rather than "she's getting ready to go on tour." There was no context for those who don't know this and might enjoy watching her command a superb band playing her music.

[@Oblivisci........]

Ahhh Spam. My partner is of the Okinawan (Ryu Kyu) diaspora and I always thought that Spam was a Hawaiian thing. Never realized it was an Pacific Islander thing. At least the Islanders that have American military bases on them.

[@charlenemack7040]

Just to let you know, Spam comes in a lower sodium. While Spam is not a healthy food at least eating the one with lower sodium isn’t as bad! 🌻🌝

[@TheSaint7770]

❤

[@wlcoston]

So interesting

[@AsianFilmFanatic]

This went from my mom died to an H-Mart commercial fast.

[@davebowker1113]

I’m sorry I know this is hard to explain….. We are all going to die……… Celebrate her life--and u had time to spend with her

[@HMC2133]

Why her band name is Japanese breakfast?

[@chrisbruggers8076]

We shop at H Mart quite a bit

[@erniekwok2752]

thats so weird, most korean mothers are immortal. Its strange that yours died this is so tragic that you are the only one experiencing grief. Must be har to live on your adult life without your mother...

[@BestFitSquareChannel]

🤗♥️🌻

[@lovelylk35]

😅 Wow, no wonder I thought it looks so similar to the H Mart I go to...because it is the one I go to.....

[@buxanfuf]

H Mart is the bomb diggity!

[@joonchung7940]

Excellent, I wish you can influence to do truth about how h mart started,

[@TheMadisonHang]

next, is her cook book korean kimchi for the soul lol

[@angelotoscano19]

To have Hua Hsu described only as a correspondent is so sad tho.