North Korea

The Ginseng Hunter, by Jeff Talarigo (2008). Talarigo's harrowing novel of life under North Korea's oppressive regime is set in a rugged border town between North Korea and China.

North Korea, by Phillipe Chancel (2006). With 129 photographs focusing mainly on capital Pyongyang, Chancel explores the little-known reality of this socialist nation, which has "not yet broken away from the cult of the appearance of normality." Some of his most mystifying photographs are of the Arirang Massed Games, held in the 150,000-seat May Day Stadium.