Yolk

Mary H.K. Choi is a Korean American author, editor, television and print Journalist. One of
her the most recent books is ‘Yolk’. It is a story of two sisters who have nothing in common
until they discover that they may need each other more than they are willing to admit. I
decided to choose this book because I was fascinated by how much feelings towards another
person can change through one thing that can affect their lives.
This book tells the story of two sisters – June and Jayne. They are nothing alike. June is a
firstborn child who seems to has everything what she needs. She graduated from high school
and get her higher education at Columbia University, she has a huge Manhattan apartment and
a successful finance job. In the other hand, Jayne is a struggling fashion school student who
has financial problems. Everything starting to change when June meets Jayne at a party and
need to talk to her sister. She is sick. She has a uterine cancer. She doesn’t want anyone to
know except for Jayne as if she knew that even if they haven’t talked to each other for almost
three years, she will be there for her to support her in this difficult situation she is going
through. Furthermore, she loses her job and because of it, her health insurance which leads to
the identity switch. She uses June’s ID to get a proper medical care without her knowing it.
The main character – June, is the most intriguing character in the book. She hasn’t talked to
her parents as well as her sister since they moved to New York. She struggles with money and
have some problems with her dwelling place. As the fashion student, she didn’t even take
design classes and she hardly ever attends them. Most importantly, she is also sick but doesn’t
want to admit it. She struggles with bulimia and body dysmorphia. While reading, we get to
know more about her childhood. She felt rejected like she was never enough for her mother.
She tries a lot to escape her thoughts but in results she becomes even more separated from
reality.
Jayne and June’s relation has an amazing evolution throughout the book. They want to bring
back the connection between them. The thought of losing a sibling is terrifying. It may not be
right away, but as events unfold, their bond deepens. They practically live together, and
despite their quarrels, they always manage to get back together. Although reluctant at first,
they do their best to support each other. Jayne becomes aware of her past and comes to terms
with her family trauma, June on the other hand, although sometimes not very visible, tries to
explain and help her with family matters and also support her in her eating disorders.
Everything in the book happens realistically without stating it directly but rather quietly and
truthfully.
In my opinion, this book introduces every aspect of today’s life. How strong the bond of
siblings can be and how great the need for support by the other person is. While reading, it
seems as if the characters have not been imagined by the author, but rather authentic. ‘Yolk’
might be an inspiration for many young people also struggling with some family problems.
We can never predict what is to happen to us, our parents or siblings and it is not worth
wasting time on arguments because no one knows whether, through various obstacles, we will
manage to come to terms with them. Moreover, nothing in the book in exaggerated. For
example, eating disorder which in many books is much more stereotypical. People reading the
book view a normalized picture on mental illnesses and the attempt to help and provide
treatment for the other person. One disadvantage I can think of is the pace of the plot. I didn’t
like how long it took for the plot to develop. It seems to me that the author more focuses on
describing the characters than on the regular pace of the action.
From my perspective, ‘Yolk’ is a very emotional and challenging book to read. The author
introduces her points of view at some every-day life difficulties. I am under the impression
that she introduces a bit of her truth at different problems and methods of dealing with them. I
must admit that the plot encouraged me to make myself a part of the book and get involved in
it.