The Things You Can See Only When You Slow Down by Haemin Sunim
If your days feel loud and fast, this book feels like a quiet room. It is short, calm, and easy to read in small parts—perfect for steady English practice.
About the Book
Title: The Things You Can See Only When You Slow Down
Author: Haemin Sunim
Genre: Personal Growth (also fits Psychology / Philosophy / Health & Wellness)
Year of Publication: 2017
Pages: 288
Summary: What the Book Is About
This book is a collection of short lessons about calm, kindness, and balance. The author talks about stress, relationships, self-criticism, and the feeling of being “too busy.” Each section is small, so you can read one page, stop, and think. In The Things You Can See Only When You Slow Down by Haemin Sunim, the main idea is simple: slow down your mind, and life feels clearer.
“Is it the world that’s busy, or is it my mind?”
English Level
- CEFR: B1 (comfortable) or B2 (easy)
- Learners preparing for: IELTS 5.5–6.5 or TOEFL iBT 70–90
Why: the sentences are clear, the chapters are short, and the tone is gentle. You will still meet new abstract words (like mindfulness, compassion, inner peace), but the context helps a lot.
Why This Book Helps English Learners
This book is great for “little and often” learning. You can read 5–10 minutes a day and still feel progress.
Skills you practice:
-
Reading: short sections with clear ideas
-
Vocabulary: emotions, relationships, habits, and self-talk
-
Idioms & common phrases: everyday language about stress and life
-
Grammar in context: questions, advice language, contrast (but / however), and gentle imperatives (take a moment, notice, be kind)
Estimated unique words: ~3,000–5,000 (estimate based on typical non-fiction length and repeated theme vocabulary; exact counts depend on edition and method).
Quick study plan (simple and effective)
-
Read 1–2 pages.
-
Highlight 5 new words.
-
Write 2 simple sentences using the new words.
-
Say one idea out loud (30 seconds).
-
Log it in Linguapress app to review later.
Table: turn reading into language practice
| What you practice | What to do while reading | Example task (easy) |
|---|---|---|
| Vocabulary | Circle emotion words | Pick 3 words and write synonyms |
| Grammar in context | Notice advice sentences | Rewrite 2 lines using “should” |
| Speaking | Read one paragraph aloud | Record 20 seconds and replay |
| Writing | Summarize one idea | Write 3 short sentences |
User Reviews
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “I read a few pages before bed. The English felt simple, but the ideas were deep. It helped me slow down.”
⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Great for learners because chapters are short. Some words are new, but the meaning is clear.”
⭐⭐⭐⭐ “It feels like advice from a calm friend. I used it to practice reading and speaking.”
Average Rating: 4.3 / 5
Did You Know?
-
The author’s name “Haemin Sunim” is a pen name; “Sunim” is a Korean honorific used for Buddhist monks.
-
The English edition is a translation from Korean, and many editions include calming color illustrations.
-
The book became a major bestseller in Korea and was later released widely in English in 2017.
Similar Books You Might Enjoy
- Wherever You Go, There You Are — Jon Kabat-Zinn
- Peace Is Every Step — Thich Nhat Hanh
- The Little Book of Hygge — Meik Wiking
❓ FAQ
Is this book easy to read for non-native speakers?
Yes. The chapters are short and the language is usually simple. If you are around B1, you can read slowly and still enjoy it.
Should I read it in order?
Not necessary. Many people open any chapter and read one page. That makes it great for daily English practice.
What vocabulary topics will I learn most?
Feelings, stress, relationships, self-care, and simple life advice. You will see many repeated words, which helps memory.
How can I use it to improve speaking, not only reading?
After each short section, say a 20–30 second summary out loud. Record it, then try again with simpler words. Save your best versions in Linguapress app.
Is this book more “spiritual” or more “practical”?
Both. It has a calm, reflective tone, but the advice is practical: slow down, notice your thoughts, and treat yourself with kindness.
