Reviews for "Meridian"

Amazon - Reviews from the United States

A. A. Clifton
5 Stars - Ambition embedded in determination and tenacity
Reviewed in the United States on June 12, 2024 Verified Purchase
Kija Kim is no mere first-time writer. It's hard enough to write in itself - and in your mother tongue. But to do so in a second language is an accomplishment unto itself - even with the help of a seasoned coach. Take that and flavor it with deeply felt emotions from all kinds of traumatic life experiences - running from brutal North Korean and Chinese invaders, falling down a well as a child, crashing a car into a tree thanks to sheer exhaustion at work here in the USA, dealing with a very difficult first marriage, then suffering the unspeakable loss of a child - it's a long list of many painful episodes that keep the reader immersed from page to page. Some might find her mention of certain banalities of life unnecessary, yet even they come to life through the fresh eyes of an American immigrant who succeeded where many others did not. For those who want to learn a little about South Korean customs and what it takes to move from your country of birth to a very different, distant culture. this is an engrossing read. Thank you for your feedback.

David Tarbet

5 Stars - Bravery, survival and joy.

Dear Kija. My knowledge of you and Jim, of course, covered only the last part of your story. I had to learn about your bravery in coming to the United States and about your surviving the hardships of your first marriage and the tragedies you had to overcome on the way through it. I was so happy when I got to the account of your marriage to Jim, an event that I joyfully recall! That pleasure continued through the memory of Silk Road benefit dinners and visits to Nantucket.

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Maria Waine

5 Stars - Everyone has a story to tell. Your story shook me to the core.

From the beginning to the end, I felt your pain, your suffering, your challenges and then the joy of success, dreams coming true and happiness. My takeaway was never give up and always keep dreaming.

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Gary Mullinnex

5 Stars - Don’t give up, be confident and always stay positive!

Reviewed in the United States on June 2, 2024

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It’s a quick read and compelling. Kija tells the story, gets to the point and does so directly and honestly. I was ten when she was in the third grade in So. Korea. I listened with my family to the news reports and remember those years vividly. To read of some near my age who experienced far more than I head about was compelling and an insight into Kija’s durability and determination. While there were many tough experiences, Kija concludes this epic tale with gratitude for her family and her life. All’s well that ends well, comes to mind.

One person found this helpful

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Margie Wollam

5 Stars -Meridian is inspirational.

Reviewed in the United States on May 25, 2024

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Kija Kim has written an inspirational story. First she recounts her life as a child growing up in Korea during the Korean War. She has a strong sense of family. In spite of that, she crosses the globe alone to seize the opportunity to study in the USA. The issue in the book that resonates with me: how very difficult it is for an honorable person to confront a broken marriage, especially when children are involved. Kija has the confidence to seize many opportunities, and she reaches a meridian in her professional life. She finds time to help others in crisis. Her thoughtful motto is “Opportunity comes to prepared minds.”

One person found this helpful

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David & Susie Auerbach

5 Stars - It's a wonderful read!

Reviewed in the United States on June 8, 2024

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This is a remarkable bittersweet tale of persistence and not losing a dream. Kija immigrates to the USA from Korea despite having no close relatives or friends here. Notwithstanding the sadness and hard times, she survives and becomes a High Tech pioneer of Corporate Mapping. Her life is indeed on a Meridian surviving Triumph and Tragedy. It's a wonderful read.

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gigi

5 Stars - Inspirational Book

Reviewed in the United States on June 3, 2024

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I read this in a few short days. Like another reviewer I started the first chapter and couldn’t put it down. It’s an amazing book about family survival during the Korean War, perseverance when Kija moved to the US knowing no one, and her ability to start a business in an emerging area. It’s a very personal story which needs to be told.

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Amazon Customer

5 Stars - Inspirational Story!

Reviewed in the United States on June 6, 2024

When I read about the author, I expected to read how she grew up in Korea, came to the United States, and formed her company along the way. What a surprise to learn the circuitous, difficult, and often sad parts of her story. I love how she took advantage of every opportunity that came her way and used all of that when she needed it most! This is a book well worth reading that stays with you afterwards. Thank you for your feedback.

June Duke

5 Stars - The best book I have read this year

Reviewed in the United States on May 26, 2024 I loved this book!. It gave such an insight into the Vietnam war, the Vietnamese countryside and her people,, and into the life of an intelligent, hard working, determined girl, named Kija Kim. Once I started to read, I could not put it down. Not only did she vividly depict life in Vietnam, but also gave a vivid understanding of the difficulties women, and those of a different culture endured at that time in the U.S. I could have cried with her as she lost her children, and could sympathize with her 20 years of marriage to a difficult man. I do like happy endings, and this book does not disappoint. Thank you for your feedback.

Martha Berman

Reviewed in the United States on September 18, 2024

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I just finished your book—a shorter read. I thought it was fascinating and heart-wrenching . From the few things I read in our Nantucket Atheneum group, I knew something of your history but certainly nothing of your struggles and your sorrows. I was impressed with your honesty, your feisty spirit and your self-confidence.

Well done,

Martha

Jack Fortnum

5 Stars - Meridian: A story of unwavering spirit and positive outlook on life

I recently had the pleasure of reading the autobiography of this remarkable woman who has overcome numerous challenges in her life. Born in Korea during a tumultuous time of war the book traces her life from a young age in Korea to immigrating to the United States. Her story is one of resilience, determination, and ultimately, triumph.

I have had the opportunity to spend time with the author over the last several years. She always has a twinkle in her eye, and her intelligence and wit shine through in every page making her story both inspiring and engaging.

Overall I highly recommend this autobiography to anyone looking for a story of triumph over adversity and a reminder that even in the face of great challenges, there is always hope for a brighter future.

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Tom Chase

5 Stars - Thoroughly enjoyed "Meridian"

Dear Kija. I recently read and very much enjoyed Meridian. You have traveled much and accomplished even more. Perhaps for one of your next books you can share your experiences creating Harvard Design & Mapping, Inc. There must have been quite a few twists and turns in creating such a success.

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Jane Lee

5 stars - MUST READ

Reviewed in the United States on July 10, 2024

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Stealing watermelons, graduating from SNU (Seoul National University), waitressing, pausing and unpausing her career... what an amazing story and what an icon! It is rare to find a detailed memoir of a first generation Korean woman who lived through the Korean war and immigrated to the states by herself, and in the 1960's no less. Kija's upbringing/background is fascinating and extremely unique. As a second generation Korean American woman, I couldn't help but think of the many Korean elders/grandmothers/mothers I know who have carved out a space in America and carry stories like Kija. I felt like I grew alongside Kija as I read, I wondered what I would do if I were in her shoes, and I wondered the ways in which I could carve out my own path. Very inspiring, this is a must read!

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Anonymous Amazon Customer

5 stars - Inspirational Story!

Reviewed in the United States on June 6, 2024

Verified Purchase

When I read about the author, I expected to read how she grew up in Korea, came to the United States, and formed her company along the way. What a surprise to learn the circuitous, difficult, and often sad parts of her story. I love how she took advantage of every opportunity that came her way and used all of that when she needed it most! This is a book well worth reading that stays with you afterwards.

Thank you for your feedback.

Bill Kupper

5 stars - One Person Can Make A Difference
Reviewed in the United States on June 30, 2024
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Liked the book and the personal journey story. It is a story of sheer determination and wishing to succeed up against war, family trauma, the difficulty of being an Asian woman in business! Put it all together and you learn about geography and succeeding against huge odds.

One person found this helpful.

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Ron Klien

5 Stars - Inspirational Book

Reviewed in the United States on July 7, 2024

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Really enjoyed the book

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Peter Sohn

5 stars - A must-read!

Reviewed in the United States on July 30, 2024

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Kija’s story of grit and determination is a must-read for female business women everywhere!

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Rose Ann Giordano
5 Stars - Amazing & Inspirational Life! Reviewed in the United States on June 14, 2024
Verified Purchase Meridian is the compelling, bittersweet story of the remarkable life of Kija Kim. It recounts her struggles with a war, adoption of a culture so foreign to her homeland’s, an unfortunate marriage and heart breaking losses. Anyone of these issues could have derailed one’s hope and dreams. Against the odds, she faced them with a positive and courageous spirit, created her own opportunities and crafted an outstanding personal and professional life. By revealing to us the good, the bad and the ugly she again demonstrates courage and honesty. Once I began reading the book I could not put it down! My bet is you won’t either. Thank you for your feedback.

Jane Doddridge

5 Stars - MERIDIAN, by Kija Kim

Reviewed in the United States on May 29, 2024

Verified Purchase Meridian, written by Kija Kim, is a must read book. Kija not only tells a story of growing up in pre war Korea, the hard times she and her family endured. Kija continues her story on coming to the Unites States and her many hardships and joy's. Many who read the book will also resonate within themselves they own stories. 2 people found this helpful Thank you for your feedback.

Dale Comey

5 Stars - Inspirational

Reviewed in the United States on June 1, 2024

Verified Purchase

After purchasing this book I thought I would read a chapter. Three or so hours later I was finished. This is a story of a remarkable woman who never gave up or gave in. One person found this helpful Thank you for your feedback.

KIJA KIM is an award-winning entrepreneur and businesswoman. Born in Seoul, Korea, she came to America in 1966 to attend the Graduate School of Geography at Clark University in Worcester, Massachusetts. With her background in geography and a keen interest in computer programming, Kija was a pioneer of digital mapping in the mid-1980s and was the Founder and CEO of Harvard Design and Mapping Company (HDM) in Cambridge. Kija has been active within business, government, and Asian communities, serving on the Massachusetts Asian American Commission for twenty years. She was a member of the Republic of Korea’s Oversight Committee for the Three-Year Plan for Economic Innovation, appointed by South Korea’s President, Park Geun-Hye. Kija resides in Naples, Florida, with her husband and has two grown children and three grandchildren. Meridian is her first book. 

Award-winning entrepreneur and businesswoman

About Me

Family

Dedicated to empowering Asian communities at ATASK, Boston

Creating positive impact through philanthropy

More online retailers worldwide

Meridian eBook by Kija Kim - EPUB Book | Rakuten Kobo Australia

Meridian eBook : Kim, Kija: Amazon.in: Kindle Store - India

Meridian, eBook by Kija Kim | 9798990310629 | Booktopia

Meridian by Kija Kim | 9798990310612 | Booktopia

Browse Books | Shakespeare & Co.

Meridian (ebook), Kija Kim | 9798990310629 | Boeken | bol

Meridian - Kija Kim - Häftad (9798990310612) | Bokus

Meridian | Kim, Kija - 교보문고

Alle bøger af Kija Kim - Saxo. Læs Lyt Lev

Meridian von Kija Kim - Ebook | Online-Buchhandlung

Kija Kim - Böcker | Bokus bokhandel

Meridian 電子書籍 作：Kija Kim - EPUB 書籍 | 楽天Kobo 日本

Meridian - Dernier livre de Kija Kim - Précommande & date de sortie | fnac

Meridian / Kim, Kija - 紀伊國屋書店ウェブストア｜オンライン書店｜本、雑誌の通販、電子書籍ストア

Contact Information

I look forward to reading your review of "Meridian".

It is best to write your review on the site you purchased the book from. You can also post a review on Amazon, goodreads or wherever you purchased the book. You can also post a review to my Facebook page. Thank you!

Kija