My holiday in North Korea

the long version

"Through poignant, laugh-out-loud essays and 92 never-before-published color photographs of North Korea, [the author] chronicles one of the strangest vacations ever. Along the way, she bares all while undergoing an inner journey as convoluted as the country itself."-- Most people want out of North Korea. Simmons wanted in-- and she forgot to check her sense of humor at the border. But "tourism" in North Korea means you will be presented with the singular vision of the country the administration wants you to see-- and nothing more. Her initial amusement and bewilderment soon turned to frustration and growing paranoia. Here she chronicles the strangest vacation she ever took, accompanied by two female handlers who monitor her every step-- and guard their every word.