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I Decided to Live as Me

An Illustrated Checklist for How to Stop Comparing Yourself to Others So You Can Learn to Love Yourself

Author Kim Suhyun
Translated by Anton Hur
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Hardcover (Paper-over-Board, no jacket)
$28.00 US
5.75"W x 7.81"H x 0.9"D   | 13 oz | 12 per carton
On sale Nov 19, 2024 | 272 Pages | 9780143138228
The million-copy internationally bestselling illustrated life guide about how to stop comparing yourself to others—especially on social media—and how to find the strength to be yourself

In a world where it can seem impossible to feel that you are ever good enough, and where it’s easy to judge yourself by the unrealistic standards of social media, I Decided to Live as Me offers guidance and encouragement for celebrating yourself and feeling comfortable in your own skin.

With her charming illustrations and words of comfort, Kim Suhyun has reached millions of readers—including Jung Kook from the K-pop band BTS—who have found inspiration in her journey of self-love. She offers a checklist to guide you on your own journey, with advice including:

  • Don't be kind to those who aren't kind to you.
  • Remember that no one lives a perfect life.
  • Don't be swayed by others' opinions.
  • Crack corny jokes sometimes.
  • Don't try too hard to get along with everyone.

Through these tips and more, I Decided to Live as Me teaches you that by freeing yourself from the pressure of other people's expectations, you can focus on what truly matters: living not for anyone else, but for yourself.
“This motivational book is a favorite of BTS’s Jin. . . . [Its] messages align with BTS’s consistent encouragement for fans to love themselves and pursue their unique journeys.” —Times Now

“Utterly charming.” —KDAF-TV CW33

“A collection of heartfelt advice to live yourself as you. This self-help book became extensively popular after Jungkook recommended it to the Army.” —Jagran

“This is a great book for anyone who feels as though they’ve been wallowing in sorrow enough or for anyone who needs a soft push to get going again. I Decided to Live as Me is what’ll help, and if you’re looking for a light-reading turnaround, you can’t find much better. . . . You’ll come away from your session with it refreshed, empowered, and clearer minded.” —The Guam Daily Post

I Decided to Live as Me really tries to help—and succeeds. . . . The author’s honesty holds your attention. It’s easy to empathize as she describes her own shortcomings and vulnerabilities because they are our own as well. . . . Kim’s charming and simple illustrations have a way of sticking with you. . . . The problems discussed are universal concerns in the age of information and social media. . . . One wonders if [this book] should be considered essential reading for government social welfare policymakers! . . . Accomplished translator Anton Hur . . . has done an excellent job in maintaining the spirit of the writing which made the original Korean version a bestseller. . . . I enjoyed this book. I feel I learned something, and it encouraged me to learn more and live better.” —Arlo Matisz, The Korea Times

“We live in a highly anxious world, and I can personally attest that this book has helped me in dealing with stress, social anxiety and existential dread—it is comforting, invigorating, and liberating, all at the same time.” —Anton Hur, translator of I Decided to Live as Me
© Courtesy of the author
Kim Suhyun is a writer and illustrator based in Seoul. She loves drawing, so in college she studied design. She describes herself as "thoughtful but not too serious, light-hearted but not shallow." Her books have sold more than two million copies in Korea, and I Decided to Live as Me is being published around the world in more than a dozen languages. View titles by Kim Suhyun

About

The million-copy internationally bestselling illustrated life guide about how to stop comparing yourself to others—especially on social media—and how to find the strength to be yourself

In a world where it can seem impossible to feel that you are ever good enough, and where it’s easy to judge yourself by the unrealistic standards of social media, I Decided to Live as Me offers guidance and encouragement for celebrating yourself and feeling comfortable in your own skin.

With her charming illustrations and words of comfort, Kim Suhyun has reached millions of readers—including Jung Kook from the K-pop band BTS—who have found inspiration in her journey of self-love. She offers a checklist to guide you on your own journey, with advice including:

  • Don't be kind to those who aren't kind to you.
  • Remember that no one lives a perfect life.
  • Don't be swayed by others' opinions.
  • Crack corny jokes sometimes.
  • Don't try too hard to get along with everyone.

Through these tips and more, I Decided to Live as Me teaches you that by freeing yourself from the pressure of other people's expectations, you can focus on what truly matters: living not for anyone else, but for yourself.

Praise

“This motivational book is a favorite of BTS’s Jin. . . . [Its] messages align with BTS’s consistent encouragement for fans to love themselves and pursue their unique journeys.” —Times Now

“Utterly charming.” —KDAF-TV CW33

“A collection of heartfelt advice to live yourself as you. This self-help book became extensively popular after Jungkook recommended it to the Army.” —Jagran

“This is a great book for anyone who feels as though they’ve been wallowing in sorrow enough or for anyone who needs a soft push to get going again. I Decided to Live as Me is what’ll help, and if you’re looking for a light-reading turnaround, you can’t find much better. . . . You’ll come away from your session with it refreshed, empowered, and clearer minded.” —The Guam Daily Post

I Decided to Live as Me really tries to help—and succeeds. . . . The author’s honesty holds your attention. It’s easy to empathize as she describes her own shortcomings and vulnerabilities because they are our own as well. . . . Kim’s charming and simple illustrations have a way of sticking with you. . . . The problems discussed are universal concerns in the age of information and social media. . . . One wonders if [this book] should be considered essential reading for government social welfare policymakers! . . . Accomplished translator Anton Hur . . . has done an excellent job in maintaining the spirit of the writing which made the original Korean version a bestseller. . . . I enjoyed this book. I feel I learned something, and it encouraged me to learn more and live better.” —Arlo Matisz, The Korea Times

“We live in a highly anxious world, and I can personally attest that this book has helped me in dealing with stress, social anxiety and existential dread—it is comforting, invigorating, and liberating, all at the same time.” —Anton Hur, translator of I Decided to Live as Me

Author

© Courtesy of the author
Kim Suhyun is a writer and illustrator based in Seoul. She loves drawing, so in college she studied design. She describes herself as "thoughtful but not too serious, light-hearted but not shallow." Her books have sold more than two million copies in Korea, and I Decided to Live as Me is being published around the world in more than a dozen languages. View titles by Kim Suhyun