My Current Read 💛
Once I left San Francisco, I could not put Free Food for Millionaires down. I read Pachinko 2 years ago and I was so happy I found that book and Min Jin Lee as an author. Pachinko was historical fiction, but Free Food for Millionaires is her first book which is more of a contemporary fiction. I think I might like Free Food for Millionaires more but I’m only like 30% into the book.
The book follows our main character Casey, a Korean American girl who has just graduated from Princeton and is trying to find herself in her career, relationships, and connection to her immigrant family. Casey feels burdened by the expectations of her parents who expect high achievement and the feeling that she can’t live the life she wants to live because of money. She’s a complicated character and she does make rash and sometimes bad decisions. I think I enjoy complicated characters the most because I want to root for them and she only gets more complicated as I read. I’ll give my full review of this book when I finish which will it take a while because it’s like 600 pages.
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Okay, so I just had to share more about my current read, Min Jin Lee’s 'Free Food for Millionaires.' As you know, I devoured 'Pachinko' a couple of years back and it completely blew me away. Finding Min Jin Lee as an author felt like striking gold, and I’ve been eager to read her other works ever since. 'Free Food for Millionaires' is her first novel, and while it's a very different beast from 'Pachinko' – moving from historical epic to a sharp, modern contemporary fiction – it still carries her signature depth and insight into the Korean American experience. I’m only about 30% in, which for a 600-page book means I’ve barely scratched the surface, but I’m already completely invested. The story centers on Casey Han, a young Korean American woman fresh out of Princeton, trying to find her footing in the high-stakes world of New York City. What immediately drew me in, and what I think makes her such a compelling character, is her raw honesty and vulnerability. She's grappling with so much – the immense pressure from her immigrant parents to achieve, the financial realities that complicate her dreams, and the often-conflicting desires to honor her heritage while forging her own path. It’s a struggle I think many can relate to, especially those navigating cultural expectations and economic aspirations. Casey isn't always likeable, and the article mentions her making 'rash and sometimes bad decisions.' But that’s precisely what makes her so real! I find myself rooting for her even when she stumbles because you can feel the weight of her world on her shoulders. Min Jin Lee has this incredible talent for creating characters that feel lived-in and complex – much like the unforgettable cast in 'Pachinko.' Whether it’s the quiet resilience of Sunja or the ambitious drive of Casey, her characters are never simple. If you loved 'Pachinko' for its exploration of family, identity, and the immigrant journey, you'll find similar threads woven into 'Free Food for Millionaires,' albeit in a completely different setting. Instead of historical Korea and Japan, we're plunged into modern America, examining wealth, class, and the pursuit of success. The narrative is rich with details, painting a vivid picture of Casey's world and the choices she faces. The OCR mentioned the 'synopsis and reviews' on the back cover, and I can confirm that this book comes highly recommended for a reason. It’s a deep dive into the complexities of identity, ambition, and belonging. If you're looking for a substantial, thought-provoking read that will make you reflect on what truly defines success and happiness, especially from a unique cultural lens, then 'Free Food for Millionaires' might just be your next obsession. I’m excited to keep turning these pages and see where Casey’s journey takes her, and I'll definitely be sharing my full review once I finish!
