I Want to Die but I Want to Eat Tteokbokki (2022) Parents Guide: Is the book OK for kids?

There is no explicit sexual content or graphic descriptions of intimacy within these therapy transcripts. Baek Se-Hee speaks candidly about her romantic history, but the focus remains on the psychological aspect of these bonds rather than physical acts. She details a deep-seated need for validation through the male gaze and how she often ties her self-worth to whether a partner finds her attractive or desirable. Conversations occasionally touch upon the fear of rejection in dating and the internal pressure to be a…

Physical violence, gore, and traditional action-based conflict are entirely absent from this memoir. Instead, the narrative focuses on the internalized aggression of self-hatred and passive suicidal ideation, which the author describes as a desire to simply cease to exist. Baek discusses the impulse to disappear and the psychological weight of her dysthymia, which can be intense for some readers. There are mentions of the urge to self-harm, though no graphic depictions of the acts themselves are included. The…

The book contains several instances of moderate to strong profanity scattered throughout the transcripts of Baek's therapy sessions. Words such as 'fuck,' 'shit,' and 'bitch' appear when the author is expressing intense frustration, anger, or self-loathing. These terms are used to provide an honest, raw look at her internal state rather than for shock value or interpersonal aggression. The frequency is relatively low given the book's length, but the impact is notable due to the serious context of the discussions…

Substance use is discussed primarily in the context of clinical psychiatric treatment for depression and anxiety. Baek frequently mentions her prescriptions, including various anti-depressants and sleeping pills, and details her anxieties regarding their side effects or effectiveness. Beyond medical treatment, the author describes using alcohol as a social lubricant to mask her intense social anxiety during gatherings. There are no descriptions of illegal drug use or excessive, glorified binge drinking. The…

The central themes revolve around the complexities of living with dysthymia, a form of persistent mild depression, and the exhaustion of social performance. Baek Se-Hee explores the 'duality' of the human experience, such as feeling a profound desire to die while simultaneously experiencing the physical craving for her favorite comfort food, tteokbokki. Other major themes include body dysmorphia, the relentless pressure of Korean beauty standards, and the fear of being perceived as a 'loser' by society. The memoir…