This book gives us a fascinating glimpse into the culture, politics and living conditions of North Korea–one of the most isolated and repressive countries in the world. It also tells the story of Mike Kim, a young American of Korean ancestry who, after learning about the repressive North Korean regime and the horrific living conditions in that country, left his job as a financial planner and founded the organization Crossing Borders, which provides food, clothing and medical care to refugees from North Korea who have escaped into China. He spent four years on the border–as well as crossing into North Korea–and has both witnessed first-hand as well as heard the stories of famine, corruption and repression in that country. His organization has established orphanages and shelters for refugees in China and aids them in finding placements in other countries as well. The stories of Kim as well those of the refugees he has helped, are compelling and inspirational as all have risked their lives to find peace and build new lives . I found Escaping North Korea a fascinating book.