Hyo-eun Kim

Accompanied by the constant, rumbling ba-dum ba-dum of its passage through the city, the subway has stories to tell. Between sunrise and sunset, it welcomes and farewells people, and holds them―along with their joys, hopes, fears, and memories―in its embrace.

Originally published in Korean and brought to English-speaking audiences with the help of renowned translator Deborah Smith (The Vegetarian), I Am the Subway vividly reflects the shared humanity that can be found in crowded show more metropolitan cities. show less

This book narrated by a subway train shares stories about the passengers it sees every day. They include Mr. Wanju, who runs for the train everyday; his daughter makes him late for work, but he can’t wait to get home and see her smile. Granny carries fresh fish with her to cook a feast for her daughter and granddaughter. Mr. Jae-sung always carries his good work shoes in a bag so he doesn’t get therm muddy. Na-yoon is a young girl who takes the subway back and forth to school.

The show more observations by the train demonstrate how much one can garner from appearances and behaviors even without any interaction. Translated from the Korean by Deborah Smith and illustrated by the author with watercolors, this book for readers aged 5 and up shows there is always more to a person than you think. show less

Ba-dum, ba-dum, ba-dum, ba-dum. The subway itself narrates a day's journey around Seoul, South Korea, welcoming passengers at each stop; readers gain insight into the passengers' lives, and after we've learned about each one, they appear fully in color (characters who aren't featured are in semi-transparent grayscale). A unique perspective and way to learn about different people and neighborhoods. Every person has a story.

See also: A Small Kindness by Stacy McAnulty

Really beautiful drawn and written, “I Am the Subway” feels like watching a short film- it just comes alive with the noise of the subway and all the people who travel there. It’s contemplative and softly energetic, and has an enjoyable and soothing reading rhythm.