The 'Pachinko' Predecessor
Before Min Jin Lee became a household name with the generational epic Pachinko, she wrote this sharp, contemporary novel about the Korean-American experience in the 1990s. While Pachinko feels like a classic historical saga, Free Food for Millionaires is much more of a social satire. It’s about the specific, agonizing pressure of being the 'successful' child of immigrants who has realized that a prestigious degree doesn't automatically buy a seat at the table.
Class as a Character
The book is obsessed with the markers of status—hats, bags, schools, zip codes. It’s a great pick for a kid who is starting to notice the invisible walls of social class. Casey Han, the protagonist, is frequently unlikeable; she’s stubborn, she spends money she doesn't have, and she makes terrible romantic choices. But that’s exactly why the book works. It’s an honest portrayal of a young woman trying to build an identity out of thin air in a city that only respects old money or new power.
Why it still lands in 2026
Even though it was written in 2007 and set even earlier, the themes of burnout, the 'side hustle' culture, and the disconnect between parental sacrifice and child ambition are more relevant than ever. For a high school senior or a college student, Casey’s anxiety about her future—and her refusal to settle for a life that feels small—will feel incredibly familiar. It’s a dense read, but it rewards the effort with a much deeper understanding of the American social fabric.
