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Joanna Choi Kalbus, author @joannackalbus.bsky.social · 06/05/2026

One year of my memoir THE BOAT NOT TAKEN, published by Betty Books. Cover photo: my Omai & me, Pyongyang, 1944 (age 3). I've lived into the future I once hoped for. Thank you for reading and sharing this journey. To know my Omai is to love her. #WTAWPress #bookanniversary #memoir #herstory

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Joanna Choi Kalbus, author @joannackalbus.bsky.social · 23/09/2025

It was the summer of 1950 in Seoul, Korea. My friend, Myung Ja, who lived on the same street, would come early and knock on my door. Seventy-five years later, I knocked on her door of her house in California. We didn't recognize each other. I introduced myself: "Myung Ja, yah...Nah, Woon Hee yah."

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Joanna Choi Kalbus, author @joannackalbus.bsky.social · 06/08/2025

It is the three-month anniversary of the publication of my memoir! It has been so exciting to meet readers in Lafayette, Orinda, Redwood City, SF, Santa Cruz, San Bernardino, and San Geronimo for events and readings. I’m grateful to the audience, who buoyed me to the mountains. #gratitude

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Joanna Choi Kalbus, author @joannackalbus.bsky.social · 08/07/2025

“She walked many miles to pick plums in the countryside. When she had picked as many as she could fit into her bamboo basket, she twined a towel into a circular mat to go underneath it, crouched down, keeping her upper body erect, and someone would help her lift her heavy load onto her head.”

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Joanna Choi Kalbus, author @joannackalbus.bsky.social · 19/06/2025

I will be holding a book reading from my memoir, The Boat Not Taken at the Arts and Lecture Series, San Geronimo Commumity Center. Please join me at 6350 Sir Francis Drake Blvd., San Geronimo, CA, 94963; Marin County on Sunday, June 22, 2025 at 2:00 P.M.

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Joanna Choi Kalbus, author @joannackalbus.bsky.social · 10/06/2025

I have really enjoyed talking to audiences about my memoir THE BOAT NOT TAKEN. Thanks to all my friends who showed up for my book event at The Feldheym Central Library in San Bernardino, my hometown library for over 50 years. It was emotional and touching to be with them.

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Joanna Choi Kalbus, author @joannackalbus.bsky.social · 22/05/2025

Please join me via Zoom at the Senior Planet from AARP Author Talk: Joanna Choi Kalbus. Tuesday, May 27, 2025 1:00PM PDT Meeting ID: 87313185095 #WTAWPress #BettyBooks #authorevent @WTAWPress @thebettybooks #memoir #seniorplanet

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Joanna Choi Kalbus, author @joannackalbus.bsky.social · 20/05/2025

Join me for the Redwood City Public Library’s AANHPI Author Series at the downtown location (1044 Middlefield, Redwood City, CA) on May 20, from 6:30 PM to 7:45 PM. I will be reading from my memoir, THE BOAT NOT TAKEN, followed by a conversation with acclaimed author Lillian Howan and audience Q&A.

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Joanna Choi Kalbus, author @joannackalbus.bsky.social · 08/05/2025

TODAY! Please join me for the in-person launch of my memoir THE BOAT NOT TAKEN, published by Betty Books. The event will take place at Orinda Books starting at 4 PM. I can't wait to meet my readers! #WTAWPress #BettyBooks #memoir #inpersonbooklaunch #authorevent @WTAWPress @bettybooks

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Joanna Choi Kalbus, author @joannackalbus.bsky.social · 01/05/2025

A locally-owned, independent bookstore, since 1976 Orinda Books has opened its doors to readers of all ages and interests. I am delighted to hold my in-person book launch at Orinda Books (276 Village Square, Orinda, CA) on May 8 at 4:00 p.m. Register and preorder here: www.orindabooks.com

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Joanna Choi Kalbus, author @joannackalbus.bsky.social · 29/04/2025

Nikki, the Library Program Coordinator at the Feldheym Central Library, wrote: "I wanted to share this picture with you. I read your book and added page tags. Look at how much stood out to me when reading!" I’ll be reading from my memoir at the Feldheym Central Library in San Bernardino on June 7.

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Joanna Choi Kalbus, author @joannackalbus.bsky.social · 25/04/2025

I hope you'll join me for the in-person launch of my memoir THE BOAT NOT TAKEN at Orinda Books on May 8. I can't wait to meet my readers! Please reserve your spot here: www.eventbrite.com/e/joanna-cho...

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Joanna Choi Kalbus, author @joannackalbus.bsky.social · 23/04/2025

“I held onto Omai's free hand. With her other hand, she balanced a large bundle of our possessions on her head. She led us toward a monstrous black locomotive fuming on its tracks." (From my memoir THE BOAT NOT TAKEN) Last year, I took a plush train to Busan.

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Joanna Choi Kalbus, author @joannackalbus.bsky.social · 18/04/2025

In less than a month my memoir THE BOAT NOT TAKEN will be out in the world! The publication date is May 6. Take advantage of the limited-time discount and preorder your copy here: www.wtawpress.org/product-page.... #WTAWPress #BettyBooks #memoirs #upcomingrelease #preordernow @WTAWPress

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Joanna Choi Kalbus, author @joannackalbus.bsky.social · 15/04/2025

Here's a mood board for my upcoming memoir THE BOAT NOT TAKEN. I can assure you all these things make an appearance in my story! You can preorder your copy of my book at a limited-time discount here: www.wtawpress.org/product-page... @bettybooks.bsky.social

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Joanna Choi Kalbus, author @joannackalbus.bsky.social · 07/04/2025

Hi East Bay friends! I’m very excited about my in-person book launch at Orinda Books, 4 PM on May 8th! Join us for a reading, Q&A, and book signing. I look forward to meeting you! #WTAWPress #BettyBooks #inpersonbooklaunch #memoir #authorevent @WTAWPress @BettyBooks

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Joanna Choi Kalbus, author @joannackalbus.bsky.social · 07/04/2025

Join me for the virtual launch of my memoir THE BOAT NOT TAKEN at 5:30 PM (Pacific) on May 15, when I will be in conversation with Jimin Han. You can register for this free virtual event here: [link from Betty Books] #WTAWPress #BettyBooks #virtualbooklaunch @jiminhan @BettyBooks

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Joanna Choi Kalbus, author @joannackalbus.bsky.social · 20/03/2025

In 1950s L.A., we didn’t have a Korea town. No napa cabbage? My resourceful mother would substitute round cabbage. She’d make my favorite foods from scratch: kimchi, mandoo, kimbap. Preorder THE BOAT NOT TAKEN from Betty Books here: www.wtawpress.org/product-page...

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Joanna Choi Kalbus, author @joannackalbus.bsky.social · 17/03/2025

THE BOAT NOT TAKEN, From the chapter “High School Years.”: “My opening number was ‘Danny Boy.’ This song is a universal favorite. Even my mother knew this song.” Preorder my memoir at 20% discount from Betty Books here: www.wtawpress.org/product-page... #StPatricksDay

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Reposted by Joanna Choi Kalbus, author

Jeffrey Vernon Matucha @jephmat.bsky.social · 26/02/2025

Check out these Indie Authors! DM or comment if you want to be included in this starter pack! #authors #booksky #indieauthors go.bsky.app/2K5fa6Z

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Joanna Choi Kalbus, author @joannackalbus.bsky.social · 13/03/2025

I so enjoyed the movie Genius about the birthing of Look Homeward, Angel by Thomas Wolff, edited by Maxwell Perkins–the long process of editing and revising until author and editor are in agreement. Preorder THE BOAT NOT TAKEN here: www.wtawpress.org/product-page...

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Joanna Choi Kalbus, author @joannackalbus.bsky.social · 11/03/2025

It was my great pleasure reading a passage from the “Train to Pusan” chapter of THE BOAT NOT TAKEN at the Lamorinda Arts Council’s “Girls + Women Influencers” event this weekend.

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Joanna Choi Kalbus, author @joannackalbus.bsky.social · 06/03/2025

THE BOAT NOT TAKEN: “We need to burn your mother’s clothes so that she has clothes to wear in the spirit world.” From the chapter “Jeong.” My debut memoir will be launched on May 6, 2025. Preorder your copy from Betty Books here: www.wtawpress.org/product-page...

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Joanna Choi Kalbus, author @joannackalbus.bsky.social · 05/03/2025

I’m honored to be the Featured Writer at Lamorinda Arts Council’s Art Embraces Poetry event this Saturday @1:30p at the Town Hall Theatre in Lafayette. @lamorindaarts @thebettybooks @wtawpress

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Joanna Choi Kalbus, author @joannackalbus.bsky.social · 04/03/2025

Egypt has pyramids. Korea has burial mounds. Somewhere in Pyongyang, my ancestors are buried in these earthen mounds. I wonder where they are located and who is taking care of them. Preorder THE BOAT NOT TAKEN from Betty Books here: www.wtawpress.org/product-page...

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Joanna Choi Kalbus, author @joannackalbus.bsky.social · 26/02/2025

It’s been 25 years since i’ve had a business card, and it certainly didn’t have a QR code with a link to my website on it! My memoir, THE BOAT NOT TAKEN, will be launched on May 6, 2025. You can secure your copies at 20% discount from Betty Books here: www.wtawpress.org/product-page...

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Joanna Choi Kalbus, author @joannackalbus.bsky.social · 25/02/2025

The map of Korea looks like a rabbit with hind legs squatting, front paws frozen in a begging position. Since 1953, a thick line has incised the rabbit's midsection–the 38th parallel dividing Korea in half. Preorder my memoir here: www.wtawpress.org/product-page...

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Joanna Choi Kalbus, author @joannackalbus.bsky.social · 24/02/2025

Not bad for an 83 (almost 84!) year old? #zumba #dancecommunity Are there Starter Packs for Zumba lovers out there? I’d love to find some!

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Joanna Choi Kalbus, author @joannackalbus.bsky.social · 24/02/2025

My “gamer” friends would absolutely love this 🥰 - from the beloved video game Zelda Ocarina of Time.

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Reposted by Joanna Choi Kalbus, author

Tamsin Lewis @passamezzo.bsky.social · 11/11/2024

Marginal musical monkeys, in the Grimani Breviary, early #16thCentury, Biblioteca Nazionale Marciana, Lat. I, 99 #earlymusic #earlymodern #bagpipe #bagpiper #harp #harper #harpist #iconography #illuminatedmanuscripts #illuminatedmanuscript #medievalmanuscript #renaissanceart

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Joanna Choi Kalbus, author @joannackalbus.bsky.social · 24/02/2025

Roberta Flack 2/10/1937-2/24/2025 youtube.com/watch?v=mrud...

youtube.com

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Joanna Choi Kalbus, author @joannackalbus.bsky.social · 22/02/2025

It was only 83 years (almost 84!) years in the making! 😅 There were reasons I waited so long to share the story… 😓

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Reposted by Joanna Choi Kalbus, author

NPR @npr.org · 18/02/2025

The ranchera and bolero singer took aim at machismo as if it were a piñata. For decades, she wrote and sang feminist anthems full of pain, rage and empowerment.

npr.org

Paquita la del Barrio, a giant voice of Mexican heartbreak and rage, dies at 77

The ranchera and bolero singer took aim at machismo as if it were a piñata. For decades, she wrote and sang feminist anthems full of pain, rage and empowerment.

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Joanna Choi Kalbus, author @joannackalbus.bsky.social · 20/02/2025

This image I am using for my BlueSky banner comes from a larger piece of work. This was my first sight entering the USA by boat and will forever be impressed upon my heart and mind.

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Joanna Choi Kalbus, author @joannackalbus.bsky.social · 20/02/2025

Thank you so much! I appreciate each and every sale. I cannot wait to see you in Los Angeles when I promote my memoir!

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Reposted by Joanna Choi Kalbus, author

Betty Books @bettybooks.bsky.social · 20/02/2025

Our secret is out! Betty’s second title is here—THE BOAT NOT TAKEN by @joannackalbus.bsky.social A breathtaking memoir of war, family, and resilience, this unforgettable story lands May 6, 2025. Preorder now! buff.ly/4hFG94Z #TheBoatNotTaken #Memoir

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Joanna Choi Kalbus, author @joannackalbus.bsky.social · 20/02/2025

"...as the North Korean army charged south toward Pusan, my mother managed to get us out of Korea. In the fall of 1951, we left our native country for Mi-Gook (Beautiful Land)--America." Preorder THE BOAT NOT TAKEN here: www.wtawpress.org/product-page...

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Joanna Choi Kalbus, author @joannackalbus.bsky.social · 18/02/2025

I’m thoroughly enjoying finding other writers through this hashtag! #5amwritersclub

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Reposted by Joanna Choi Kalbus, author

R W Owen @iviesofinkribbons.bsky.social · 17/02/2025

“Kites rise highest against the wind, not with it.” - Winston Churchill #5amwritersclub #writingcommunity #landscapephotography #adversity

Dusk at Siesta Key, Sarasota County, Florida

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Joanna Choi Kalbus, author @joannackalbus.bsky.social · 18/02/2025

Today is a celebratory day, looking forward to sipping from my #BettyImprint mug. www.wtawpress.org/betty #indieauthor #wtawpress #myfirstcoverreveal

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Reposted by Joanna Choi Kalbus, author

WTAW Press @wtawpress.bsky.social · 18/02/2025

Our imprint @bettybooks.bsky.social is publishing its second title, THE BOAT NOT TAKEN by JOANNA CHOI KALBUS (@joannackalbus.bsky.social). THE BOAT NOT TAKEN will be available everywhere on May 6th! Preorder your copy today and receive 20% off: bit.ly/3X8hzBs

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