The Iron Butterfly

by Harmon, Choon-ok Jade; Rodriguez, Ana Maria (CON)

• ISBN13: 9781589808904
• ISBN10: 1589808908
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2011-03-01
• Publisher: Pelican Pub Co Inc

Summary

Choon-Ok Harmon was born soon after the Korean War, when South Korea was experiencing extreme poverty. This memoir describes the hardships she tried to overcome to achieve a better life. She moves to the U.S. and, through patience and perseverance, pursues her dream of becoming a martial artist.

Table of Contents

Introduction: Before I Tell You My Story	p. 9
Living in an Island of Mermaids
Haenyo, the Sea Woman	p. 15
Rough Beginnings	p. 19
"Do You Want Me to Tell You About My Mom?"	p. 27
The Octopus in the Cave	p. 39
No Money for School	p. 51
Rising Waters	p. 61
"We Live Together, or We Die Together"	p. 65
Dad	p. 69
Life in the Big City
Going to Pusan	p. 75
Life Goes On	p. 81
When I Discovered Martial Arts	p. 86
Real-Life Self-Defense	p. 93
The Best School	p. 100
No Cutting in Line	p. 106
Finding My Power	p. 117
Mom Said No!	p. 122
Mom's Change of Heart	p. 131
The Visa	p. 137
"And You Want to Marry Her Because...?"	p. 144
Life in a New Country
Going to America	p. 153
Honeymoon at the In-laws'	p. 160
"He Has No Money!"	p. 164
Accidents	p. 170
"What Are You Doing With My Sword?"	p. 173
Testing for Master Level	p. 178
Becoming Parents	p. 183
A Year in Korea	p. 192
Early Delivery	p. 199
Of Dog Rules and Riding Horses	p. 208
The Little Girl on the Beach Smiles	p. 214
Appendix	p. 218
Index	p. 223
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