Almond by Won Pyung Sohn

 

 

Experience the critically acclaimed Korean novel that captivated BTS members and readers worldwide. Almond tells the extraordinary story of Yunjae, a 15-year-old boy born with Alexithymia – a rare condition that makes him unable to feel emotions like fear, anger, or empathy due to his underdeveloped amygdala (nicknamed “almond”). When a tragic incident leaves him orphaned, Yunjae must navigate a world he doesn’t emotionally understand.

Follow Yunjae’s journey as he encounters Gon, a troubled classmate who becomes both friend and challenge, forcing him to confront what it truly means to be human. Through their unlikely friendship, this beautifully written coming-of-age story explores themes of identity, belonging, neurodiversity, and the power of human connection.

This book resonates powerfully with Sri Lankan readers today as conversations around mental health, and emotional intelligence gain momentum. Perfect for young adults, parents, educators, and anyone seeking to understand different perspectives on human experience. A must-read that has won international literary awards and sparked important discussions about acceptance and empathy.