Episode · The Book Review · 2026-10-09
Books mentioned on Min Jin Lee Wants Us to Rethink Education
For Min Jin Lee, the process of writing fiction usually begins with a deep dive into reality. She spends years researching, traveling and interviewing people.
Gilbert Cruz discussed Pachinko by Min Jin Lee, American Hagwon by Min Jin Lee, and Free Food for Millionaires by Min Jin Lee. Min Jin Lee recommended A House for Mr Biswas by V.S. Naipaul.
Books mentioned, in the order they came up
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Pachinko
Pachinko by Min Jin Lee is a sweeping historical novel that chronicles four generations of a poor Korean immigrant family living in Japan, struggling against deep-seated discrimination and hardship.
Discussed“Her book Pachinko had just been voted one of the best books of the 21st century by the hundreds of authors who participated in that [music] project.”
Where to get it
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American Hagwon
American Hagwon by Min Jin Lee is a sweeping novel exploring the complexities of education, upward and downward mobility, and the Korean diaspora within the United States, serving as part of a planned four-part thematic series.
Discussed“It's titled American Hagwan, and it's the result of almost a decade's worth of work. It is will eventually be a four-part thematic series exploring Korea and the Korean diaspora.”
Where to get it
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Free Food for Millionaires
Min Jin Lee's debut novel Free Food for Millionaires follows the ambitious life of Casey Han, a first-generation Korean American Princeton graduate navigating identity, wealth, and societal expectations in 1990s New York City.
Discussed“So with your two previous books, I believe you focused on sort of one word for each of them. Your first novel, Free Food for Millionaires, the key word was uh choice. In Pachenko, your second novel, it was home.”
Where to get it
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A House for Mr Biswas
A House for Mr Biswas by V.S.
Recommended“It wasn't that different from one of my favorite books, A House for Mr. Biswis. This idea that I just want to have my little place and no one can kick me out of. I mean, there's nothing wrong with that.”
Where to get it
