Portland’s Powell’s Books always keeps a robust events calendar. One event you don’t want to miss happens this Friday, March 31st. Author/musician Michelle Zauner is back in her home state of Oregon to read from her crowd-favorite memoir Crying in H Mart.
Born in Seoul, Zauner and her family moved to Eugene, Oregon, when she was only nine months old. After graduating from South Eugene High School, Zauner relocated to the east coast, where she attended Byrn Mawr College in Pennsylvania. Music fans may also recognize Zauner as the frontwoman of the indie pop band Japanese Breakfast. As of now, Zauner lives in Brooklyn. but she’s back in Oregon for a special book event at Powell’s Burnside location.
Not being from the States, I had never heard of Eugene, Oregon until I read Michelle Zauner’s memoir Crying in H Mart. It was also the first time I thought about the taste of my childhood. Using humor and emotional depth, she recounts her experience growing up as one of the few Asian American children in Eugene. Some books hurt so much to read that they will always be in the recesses of your mind. For me, Crying in H Mart was one of those books.
Crying in H Mart is a collage of resilience, identity, and grief. Zauner delves into her life growing up in Eugene and returning years later, after learning about her mother’s cancer diagnosis. As she discovered the life she desired to lead, her connection to her Korean identity became increasingly remote. Food becomes the protagonist. The act of cooking becomes a way to maintain a connection to her mom and a mourning method. She ties moments of her childhood together, reckoning the complex relationship with her mother along the way. It is a melodic and intimate story about growing up and growing out of yourself. Whether you’re a fan of her music or just discovering her as a writer for the first time, Crying in H Mart will stay with you long after the final page.
Michelle Zauner at Powell’s in Portland
Zauner’s event at Powell’s on March 31st promises to be an insightful opportunity to hear directly from the Oregon-raised creator. This event is free to attend, and tickets are not required. The event starts at 6 pm but is expected to fill up quickly. Once the event space reaches capacity, fans may still join the signing line in the Red Room. The post-event signing happens from 7 pm until the store closes at 9 pm.
Zauner will also return to Portland this summer for the annual PDX Live concert series in Pioneer Square. Japanese Breakfast will perform with Built to Spill on Saturday, August 19.
Featured image via Rebecca Sapp/Getty Images
