Writers Series Presents: Min Jin Lee at Morningside

Last Friday, Morningside College welcomed author Min Jin Lee for the first Writers Series event of the academic year. Lee is an American bestselling author whose work tackles classism, marginalization, and identity. Before becoming a full-time writer, Lee practiced law for several years. Her most recent novel, Pachinko, follows one Korean family through four generations as they struggle to survive in Japan. Pachinko is a national bestseller, a New York Times Editors’ Choice, and a 2017 American Book Awards finalist. Her debut novel, Free Food for Millionaires, was also a national bestseller and a New York Times Editors’ Choice.

Lee read an excerpt from Pachinko, and spoke to students about her writing and research process. Pachinko covers eight decades, and takes place in both Korea and Japan, so Lee taught herself history to ensure she was presenting historically accurate information. She also lived in Tokyo for several years, where she interviewed Zainichi Koreans in preparation for her novel. Lee emphasized to students that with practice, anyone can be a good writer, and it is never too early to pursue artistic ambitions.