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3.9 AVERAGE
3.9 AVERAGE
Couldn’t even finish it. I got about 400 pages in and part of me wanted to keep going because I’d already gone so far in. I bought this book because i wanted to read more Korean voices. But literally couldn’t stand any of the characters. I appreciated the commentary on their experiences as first generation college grads, immigrant families. But it was seriously so hard to root for any of them because I couldn’t justify their character or choices with or without their struggles. Everybody felt just so…corrupt. Not one redeeming character to root for. I wanted to finish the 200 pages left to see if there was any redemption. But I couldnt-I’m a book quitter. Not for me.
Wish I could have given it a 4.5. It was pretty decent. A hard follow since the transitions of characters happens within a chapter without warning. Also, there is a lot of sex. A lot. But the thoughts surrounding the process of how these women and men maneuver through life are amazing. It's very different from Pachinko. But I still didn't want to put the book down. Following Casey and the people in her life going through life randomly with all this drama had me making all kinds of faces while reading. It's been a long time since I have had a book that had me express myself outwardly in such a way.
emotional
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This gets 4-stars because it was hard to put it down and read like a very well-written soap opera of sorts. I had a lot of trouble with the constant interjection of new and unimportant perspectives and wish that it had focused on just Casey, Ella, and then maybe Casey's mom or Sabine. Ted can eff off.
I think these characters will be with me for a while, and I'm a firm fan on Lee's writing now. Read [b:Pachinko|34051011|Pachinko|Lee Min-jin|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1529845599l/34051011._SY75_.jpg|50384116] if you haven't already!
I think these characters will be with me for a while, and I'm a firm fan on Lee's writing now. Read [b:Pachinko|34051011|Pachinko|Lee Min-jin|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1529845599l/34051011._SY75_.jpg|50384116] if you haven't already!
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
emotional
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
very morally grey and complex characters, loved them at times and disliked them at others! liked the way it flipped thru the minds of different characters, reminded me of Virginia Woolf’s writing
overall, enjoyable read, made me a bit emotional at times
overall, enjoyable read, made me a bit emotional at times
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Casey Han, the oldest daughter of two immigrants from Korea, finds herself wanting to live like the elite class of society. The thing is she is poor. To me, it's not that Casey is not a likeable character. I think she's very independent in comparison with her mother, Leah, and her younger sister, Tina, who both struggle to find an identity outside of their designated family and societal roles, in addition to their race. In fact, most of the female characters in this book are defined by male characters in either docile servant roles or the mistress. Casey is defined by neither, as she is looked at as one of the guys, and even outperforms them in some areas. She also takes control of her sexuality. Eventually, Casey must learn to except herself the way she is though.