Description
Publisher Reviews
● How to share your heart with your neighbors
Why did author Yu Kim use the ‘town bus’ as a medium in his relationship with neighbors and heart-sharing stories?
Buses pass by numerous stops every day. Because of the characteristics of many people getting on and off, it can be a cluttered space to build relationships and share sympathy. However, artist Yoo Kim pays attention to another property of the bus, and that of a village bus.
The town bus moves fast every day, but always runs on the same route. I go around the alleys of the village where big buses can’t go. So, on the town bus, you often meet people you have passed by at least once in the neighborhood. It could be someone who lives next door to you, or you go to the same hair salon, or it could be the owner of a restaurant you frequent. But you can’t call them neighbors right away. They are just people living in a village. Writer Yu Kim tells us that we can be called real neighbors only when our hearts come and go through 『Maeum Bus』.
As if the fragrance of flowers permeates through the slightly open window of a town bus, how about opening her mouth a little and giving a friendly greeting to someone she often passed by? I will make my neighbors and have fun together. As the chestnut-haired child read aloud in the story, ‘flowers will bloom in your heart too’.
● Neighbors living together with people
In 『Maum Bus』, a half-moon bear family appears that resembles a person. The beginning of the process of ‘town bus’ becoming ‘maum bus’ is because of this black bear family. The reason why the half-moon bear family took d on the village bus was to study Korean. But why do black bears study Korean?
When the author composes a story on the theme of communication with neighbors, he does not put fantasy elements just for fun. By inviting the black bear family living in the forest to the village, it shows that people who can be called people’s neighbors are not the only ones. Dogs, cats, pigeons, sparrows, etc., which can be commonly found wherever people live. Many animals live alongside humans. A half-moon bear was put forward to represent them.
What will the black bears in 『Maum Bus』 learn Korean to do? Maybe you want to communicate with people. You want to know people’s stories. After all, learning Hangeul to make people your neighbors. Readers can think through 『Maum Bus』. How should we treat that black bear who wants to be our neighbor? What kind of relationship should we have? Also, will they be good neighbors if we reach out to them first and try to get to know them? Through the Maum Bus, we can think of expanding the concept of our neighbors.
● A picture that breaks the frame of the closed mind
If you look at 『Maum Bus』, you can see that squares often appear. Each person is inside a square frame blocked on all sides by lines. Author Soboki expressed the meaning of ‘disconnection’, which is not communicating with neighbors, as people inside the frame. In a space with walls built in all directions, no one’s story can be heard, and my story does not leak out.
However, at some point on the Maum Bus, people exchange their hearts, just as the wind blows in and out of the squares and windows of the bus and petals fall in all directions. At this time, each square frame disappears and everyone communicates in one scene. And in the next scene, people are getting off the town bus. At this time, it is impressive to see the child who got off the front run. I am stepping on the line of a large square frame and crossing it. Now, wherever people are, they can feel that they can put their hearts out of the box and listen to the voices of their neighbors.
Publication date March 25, 2022
Guidance on the binding method for flat-type hardcover books
Number of pages, weight, size 40 pages | 386g | 215*262*7mm
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Amira Bennett from Toronto, Canada –
Imagine boarding a bus that doubles as your confidante; each ride offers glimpses into stories not often shared. In Toronto, the ‘Mind Bus’ stands apart by weaving together personal tales amidst the ordinary hustle of urban life. The concept revitalizes human connections, reminiscent of an intimate neighborhood café rather than mere transport. Unlike traditional public buses racing from point A to B with transactional brevity, here each stop unveils communal joys and silent struggles in melodic authenticity. This engaging medium encourages real empathy – who knows? Maybe you will unlock their hearts alongside yours during transit.
Cynthia Vasilis from Vancouver (verified owner) –
Riding on the ‘town bus’ as depicted by Yu Kim feels less like commuting and more akin to weaving an intimate tapestry of life in my local neighborhood. Each stop is a story, ripe with everyday joys and quiet sorrows — intertwined moments shared between strangers who frequent each other’s worlds but rarely speak out loud. It beautifully captures how this humble vessel connects paths; just last week, I overheard whispers about rain-soaked love notes exchanged at the laundromat nearby. A rickety seat doesn’t limit connection; rather, it nurtures bonds crafted within chaos’s cocoon – thoughts hurled through space while clinging to rails made warm by familiar hands.
Amparo Villalobos from Valparaíso, Chile (verified owner) –
Tomar el bus del pueblo se siente como conectar vidas. Cada pasajero trae consigo un susurro de historia, donde compartir momentos breves es enriquecedor.
Luisa Marejito from Bocachica, Colombia (verified owner) –
Riding the Mind Bus transformed my interactions. I met neighbors face-to-face, unraveling heartfelt stories amid ordinary journeys—each stop felt significant.
Kendrick from Wellington, New Zealand (verified owner) –
I’m back again for my second round of ‘Mind Bus’ by Yu Kim! I tell ya, this book has become like a cozy friend to me. After finishing it the first time, I realized there are so many layers and stories that I could revisit each time with fresh eyes. The way he talks about sharing connections through those everyday moments in a village bus is just heartwarming—it’s like he’s written down all those chats I’ve had waiting for the bus on rainy days. Plus, now I’m gifting copies to friends who need that little nudge to get out there and connect with their own neighborhoods. Seriously folks, if you haven’t snagged this gem yet, what’re you waiting for? It’s worth every penny twice over!
Lysander from Bristol, UK –
Hey, so I recently got my hands on ‘Mind Bus’ by Yu Kim, and man, it’s like a little treasure map of human connection. The way he uses the bus as a metaphor really struck me; it reminds me of those neighborhood strolls you have when everyone knows your name but not much more. You hop on this local bus and suddenly you’re surrounded by all these familiar faces from the village—like catching up with old friends in an unexpected café! It definitely made me reflect on how important those small interactions are. Really loved that unique twist where he emphasizes empathy through simple daily rides—it hits different! Super inspiring read if you’re looking to open up your heart to the folks around ya.
Thandeka from Durban, South Africa –
Let me tell ya, I’ve been flipping through ‘Mind Bus’ by Yu Kim, and the quality is just top-notch. The cover’s like a sturdy canvas – you can really feel it in your hands! The paper’s thick too, none of that flimsy nonsense; it feels like this book will last for years without pages falling out. You can see the craftsmanship all over—each section has a thoughtful layout that flows beautifully. It’s not just reading; it’s an experience every time you open it up! If you’re looking for something that’ll hold up while you pour your heart into sharing those community stories or personal thoughts, look no further than this gem!
Anouk from Edinburgh, Scotland (verified owner) –
I can’t say enough good things about the Mind Bus! I’ve picked up a few copies because each time I read it, there’s something new that clicks for me. The way Yu Kim highlights those little interactions on the village bus makes me reflect on my own neighborhood connections here in Edinburgh. It’s all about those simple moments with folks we often overlook. Last week, I lent my copy to a friend who loves heartwarming stories and she’s just as smitten with it as I am! Genuinely, it’s one of those books you want around when you’re feeling a bit lost; it brings you right back to what matters.
Ines from Porto, Portugal –
Before I discovered the Mind Bus, I felt super disconnected from my neighbors. You know how it is—everyone’s in their own world, especially in a busy place like Porto. But after diving into this book, everything changed! Yu Kim really made me see how special those everyday bus rides can be for connecting with folks around you. It inspired me to get out and chat more; now I’m meeting people I didn’t even realize lived so close by! It’s funny what just one simple concept can do for community ties!
Elowen from Wellington, New Zealand –
Before diving into ‘Mind Bus’ by Yu Kim, I felt a bit like a ghost in my own neighborhood. You know the feeling—you pass by people daily but never really connect. Reading this book was like stepping onto that village bus with fresh eyes. It shifted my mindset entirely! Now, I’m actually stopping to chat with folks at local shops or just saying hi during morning walks. The way Yoo shares stories about those little interactions reminds you of how impactful they can be! I’ve learned that everyone has their own journey, and sharing even small bits makes the community feel more vibrant. It’s been such an uplifting experience; truly transformed how I see my surroundings.