Free Food for Millionaires

Free Food for Millionaires | Min Jin Lee

Up next OCTOBER 9 Start date! #SUNDAYBUDDYREAD

Next week is OFF in case anyone needed to finish our huge September book!

I woke with a low grade fever yesterday and massive headache and scratchy throat first test says no COVID may do another today 🥵🤧 so I‘m headed back to bed 🥱🤒

AllDebooks Eurrgh, feeling the same. Kids back at school brings a legion of bugs home. Wrap home and feel better soon x 2y

kspenmoll So sorry you are sick! Rest & read if you can. 2y

IndoorDame Feel better! 2y

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AmyG Oh no. Covid is everywhere these days. Hope you are ok…keep testing. I was negative at first and then bam! For me it was like a bad cold. Feel better, treat your symptoms, drink alot (electrolytes too). 2y

mcctrish I‘m happy for the break, I‘ve had a cold all week and I‘ve been so tired at the end of the day I left finishing this until yesterday ( almost killed me 🤣🤣) I hope you feel better and it‘s not covid and just a crappy cold like me 2y

ShelleyBooksie @TheBookHippie - I'm the same! Tested negative today but my sinuses are full, throat is sore, low energy and head pounding. Its a gorgeous day here and I am not being at all productive. I.hope that you feel better soon!! 2y

TheBookHippie @ShelleyBooksie I hope we both feel better asap!!!! 2y

TheBookHippie @mcctrish so much junk going around blech… 2y

TheBookHippie @AmyG I seriously am hoping for bad cold I figure I‘ll test again tonight . 2y

TheBookHippie @AllDebooks I swear back to school equals germ parties.. 2y

DebinHawaii Rest up! Hope you feel better & it‘s just a cold. 😷 I have this book ready to go on my Kindle but I am happy for the week‘s break to finish up some others. 2y

Deblovestoread Hope you are on the mend soon! 2y

Karisa 💗 2y

DanaManiac Feel better soon!! 2y

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TheBookHippie

Free Food for Millionaires | Min Jin Lee

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Well we did it we read a chunkster!

I‘m sure I missed something what were your thoughts ?

Sargar114 This was kind of a coming of age story for Casey but I loved seeing all the characters and their flaws. Very much have a well rounded story. You‘re not going to like everyone but that‘s not the point. I really appreciated how she addressed the date rape. I don‘t know if Casey will figure things out but she grew so much in this time period and I was happy to follow her story. 2y

AmyG @Sargar114 Yes….a 20‘s coming of age story. I enjoyed this book, too. People and their flaws…..life. How so many of us have plans….and how things don‘t always work out as originally planned, sometimes for the best, sometimes not. 2y

vlwelser I loved this and I'm glad we tackled it. 2y

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mcctrish It was a great book on so many levels, the different characters, the struggle to find your path, I was so invested in the characters. Joseph really came around for me - he was up there with Ted for a long while. People are so flawed. It‘s a first novel and that is mind blowing, I‘m so happy I had the edition with the prologue. 2y

DebinHawaii I really enjoyed it & had no trouble with it being a chunkster & it keeping my attention. There was just so much going on with the characters & their stories that it never felt boring to me. @mcctrish Yes! So mind blowing that this was her debut novel! The prologue was excellent. A great pick! I may actually have to try reading my copy of Pachinko one of these days. 📚📚📚🤷🏻‍♀️📚📚📚 2y

mcctrish @DebinHawaii you and me, together, finally reading Pachinko 🤣🤣 2y

Deblovestoread I really liked it. I think it was a fair look at lots of different people, some you like, some you don't, some you hate all just living their lives. 2y

mollyrotondo @DebinHawaii @mcctrish I am with you on Pachinko. I‘ve had a copy for at least three years never read and yet I‘ve read this one twice now lol 2y

mollyrotondo Really loved this book. It moves so swiftly and tells such a real story about all aged people and the struggles we all face at different points of our lives. 2y

TheBookHippie @mollyrotondo I‘m so glad we tackled it!!! 2y

mcctrish @mollyrotondo 🤣🤣 I have pachinko in my book outlet cart right now but will I click ship ?! 2y

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TheBookHippie

Free Food for Millionaires | Min Jin Lee

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#SUNDAYBUDDYREAD

David professes his love to Ella
They date
Plan to marry
She was always in love with him yes?

“It‘s tragic when you can do something you don‘t like…. “
Casey quits school doesn‘t take the job

It just ends …..

None of the stories truly end or resolve or is that the point?

This book is 15 years old. Does it show ? Can it hold up?

Sargar114 Ella was my favorite character. She showed the most growth and loved reading about her. I don‘t think we‘re really supposed to know what happens…but that‘s like life. It seems to really hold up, especially since the 90s are en vogue right now. 2y

AmyG I thought some of it was dated, but the themes are still there. Twenty somethings making decisions and growin up. I was so happy Ella and David were going to marry. They seem so happy. I also so etimes like when a book just ends as you can imagine what you want for the characters. 2y

vlwelser I loved this Ella/David thing. I did feel bad for Charlotte who isn't even a character. 2y

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mcctrish The early 20‘s are a hot mess and this book shows that. I loved reading about Ella and Casey, so I think this book holds up. @vlwelser poor Charlotte is right, we never even see her 2y

DebinHawaii I echo the sentiments about Ella & her finding happiness with David. Although the end didn‘t wrap things up nicely, I felt okay with that as it seemed more true to life that we don‘t know what is going to happen. I think the themes hold up to today & I always had it in mind that it was a 90s setting. 2y

Karisa @mcctrish Charlotte?? I must‘ve missed a minor character. Who was Charlotte? 😳 2y

Karisa I think the book was good and almost to a lasting novel level but not quite. It just felt like something was missing to me. I didn‘t feel super invested in the outcome of any character by the end. There wasn‘t a clear message or life truth expressed to me. I think if she had stuck the landing, I would feel differently. 2y

mcctrish @Karisa the one David asked to marry when he thought “he‘s 36 and needs to get on with things” 2y

Karisa @mcctrish Oooooh! The invisible fiancée Thank you! I was so confused ?? 2y

mollyrotondo Ella was of course always in love with David! That‘s why young people need to stop rushing into marriages! Sometimes you need time to see and sometimes find the right person in front of you. I liked that it ended with no conclusion. Life moves forward. I also liked that she showed life doesn‘t move in a linear movement. We sometimes have to take a step back and start over like Casey is doing by quitting business school and Unu is doing. 2y

TheBookHippie @mollyrotondo oh I so agree it‘s highly recommended at 18 around here “so they don‘t sin” young marriages are so fraught with so many issues not knowing who you are being one of them. 2y

mollyrotondo @TheBookHippie exactly! You have no clue who you are at 18 let alone the person you can spend your life with. Time is important. 2y

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TheBookHippie

Free Food for Millionaires | Min Jin Lee

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Virginia
Always on the peripheral
Why?
She seems a good friend
Was this necessary to show what?

Sargar114 She seemed like the friend that you‘d always compare yourself too. She‘s like the social media of the time. We only got the highlight reel and things for her aren‘t always so great. But she provided info for Casey on Jay and was a way to get to their meeting later on. I agree she seems like a good and loyal friend though, but still is figuring out her own life. 2y

AmyG Yes. She was a peripheral character, but from Casey‘s college days…her younger days. Seems they were both being very much in their 20‘s, trying to figure out life and what they want to do with it. 2y

vlwelser She might serve as a point of contrast. I like her but she may not be overly necessary to the story. 2y

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mcctrish I thought maybe that‘s who Casey would live with but she just disappeared. They took 2 very different paths to find themselves and I thought they‘d move in together. Focus on what they need and wanted for the future 2y

DebinHawaii Yes, it was interesting that she just dropped in and out of the story & didn‘t seem really necessary. I think you are correct @vlwelser that she was a point of contrast for Casey. 2y

Karisa I felt like Virginia (freedom) was the opposite of Ella (purity). They both seemed to represent an ideal that Casey had some of and reached for herself. Moving jobs/boyfriends/independent (freedom); reading the Bible, helping others (purity) 2y

mollyrotondo @Karisa I agree with you completely. I think Casey wanted the path Virginia was able to take because it seemed better than Casey‘s options. And then when she became friends with Ella, Ella‘s life seemed easier and better too. And then Casey as well as the reader are shown that no path is easy especially for young women. 2y

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TheBookHippie

Free Food for Millionaires | Min Jin Lee

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✝️FYI I ignored most of the religion and prayer in the story. If you wish to discuss it here‘s the place. It‘s a bit PTSD for me personally, but if it‘s your thing and you were inspired by it, or had thoughts about Casey‘s Bible reading, all the prayer and sin and religion mentioned ….sound off below …

Sargar114 Casey‘s thoughts on religion where interesting. She wanted faith but also approached it from a more intellectual perspective. I‘m not religious mostly because of the hypocrisy portrayed by a lot of the more religious characters shown in this book. But I liked the community that the church served for this group and how they helped each other (through illness or when Leah saved money for Casey). 2y

AmyG Agree @Sargar114 about the Church being a community for them. I just thought that Casey grew up religious so she got comfort from that. I didn‘t give it much thought. That was just who her family was. 2y

vlwelser I think the author is pointing out the culture with this more than anything else. I just sort of accepted it as part of the backstory. 2y

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mcctrish With Casey it seemed like meditation, with her mother more like a self inflicted cult 2y

DebinHawaii Honestly, it wasn‘t a big part of the story for me either as it isn‘t a part of my life. I did think Casey‘s focus on it & the way she studied it was interesting. 2y

Deblovestoread I didn't read much into this part of the story. It was community. I didn't see Casey as religious or even searching for meaning. It was a comforting habit. 2y

mollyrotondo I look at Casey having a similar relationship with religion as myself although I don‘t read the Bible daily. She grew up with religion but did not focus on the rigidity of religion. She focused more on a relationship with God and possibly found comfort in her faith. Her faith was private whereas her mother and Tina and other members of their church had a very public and rigid religious experience. 2y

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TheBookHippie

Free Food for Millionaires | Min Jin Lee

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#SUNDAYBUDDYREAD

Unu…
Gambler
Evicted-Yikes
Goes to Ella‘s starts turning his life around ?

Jay… loves two people?
Casey and him talking
Did she make the correct decision?

Hugh
Oh Casey SMH 🤦🏻‍♀️
Then she tells Unu …
Then does Hugh again?!
🤦🏻‍♀️ Then the tapes

Should she just try being SINGLE a while?! Think it‘s implied she ends up with Unu?

Sargar114 Ugh Unu! Ugh Casey! They‘re a hot mess but it does seem like they‘ll end up together eventually. But they both need to work on themselves first. I liked the scene with her and Jay. I think they both grew up quite a bit since being together and yeah they probably still have a feelings for each other but it‘s good they‘re not together. Hugh 🤮 2y

Sargar114 My other thought was Unu threw her out because he was angry at himself and projecting. I was furious the book and the first Haze hat was still in the apartment. I hope she‘s able to get those back eventually! 2y

AmyG I see Casey through this book as growin up. She made many bad choices but I got the impression that she learned from them. Perhaps thatis what she sees in Unu….a man who made a horrible choice and became addicted. Now they have an opportunity to start over, perhaps together. And also I think they are realizing that attaining money and winning….isn‘t everything. 2y

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Sargar114 @AmyG I keep wanting to describe this as a coming of age story. It doesn‘t quite fit but in a way it does. 2y

vlwelser I don't know how this author managed to frustrate the shit out of me. But if that was her goal, well done. 2y

mcctrish @Sargar114 I think this is a coming of age story, as a full fledged adult. I thought both Jay and Unu overreacted to Casey when they ended things. In both cases she had either forgiven or tried to support them. She makes one choice or decision they don‘t like and they go MAD basically “you are dead to me!”mad. And I‘m thinking “you don‘t freaking deserve her dudes!” She needs to live on her own ( which I get is totally unrealistic in NYC) 2y

Sargar114 @mcctrish totally needs to NOT be in a relationship 2y

DebinHawaii Yes, I hated Casey‘s choices in men! It did read to me that she & Unu might end up together & I‘m not excited about it. I agree @mcctrish @Sargar114 that she needs a long holiday of living on her own. 2y

Deblovestoread I think Casey needs to figure out herself first and then look for a NEW relationship. Bless Ella's for wanting to help Unu. 2y

mollyrotondo These guys 🙄 Jay and Hugh suck pure and simple. Unu is a mess but a nice person. He needs to work on himself before being in a relationship with someone. I think the end showed how Casey and Unu are starting over. They have not “grown up” (hence them playing with chalk outside on the ground=childlike=starting from the beginning) but they know a few things about themselves now so they can start to make better decisions. 2y

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TheBookHippie

Free Food for Millionaires | Min Jin Lee

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Joseph and the hat box and hat gift to Casey. The bookseller dies..
Where is the book?!?!
WAS IT IN THE APARTMENT ?!
She gets the hats !

So, will she be a hat maker and be happy?
Was that the plot?!

Thoughts ?

Sargar114 I cried at that scene! I wonder if she‘ll end up getting Sabine‘s business along with making hats. For such a minor character he was a favorite 🎩❤️ 2y

AmyG My thoughts on him….sometimes someone enters your life for a reason. He changed everything for Casey, in a sense. There is a saying…something like….coincidences are the universe trying to tell you something. Their friendship seemed like a coincidence. I think the book was in Unu‘s apartment. A lesson, perhaps, of the importance of material things perhaps not being so important. 2y

vlwelser I love the hat thing. The book going missing is frustrating. And I felt unfulfilled by the ending. 2y

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mcctrish When Unu went home and couldn‘t get in my first thought was “has he finally hit rock bottom?” Casey didn‘t have much to call her own throughout this whole book - expensive clothes, her hats, Jane Eyre and 2 sets of gold clubs. I wonder, if she‘d known sooner, I‘d she could have gotten her possessions separated from Unu‘s? But she dragged her feet getting in touch with him so does she really care 2y

DebinHawaii I liked that unlike Sabine, Joseph could help change Casey‘s life without massive strings attached. I do hope she ends up being able to make & sell hats as at least a part of her career. I was bummed about Jane Eyre—my bookish heart sank when it ended up in the apartment. 😩 It was my first thought when the locks were changed, it & Casey‘s hats. 2y

Deblovestoread Loved Joseph 💜 2y

Karisa @DebinHawaii They were the first things I thought of too with the locked apartment. I can‘t believe Casey hadn‘t gone back for them before. For someone with so much need, she easily let‘s go of her expensive things! 2y

mollyrotondo The book was left at Unu‘s apartment. And I think the point of Casey having met the bookseller was to show her that her passion could be fulfilling and she doesn‘t have to stay on a path that others want her to take. I hope Casey continues to make hats and takes over Sabine‘s business in order to focus on hat sales. 2y

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TheBookHippie

Free Food for Millionaires | Min Jin Lee

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#SUNDAYBUDDYREAD

Sabine
Headaches migraines
Apologizes to Casey
Tells her she doesn‘t know how to love..

Sabine‘s husband Isaac in it all

We got no clear ending here…

Thoughts???

Sargar114 It makes me wonder if something will happen to Sabine with how much the migraines are affecting her. I liked that she knew about the affairs, but admits that live is complicated and that they‘re good for each other. It seemed Isaac really did care about Sabine. I also think Sabine cared a lot for Sabine but seems to confuse control with being a mentor. 2y

AmyG Ah Sabine. I was never sure what to make of her and her relationship to Casey. She had a bit of a hold on Casey and I get the feeling that, because of the end, that relationship will change. Sabine and Issac? Whatever works for them..I couldn‘t care less. 2y

vlwelser Ultimately it seems like Sabine is lonely and doesn't know what to do about it. 2y

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mcctrish @AmyG same same. Sabine wasn‘t wrong about Casey being stubborn but a person can only take so much help when there are strings attached. Why did Sabine dislike Unu so much? In the beginning he wasn‘t a jobless loser? Leah had more reason to be worried, it was like Sabine was trying to adopt Casey 2y

DebinHawaii Sabine was an interesting character. I didn‘t like her but I felt a little sorry for her at times. I agree @AmyG that the relationship between her & Casey will change as Casey grows & cuts those strings even more. 2y

Deblovestoread Like @Sargar114 I think the headaches were a symptom of something serous and she would ultimately leave the store to Casey. They had an interesting dynamic not sure it was a healthy one. 2y

mollyrotondo I did wish Casey would tell off Sabine. It‘s always hard though when someone has given you so much. It keeps you attached. Sabine has issues. She has a husband who cheats, no children, and makes work the number one priority. So she attaches herself to a young woman and acts as mentor because she‘s lonely and needs to feel needed and appreciated. I think Casey will continue to accept help from Sabine for a good long while. 2y

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TheBookHippie

Free Food for Millionaires | Min Jin Lee

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Leah cleaning the choir directors house…
Then he rapes her in the car?!
She‘s pregnant ?!
Miscarries
How do you like how Casey handles her mom?
How do you like her going to the directors house and threatening him?!

Also WHAT?! Leah had no clue about anything…

Also this is one of my points as to why sex Ed is important…I digress..
Knowledge is power.

Sargar114 Book. Throwing. Scene! 2y

Sargar114 I was so angry reading that scene. And then when she was sick had a feeling it was because she got pregnant. But loved that Casey ended up being there for her mom and even though he will never be prosecuted I‘m glad Casey got some kind of revenge and in a way that won‘t traumatize her family (too much.). Totally agree about the importance of sex Ed and I felt this was a “good” way of showing that. I felt terrible for Leah. 2y

AmyG Leah came from a different world than Casey and lived a very secluded life. Casey is an American woman with all the knowledge that comes with that. I was proud of what she did for her Mom and loved she took his music and shredded it. He was an entitled, delusional ass. I was so sad for Leahwho really had no clue what actually happened to her. 2y

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vlwelser This made me so mad. But I was proud of Casey for inserting herself into the situation. My mother is like this. It sort of falls on the more worldly daughter to sort through the nonsense. 2y

mcctrish So proud of Casey! The whole scene in the car was brutal, I was talking to my book again! And yes Sex Ed is important! I was almost surprised when Leah told Casey the truth that she had had sex with someone other than Joseph, after all the “Umma is fine” I wasn‘t sure she had it in her 2y

DebinHawaii @Sargar114 Yes—I was like “oh no! She‘s pregnant!” So sad & frustrating! Poor Leah was so sheltered & inexperienced, I was glad that Casey handled it like she did. I hope Leah is able to heal from the trauma & her guilt about it & realize it wasn‘t her fault. And I agree about the importance of sex education. 2y

Deblovestoread The car scene...I was yelling She said NO....I felt so bad for Leah and her trying to turn it tell herself it meant something...broke my heart. Proud of Casey! 2y

mollyrotondo Uhh this whole storyline! Yes sex education is so very important! For both women and men. I felt so bad for Leah. She had a traumatic act of violence inflected on her and she was trying to deny it so she didn‘t have to face it. Casey talks to her mother very curtly but with love. I like that Casey is willing to take care of her mom. Such a strong moment for mother and daughter. 2y

TheBookHippie @mollyrotondo I‘m still thinking about this too! 2y

mollyrotondo @TheBookHippie it was just such a well written scene and afterward experience. It was complicated and not just a over the top act of violence. It was so seamlessly realistic. And then Casey acted like her true self frustrated with her mother but only because there is love there. Nothing mushy but just real and honest. 2y

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TheBookHippie

Free Food for Millionaires | Min Jin Lee

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Tina has a baby A BOY - right away!
Tells Casey you‘re a true person you are your own. That‘s important.
But then
Tina upset over Casey giving her the bracelets…
Also her having the baby putting her life on hold.
Think she‘s just unhappy?
Is she resentful ?

Sargar114 Parenthood has a way of shifting perspective. After idolizing Casey for so long, the bracelets seemed to be the point where she kind of realized Casey‘s flaws. I‘m sure the separation helped with that but also she seems so lonely right now. I‘m hoping she‘ll be able to go back to becoming a doctor. 2y

AmyG Children change everything. Tina and Chul will learn to adjust. I hope she eventually becomes a Doctor, too. Maybe Casey wanted to give Tina a bit of her “power”….the bracelets….a reminder she can do anything. I also felt Casey was so busy withher life that she probably felt she wasn‘t there for Tina. 2y

vlwelser I think she's deeply unsatisfied. All of her hopes are pushed aside for the baby. And they're poor and living far away from her family. 2y

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mcctrish Tina will come out the other side of this but it‘s hard to see the horizon in the early days of parent hood when it is so repetitive and no family supports. She needs a new mom group and a good stroller. I was a bit concerned with the comment that they would move back east after graduation ( I hoped that meant hers and not just Chul‘s) 2y

DebinHawaii Tina is in a tough place right now with everything in her life, but I am optimistic that she‘ll get through it and end up where she wants to be. 2y

Deblovestoread I like @AmyG comment about giving her power with the bracelets but Casey seemed to recognize her failings and reached for a quick fix to assuage guilt. 2y

Karisa @mcctrish I agree. I remember that feeling of being left out or on hold after having a child. Your whole world shifts as @Sargar114 said. We can‘t know for sure but I‘m hoping Tina gets to go back to become a doctor too. 2y

mollyrotondo I think Tina realizes that doing things by the book and to appease other people like her parents isn‘t always the path that will make you happy. Now having her life on hold after having a baby at the time she didn‘t plan to have one makes her see that Casey‘s choices are not wrong choices but choices that work best for her. Tina will be okay but she needs to start making choices for herself and not because she‘s trying to please others. 2y

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TheBookHippie

Free Food for Millionaires | Min Jin Lee

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Ella‘s lawyer pushing her to fight.
Has she gained a backbone yet?

Unworthy men get worthy girls because they think they deserve the best. Is Ted a narcissist?

Teds comment “so sex is her currency everyone sells something …”
Ted just wanting the house
Teds dad dies
Teds mom… furious
Teds childhood home,
Teds dads words…
Than his eyesight?

Finally
He gives custody to Ella.

Good grief … think Ted has changed any?

Sargar114 It seemed like Ted was only fighting for custody because Delia wanted to have a kid. I enjoyed the physical manifestation of his stress and him realizing he was being a d-bag and letting Ella have custody and the house. Still a jerk, but there‘s hope for improvement. 2y

AmyG Ted is just a cutthroat. I think the way his Mom acted towards him plus his eye issue made him realize the right thing was to let Ella have custody. That was more important than “winning”. I was not a fan of Ted. 2y

vlwelser Ted only seems to turn into a human (sort of) when the dad dies. And I love that the mom doesn't hold anything back. 2y

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mcctrish This final section started and I said out loud in the car “fuck I hate Ted” and my husband ( driving ) “what, who‘s Ted? What did he do?” 🤣🤣 Ted couldn‘t let go of things ( things included people) but his lawyer told him Ella could take baby away without his input so that‘s why he put up a stink. But he knows Ella, so he knows she‘d never do that - her whole world is in NYC. She helped him with his eye and that‘s when he knew he was projecting 2y

DebinHawaii Will Ted ever be a good person? I think he will continue to put his own wants & needs first no matter what but he did up doing the right thing with the custody at the end, so maybe he grew a little. Still an ass hat though! 2y

Deblovestoread Glad Ted end up doing the right thing for his child. It's obvious his wanting joint custody was about everything but what was best for his child. Echoing @DebinHawaii . Still an asshat 2y

mollyrotondo I hated Ted so much! When he starts to lose his vision and he learns it‘s due to stress that‘s when he realizes the weight of the divorce and his relationship with Delia. I still think he gives up the custody fight for selfish reasons because he‘s worried about his eye. I don‘t want to give him any credit. I don‘t know if he‘s going to continue to change going forward but I‘m glad he gave up the fight because it is what‘s best for the child. 2y

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BookNAround

Free Food for Millionaires | Min Jin Lee

This is why I came to Chicago. My kid and his teammates sailing today. I got onto the photographer‘s boat and spent the whole day on the water. Now I‘m back in my hotel and starting the tagged book.

LeahBergen How fun! 2y

Suet624 Wonderful! 2y

ShelleyBooksie How wonderful!! What an amazing way to spend the day. Great pics!! 2y

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Sargar114

Free Food for Millionaires | Min Jin Lee

pick

I thoroughly enjoyed this one! A coming of age type story of Casey Han, a Korean American girl navigating her post graduate life in New York. Not only do we follow Casey but her family members, friends, and influential people in her life in a style reminiscent of classics like Les Mis and Anna Karenina. I felt all the emotions reading this; good and bad. Would recommend! One I wouldn‘t have picked up if not for #sundaybuddyread ❤️

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mcctrish

Free Food for Millionaires | Min Jin Lee

I HATE TED

34 likes

vlwelser

Free Food for Millionaires | Min Jin Lee

pick

🤐🤐🤐

#SundayBuddyRead @TheBookHippie

#BookSpinBingo @TheAromaofBooks

AmyG Oooooooo 2y

StaceGhost I loved this book! 2y

TheBookHippie 🤫🤐 2y

TheAromaofBooks Yay!!! 2y

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TheBookHippie

Free Food for Millionaires | Min Jin Lee

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-03-14/-pachinko-author-min-jin-lee-...

TheBookHippie #SUNDAYBUDDYREAD 2y

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TheBookHippie

Free Food for Millionaires | Min Jin Lee

https://www.newyorker.com/culture/the-new-yorker-interview/what-min-jin-lee-want...

#SUNDAYBUDDYREAD

AmyG Ha….I didn‘t realize she wrote Pachinko. 😳 2y

TheBookHippie @AmyG 🤪😳🙃 2y

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TheBookHippie

Free Food for Millionaires | Min Jin Lee

🤐🤐🤐🤐🤐🤐🤐🤐
#SUNDAYBUDDYREAD

I have things to say…..

See you Sunday 🤫🤫🤫🤫🤫SHHHHHHH

AllDebooks Lol 🤣 that bookmark made me spit my drink everywhere. NEED 2y

TheBookHippie @AllDebooks https://www.etsy.com/listing/982095745/ My favorite 😂 2y

mcctrish I ran right to Etsy and ordered 🤣🤣 soon I will get reading for Sunday 2y

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TheBookHippie @mcctrish 😂😂😂🏆🏆🏆 2y

janeycanuck I need that as a sticker! 2y

TheBookHippie @janeycanuck I agree! 2y

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TheBookHippie

Free Food for Millionaires | Min Jin Lee

https://mykoreankitchen.com/how-to-make-perfect-korean-steamed-rice-step-3-how-t...

#SUNDAYBUDDYREAD

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TheBookHippie

Free Food for Millionaires | Min Jin Lee

https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1016209-kimchi

#SUNDAYBUDDYREAD

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TheBookHippie

Free Food for Millionaires | Min Jin Lee

https://edubirdie.com/examples/medea-is-as-relevant-today-as-it-was-in-ancient-g...

“THE MEDEA EFFECT”
🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄

#SUNDAYBUDDYREAD

Maybe just keep your thing in your pants 😳🤦🏻‍♀️😬

Bookwomble When Boris Johnson is inevitably elevated to the House of Lords, his motto should definitely be "Fortas iustus servo tuo res in braccas" - Maybe just keep it in your pants! (Translation courtesy of Google, as I don't have an Eton education ?) 2y

TheBookHippie @Bookwomble 🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆 2y

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TheBookHippie

Free Food for Millionaires | Min Jin Lee

Time to finish this 🎉

See you Sunday ! #SUNDAYBUDDYREAD

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TheBookHippie

Free Food for Millionaires | Min Jin Lee

Okay I‘m off 🛣️ road tripping Nashville to St Louis least it‘s a car this leg 😂

Oy vey 🎉🤘🏻🎫🎫🎫🎫♥️♥️♥️🎤🎤🎤

I‘ll check in as I can! Hopefully it‘s all posted ! XXOO #SUNDAYBUDDYREAD

Karisa Wowza! Have fun! What a voice Vedder has! 👏👏👏 2y

Sargar114 Safe travels! 2y

eeclayton Enjoy and be safe 🤘 2y

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AmyG Ha! Have a blast. Nothing like a good tour. 2y

TheBookHippie @Karisa I‘ve been following him all week ♥️♥️🎤🤘🏻🎫🎫🎫🎫🎫 it‘s been amazing except the plane rides. 🤮 2y

DebinHawaii Have fun! 💜💜💜 2y

mollyrotondo Oh how fun!! 2y

quietjenn Nice! I am currently on the way home from seeing the Louisville show! You are in for a good time. 🙂 Safe travels. 2y

TheBookHippie @quietjenn Nashville was so fricken good! St Louis was good as well Camden and now …phew…home we go … we did both Eddie and the Earthlings in February so ♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️ it‘s been a good concert year! 2y

quietjenn @TheBookHippie you‘ve had quite the run there! Sounds like an amazing time 😍 2y

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TheBookHippie

Free Food for Millionaires | Min Jin Lee

This post contains spoilers

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#SUNDAYBUDDYREAD

Casey
Clothes her security
Addiction
Both?

I keep getting references to Middlemarch and have plans to read it in January it‘s like the book gods are reminding me of a date! HAHAHAHA.

SO THAT WAS A LOT……..
Thoughts?

We get to finish now!!!

Did I miss anything ???

Karisa I keep thinking of Gatsby, and then when the bookseller called her Daisy had so much satisfaction. 🤣 I love all the mods to the classics! I think her clothes/hats are like a kind of armor. I‘m seeing them as a way to feel like she belongs in the circles/life she longs for. 2y

mcctrish I read Middlemarch 8 years ago because of Rebecca Mead writing “My Life in Middlemarch” RM reread MM as much as Casey does. I‘m seeing more and more correlations with all of them. 2y

Sargar114 I‘ve never read it 🤷🏼‍♀️. @Karisa excellent analogy with the clothes being her armor. Her spending habits give me so much anxiety though!!! 2y

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AmyG Yes @Karisa Armor…good point. I also think it gives her power. I haven‘t read Middlemarch, maybe I will join you in January @TheBookHippie. Ha, all I kept thinking is buy Jane Eyre for $1500 and sell it for more to pay your bills. Her debt gave me anxiety, too @Sargar114 🤣 2y

Sargar114 Good idea @AmyG !!! 2y

Karisa @AmyG That‘s true! She could sell the book and at least make a dent in the debt. It seems like Casey would never do it though. She didn‘t even sell either of the sets of golf clubs, huh? 2y

DebinHawaii Casey‘s life choices, especially the money choices make me crazy! 😱 I have never read Middlemarch so if becomes a buddy read, I‘m in! I am going to try and finish the book tonight/tomorrow as my library e-book copy has to go back & there are people waiting. Can‘t wait to see how it wraps up. 2y

vlwelser I did enjoy the book references. But I haven't read Middlemarch in forever. So maybe not getting a ton of the references. 2y

mcctrish I‘m up early to watch the State Funeral and I thought of a comment in this section about how no one wears hats and Casey not only sells them but is taking classes and time and money out of her jam packed, border line poverty stricken life to study, design and create them. Is this madness? Self care? She should move to England because the hat market there is THRIVING 2y

TheBookHippie @mcctrish I had that same thought!!! 2y

TheBookHippie @DebinHawaii yes JANUARY we started a thread on the #pemberlittens read with @Barkingmadrun to read Middlemarch

Secret Sisterhood: The Literary Friendships of Jane Austen, Charlotte Bronte, George Eliot, and Virginia Woolf

BarkingMadRead If anyone wants to join the middlemarch buddy read in January, tag me! I will add you to the list! 2y

mollyrotondo When that guy asked Casey I was like buddy you are asking the wrong girl. She should not be spending anymore money she doesn‘t have! But it is almost like a sign that Casey needs to make some changes and maybe start turning her talent into real profit so she can have the nice things she wants. 2y

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TheBookHippie

Free Food for Millionaires | Min Jin Lee

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#SUNDAYBUDDYREAD

Leah, the mom.
Singing at choir
What do you think of the new choir director?

Viriginia and her letters and her men and her pregnancy?

A MOMENT FOR JANE EYRE…..
Buying the book forces her to get a paying job
GOOD?

Judith her coworker well she‘s nice 😳😬🥶…

It‘s like a Korean soap opera!!!

Thoughts????

Karisa Yeah, the Leah choir scenes were making me want to go back to Casey‘s story. That new choir director—another awkward, super bossy person with a new example of how we control others. It all seemed so tangential. Is it going somewhere? When are we going to see more Virginia??? She‘s been mentioned from the first chapter then sidelined 🤣 I have only questions and no answers 🤷🏻‍♀️ Soap opera is right! 🧼🫧💗 2y

mcctrish Virginia is all the things Casey isn‘t 😢 when Sabine is telling Casey every moment/choice counts and she is losing sleep over debt and wrong turns, Virginia is squandering her youth on random euro brats but she makes C laugh so 🥰 I wonder if the new choir director will shake Leah up to take a few chances 2y

Sargar114 It was kind of a weird chapter, especially after we had the part with Ella‘s dad in the first section. It makes me think something will happen to Joseph and then Leah will have to figure out things. I‘m just realizing in a way it‘s showing how similar Casey and her mom can be. 2y

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AmyG Virginia seems the only one who lives life on her own terms. Then I think of Casey, Ella and Leah….finding how to live their life on their terms? Does Leah “find her voice”? Through this new director? 2y

DebinHawaii I don‘t like the new choir director so far—he gives off a creepy vibe. 🤷🏻‍♀️ Plus, I still want Leah with Ella‘s dad. The soap opera analogy is a good one for this book! I am interested to see how it all wraps up. 2y

vlwelser Does anyone think the dad might have died? Casey's dad. 2y

Sargar114 @vlwelser I think he is going to in the next section. It seems like there‘s a lot of talk of the age gap as well as some weird behaviors in the Leah chapter (not eating and not looking well) 2y

mollyrotondo I actually think the choir director will be good for Leah. I don‘t think they will get together but I do think he‘s going to help her break free from conventions and break free from her husband. But yeah Joseph‘s health seems to be deteriorating so maybe he won‘t make it and Leah will already have the tools to be okay without him. 2y

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TheBookHippie

Free Food for Millionaires | Min Jin Lee

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#SUNDAYBUDDYREAD

Hugh
Called and hung up?!
Gave her expensive clubs
Think he is sweet on her?
OR is she a challenge?
Is he attracted because she says NO?
Then Casey ‘plays‘ with him….ughhh
SERIOUSLY?

Karisa Yeah, 🤮. Hugh is so icky. He must be in his 40s or at least late 30s right? Still acting like a frat boy and toying with people like Casey. He does help her but seems like he‘s ambivalent to people—just uses others for his own amusement. Thinks he‘s a playboy/minor god. Ted and Hugh should be besties… 2y

mcctrish If Hugh is going to be a thing, he has to stop being a player 2y

Sargar114 I don‘t know what to make of Hugh. He feels gross but also kinda seems to care for Casey in his own weird way. But this also feels like the power dynamic that has always has hurt women. Now that she‘s asked for help will he feel “owed”…probably 🤮 2y

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AmyG I am not sure what to make of them. That she even kissed him back, I wanted to think it was because she was drunk. 2y

DebinHawaii Whoops, I shared my Hugh feelings in the last question. But yes, definite ick factor. He reminds me a bit of Sabine in helping Casey with expectations. I think he likes her/cares about her as much as anyone other than himself, but he will always look for something in it for him. 2y

DebinHawaii @AmyG Yes, I hoped it was alcohol too but I still want to shake Casey about her life choices! 🤣 2y

AmyG @DebinHawaii yes, she makes some horrible choices which I blame her age. 2y

vlwelser Want to take bets on them having an affair? Hugh seems pretty intent. 2y

mollyrotondo @Karisa agree completely. Hugh is another man in Casey‘s life that she needs to eliminate 2y

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TheBookHippie

Free Food for Millionaires | Min Jin Lee

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#SUNDAYBUDDYREAD

Unu
Golf
Kiss
Gambler
Trouble?
They hookup
She moves in
Tells him about her debt
Phew
BUT he gambles?
Loses his job….
Think this is going to work?
IS either of them in love ?

Karisa For being so young and living together, they really don‘t seem super in love. It‘s such a bummer. They both are people to root for but don‘t seem to connect much. The golf and Casey thing kinda came out of nowhere for me. It was frustrating that even being better, the guys couldn‘t acknowledge she‘d won. Casey‘s so good at radiating wealth/confidence that others don‘t realize how precarious her situation is. Well, Hugh kinda does and exploits it🤮 2y

mcctrish I don‘t think it will last. I am wondering about Hugh. I want Casey to catch a break that isn‘t built on quicksand 2y

Sargar114 @mcctrish agreed and me too! I feel like the fact that he lost his job and isn‘t even looking for a new one likes up with his marriage failing and him cutting off marriage all together. Their vices are not at all helpful for either of them and it‘s getting to the point where this relationship is more destructive than beneficial. (edited) 2y

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AmyG @mctrish Well said. Casey needs to be settled in her life before she meets anyone. I don‘t feel her and Unu are the right fit. 2y

DebinHawaii Agree—Unu is not the one for her. I‘m hoping Hugh isn‘t either—for me there is an element of “ick” to him. He definitely wants to have strings attached to Casey while “helping” her. (edited) 2y

vlwelser There're some weird Korean (Asian) stereotype things going on with some of these characters. I mean the whole Foxwoods thing is a bit cliché. But also on brand based on people I know irl. 2y

vlwelser And also the golf. But they are characters. 2y

TheBookHippie @vlwelser there are a lot of stereo types to the point I‘ve asked my daughters best friend about it. She says truth hurts 😬😆 but now she gets this book when I‘m done. 2y

vlwelser @TheBookHippie 😂 truth hurts. Love it. 2y

mollyrotondo This relationship should have ended a long while ago too. There‘s nothing there. And Unu has turned into a bum of a guy and Casey needs more stability. 2y

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TheBookHippie

Free Food for Millionaires | Min Jin Lee

This post contains spoilers

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#SUNDAYBUDDYREAD

And Ted, still an ass
Leaving..
So herpes…and Delia..
What do you think of Delia?
Casey talking with Ted ‘WHAT IS LOVE?‘
Delia telling Casey she was sorry but was so in l love too.
Delia coming to Caseys good bye party from work, surprised?

Karisa At first, I did not get the Delia/Ted thing. However, the author does a good job of making seem like they really are a match. Delia seems to have his number. God what drama those two will put each other through. The sex video 🤣 then thought, poor Ella/Irene! Good riddance Ted. Ok, David/Ella, here‘s your chance! Those two couples are such opposites! 2y

mcctrish This section opened and I was all “OMG I fucking HATE Ted!!!” 2y

mcctrish And if Delia didn‘t have herpes before she‘s going to get it now 2y

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Sargar114 First, @TheBookHippie this is EXACTLY who I pictured as Delia! 2y

Sargar114 F‘ing Ted!!! It‘s fine how this worked for them and I like how the author shows the complexities of relationships. But I still hate Ted. Don‘t love Delia, but seems like they‘ll make it work and she got Ted away from Ella…so there‘s that. @Karisa good point about those couples being exact opposites! I do hope it works out for Ella! 2y

TheBookHippie @Sargar114 💯💯💯 It was immediate for me😂😬 2y

TheBookHippie @mcctrish Right? Welcome to herpes. 2y

AmyG I don‘t hate Delia. She does what she wants and I don‘t agree with it. Idon‘t like Ted at all. Never did. Ella is luckyto be rid of him. Let them have each other! 2y

DebinHawaii Yes, to me although I don‘t like Delia, Ted is the big bad in this. He‘s such an ass! But as pointed out, she was the catalyst for Ted & Ella not being together so I think that works better for Ella & leaves her open to be with David. 2y

vlwelser I like Delia but also question her choices. As I seem to do with all of these characters. 2y

mollyrotondo I hate Ted with a passion. But I don‘t like Delia either. Her initial motive of unwittingly trying to get one of these men to impregnate her is so wrong. I hate her for that alone. Someone will find out that a husband has her baby and if will destroy his family whether today or tomorrow. That stuff doesn‘t stay a secret forever. Just so selfish and wrong. But then to act like destroying Ella‘s family is justified is not right either. 2y

mollyrotondo But thank goodness Ella is free of Ted and she can hopefully find true happiness now 2y

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TheBookHippie

Free Food for Millionaires | Min Jin Lee

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#SUNDAYBUDDYREAD

So, Jay is getting married, to an Asian……
Love does not end…….?!

Does Casey love him?

Does Jay love anyone?

Karisa I‘ve been surprised that Casey keeps thinking of Jay so much. I want her to move on. He didn‘t seem that great. I thought Jay was a nod to Gatsby too —the author‘s way of moving the story to more modern times. Then shoving him offstage and saying, “but this isn‘t about the guy striving for the American Dream this time.” Casey‘s fixation on Jay keeps her from fully owning her relationship with Unu. 2y

mcctrish Casey is still stuck. She loved Jay and that stupid 3 way shows he didn‘t really feel the same way. He‘s got a type for sure. My son‘s friend LOVED a girl in high school and it turned out to be unrequited, he has dated similar girls ever since. Is it a way to change that narrative? I love the Casey went in a different direction but I don‘t think Unu is her guy- won‘t marry again and gambling addiction are bigger red flags than failed sexcapades 2y

Sargar114 It doesn‘t surprise me Jay is marrying and Asian woman. Casey was doing a good job of starting to move on from him, and this felt like such a realistic setback. I think as a first love it‘s hard to let go; Ella seems right about that love not ending. I agree @mcctrish I don‘t think Unu is going to work out and this might be her motivation to see that and move on. 🔽 2y

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Sargar114 This book focuses so much on relationships and all the different types and the good and the bad that I‘m hoping we just see Case move on and live for herself. 2y

TheBookHippie @Sargar114 🤞🏻 2y

AmyG Yes, Casey seems stuck on Jay (and vice versa apparently). I also don‘t think Unu is for her either. His gambling problem is a huge red flag plus he keeps saying he will never marry again. I don‘t think she has found the “right” guy yet. 2y

DebinHawaii I agree with what all has been said. “First loves” are tough to get over. Casey needs to move on from Jay but of course hearing he is getting married & finding out it is to another Asian girl & a rich one at that has to hurt. Unu was there at the right time, but he isn‘t the right one for Casey unless he can kick the gambling & his feelings for his ex-wife leaving him. I am good with Casey standing/being on her own. 2y

vlwelser This seemed like an odd thing to throw in. Maybe it'll be important later. 2y

mollyrotondo I don‘t agree that love never ends in this case. Jay didn‘t love Casey and Casey didn‘t love Jay. He was someone she thought would be there every time her father hurt her and she needed to leave. Dependency is not love. She found out the truth about Jay on a night she assumed he‘d be there to take her in and he proved her wrong. That‘s a shock. It‘s more about you not wanting to admit someone could hurt you so badly when you thought they loved you 2y

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TheBookHippie

Free Food for Millionaires | Min Jin Lee

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#SUNDAYBUDDYREAD

Ella pregnant high risk
Seems unhinged
OD‘s on Tylenol???
BUT full of compassion and empathy?

Ella calling David asking for a job!!!!
Baby Irene is here and six months old
Also -duh they‘re in love. Ella/David- now what?
What do you think of Ella?

Karisa Ella reminds me of the friend in Jane Austen books that is so pure and good. The type that just has to have a nice outcome after people treat her horribly. She did have more drama in this section and David seems her soulmate. Hopefully they both see that before he‘s married. Ted is 🤮 2y

mcctrish Oh Ella! I want a HEA for you! Ted is a DICK 2y

Sargar114 Ella doesn‘t have any real life coping skills since she‘s never really had to. Mix that with PPD = not a good mix. I‘m glad she has a solid support system. And I feel like her and David will end up together. 2y

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AmyG Perhaps because she didn‘t have a mother, but Ella is very very naive. Ted was such a wrong match for her. I hope she ends up with David. 2y

Deblovestoread Same, I want a happy ending for Ella and a miserable ending for Ted. 2y

DebinHawaii Ella is very sheltered & innocent & Ted is such a jerk. 😡 Ella deserves some happiness & I hope she can find it with David. 2y

vlwelser Codeine. Like super Tylenol. 2y

vlwelser Also poor Ella. 2y

mollyrotondo I feel so bad for Ella. She married way too young and didn‘t allow herself to find out what she wanted out of life. Her and David are the perfect match and if she took her time with Ted she would have seen that and dumped Ted. She‘s a people pleaser and that only hurts her in the end. I do feel so sorry for her because she is a good person. 2y

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TheBookHippie

Free Food for Millionaires | Min Jin Lee

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#SUNDAYBUDDYREAD

The hat obsession- different is it going somewhere?
ALSO it‘s hat boxes on my cover…..
LOL I just correlated that…..you?

Karisa I have a different cover, but she‘s wearing a hat and looking Gatsby-ish. It feels like the hats and clothes are her passion and creative outlet. I‘m hoping she finds success with those talents. Casey really needs a win but this book doesn‘t seem the type to go automatically happily ever after at the end… 2y

mcctrish I love the little hat details, I hope it‘s going somewhere. Will that be the direction if Sabine grooms her to take over the store ? 2y

Sargar114 @TheBookHippie I totally am just seeing it now!!! I thought it was a cake 2y

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AmyG The hats seem to be Casey‘s passion. I am curious to see where this all fits in. I, too, have the book @Karisa has. 2y

Deblovestoread Thanks for pointing it out. I always take to cover off to read so haven‘t looked at it recently 😂 2y

DebinHawaii My library e-book has the same cover as @Karisa does so I haven‘t paid attention to this one. I love Casey‘s hats & hope it can end up being something she ends up doing. 2y

mollyrotondo It too me a minute too when I first read it 😆 I just want Casey to become a hat designer and open her own shop and tell Sabine thanks but I‘m good. 2y

vlwelser I've seen this cover but also the woman in men's clothing. Also has a hat on. 2y

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TheBookHippie

Free Food for Millionaires | Min Jin Lee

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#SUNDAYBUDDYREAD

Tina the sister …thoughts?
All the things Casey is missing
With her family..
Rightly?
Tina‘s pre wedding dinner- wow.
Thoughts ?
Tina changing specialties……the dads reaction?!

Karisa Tina‘s pre-wedding dinner was another really awkward scene that felt so authentic at the same time. I‘ve certainly sat through family dinners like that thinking “I have to be here but when can I leave?” I wanted to see Chul‘s mom‘s thoughts more during the gifts. Maybe his family was scaling back because they thought Tina/Casey‘s family couldn‘t afford expensive gifts and didn‘t want to shame them? Awkward and so human. Restaurant owner = 💗 2y

mcctrish The restaurant owner is 💗 honestly I know the dad works hard ( a bit more in this section on the steps he takes to take care of customers but do they actually see him? or do they think they are entitled to that care? ) Chul‘s family doesn‘t think the Han‘s are worth the effort and yet they have the money to be lavish. Leah always takes the high road 2y

Sargar114 So awkward! It seemed strange to be giving such lavish gifts and so openly. It seemed like the Hans could have scaled back and the Baeks could‘ve put in more effort. But I imagine that is me reading this from an American perspective. 2y

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Sargar114 I really like Tina and it seems like Chul is okay. It must have been so hard for her to “correct” her father. But she‘s coming into her own and finding her own life. I also loved that exchange with her and Casey at her wedding, quite sweet. 2y

AmyG A main theme of this book has to do with class and money. The gift giving was a slap in the face to the Hans. I think I was more upset than anyone in the book. I like Tina, too. And yes, Chul seems ok. 2y

DebinHawaii @AmyG I share your upset! I don‘t know that Chul‘s family would have expected the Hans to go as all out as they did & could have been surprised by it, but them barely making an effort on their gifts was very rude and classless. 2y

mollyrotondo This scene! So Chul‘s family was definitely slapping Tina‘s family in the face by putting no effort into their gifts. It was so insulting. It was so embarrassing. And the father‘s reaction to Tina choosing her focus was so ridiculous that it really made me truly support Casey in breaking contact with her parents. He beats Casey and he has a hissy fit with Tina because she isn‘t going to be what he wanted her to be? No way. No sympathy from me. 2y

vlwelser This rehearsal dinner was embarrassing. I felt bad for Leah. 2y

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TheBookHippie

Free Food for Millionaires | Min Jin Lee

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#SUNDAYBUDDYREAD

Casey 25
In her own apt
Working two jobs
In debt to her eyeballs
Sabine hounding her
Your choices make your life.
What do you make of Sabine ?
Is she truly helping?

Karisa Sabine was so annoying in this section. 🤣 She can‘t seem to decide her role in Casey‘s life and vacillated between boss/friend/mother/mentor. I think she uses her money and power to control, but sees it as love and support. Casey just rolls with it all. The author captures their complex dynamic so well! 2y

mcctrish @Karisa she was so annoying! Everything comes with strings attached 2y

Sargar114 I agree @Karisa. I think Casey goes with it because she still shows more affection and support than her parents do. So while Casey doesn‘t always live how she‘s treated, she‘s more willing to put up with since it‘s better than her abusive father. 2y

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Sargar114 I also hate how Sabine so blatantly played favorites. I get as an employer and human you‘ll have them…but to be so obvious was kinda gross and made me feel bad for Judith. 2y

AmyG What @Karisa says….Sabine seems to use money to control. I believe she truly cares about Casey, but I also think it feeds her own ego or self-importance to be this kind of mentor/mother/friend. I find it a bit disturbing. I am glad Casey didn‘t take her money for school. 2y

Deblovestoread I agree it‘s all about control and I‘m with @Sargar114 about playing favorites in the store was just mean. Also, the giving of the watch sends a mixed message. It‘s more about Sabine doing things that makes Sabine feel good. 2y

TheBookHippie @Deblovestoread I think it‘s so she could say look what I did or look at it and say to herself I did that. 🤦🏻‍♀️ 2y

DebinHawaii Sabine definitely likes the control & trying to manipulate people to get what she wants from them. She has a savior complex. I too am glad Casey didn‘t take her money although Casey‘s life choices & spending made me annoyed with her in this section too. 🤷🏻‍♀️ 2y

mollyrotondo I forgot that Sabine really takes things too far as the book progresses. She aggravated me so much! I agree with everyone that she just does things to say look I did that for you. But she also pushes her values on Casey. Sabine says work comes first but I think Casey would disagree and I disagree. Your job is not more important than your family or helping a friend. Sometimes a friend in need takes priority over your job. 2y

mollyrotondo I feel like Sabine also takes offense when Casey isn‘t putting Sabine first. It‘s not just a different value but Sabine wants Casey to remain loyal to her because she clings to Casey as her dependent. It‘s unhealthy. 2y

vlwelser Sabine is starting to annoy me. It seems like Casey might be feeling similar at this point. 2y

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mcctrish

Free Food for Millionaires | Min Jin Lee

The week got away from me, I‘ve got to get caught up for #sundaybuddyreads tomorrow

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TheBookHippie

Free Food for Millionaires | Min Jin Lee

Hope to see you SUNDAY AM -if not I‘ll post ASAP 😬

#SUNDAYBUDDYREAD

TheBookHippie Also I LOATHE airplanes ......... 2y

Deblovestoread I feel you with the air plane thing. Safe journey and enjoy your concert. 2y

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AmyG

Free Food for Millionaires | Min Jin Lee

I will be reading the tagged book for the #SundayBuddyRead but mostly listening to audiobooks….halfway through I‘m Glad My Mom Died.

@Andrew65 #SuperSeptember Readathon

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TheBookHippie

Free Food for Millionaires | Min Jin Lee

#SUNDAYBUDDYREAD PEEPS

I am ready for Sunday having all my reading and questions ready! I am leaving on an airplane to see the Pearl Jam concerts I paid for in 2019 to see in 2020 spring-break that is rescheduled for now! HA. I plan to try to post Sunday morning before flying back home. IF something goes wrong I will post Sunday night or Monday first thing!! Just wanted to give you all a heads up!!

PLANS Ch 1-14 is our reading for the week.

IndoorDame Awesome! Have fun! 2y

Bookwormjillk Cool! 2y

vlwelser 😍 have so much fun! 2y

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TheBookHippie @vlwelser two more to go!!!! Also I hate air travel 😫 2y

TheBookHippie @IndoorDame I am and will ♥️♥️♥️♥️ 2y

TheBookHippie @Bookwormjillk ♥️♥️♥️ 2y

vlwelser 😘 you'll be fine 2y

TheBookHippie @vlwelser well I‘ve landed in fairly decent condition other than a massive headache..inhaling coffee, 12 hours to nap til concert. 😂😂😂🎉🎉🎫 2y

vlwelser Just drink massive amounts of water and concentrate on how much fun you're going to have. I'm excited for you. 2y

TheBookHippie @vlwelser 🤘🏻🤘🏻🤘🏻 2y

40 likes10 comments

TheBookHippie

Free Food for Millionaires | Min Jin Lee

#SUNDAYBUDDYREAD

On we read!!!!

mcctrish Thank you for picking this ❤️❤️ 2y

TheBookHippie @mcctrish I‘m really enjoying it. 2y

DebinHawaii So far, another great pick! 🤗 2y

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AmyG Yes, great pick! I am so happy I didn‘t previously read it. 2y

TheBookHippie @AmyG I‘m so glad it‘s a good read so far!!! 2y

Sargar114 I‘m very much enjoying this one! I was traveling yesterday but gave me chance to catch up on reading it haha! 2y

TheBookHippie @Sargar114 I am enjoying it quite a bit! 2y

42 likes7 comments

TheBookHippie

Free Food for Millionaires | Min Jin Lee

This post contains spoilers

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#SUNDAYBUDDYREAD

I‘m sure I‘ve missed something
What stood out to you?

📷 https://www.whats-on-netflix.com/news/free-food-for-millionaires-netflix-series-...

vlwelser The writing. The author took like 10 years to write this and it kind of shows. 2y

mcctrish @vlwelser the intro about how much work she put into her writing craft and how long she spent writing this ❤️ this book is ( so far) amazing! I need to read pachinko 2y

TheBookHippie @mcctrish oh Pachinko …enjoy! 2y

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DebinHawaii I am enjoying it so far & looking forward to the next section. This may be a chunkster I can stay with & it may make me pull out Pachinko too. 🤗 2y

DebinHawaii And I hope the Netflix thing happens soon. I looked & don‘t see any updates on it. 2y

AmyG You can tell she took time to write this. Her characters are already getting quite developed. I am really enjoying this-my DIL is a Han, but she is Chinese. I hope it makes it to Netflix after we read the book. 2y

TheBookHippie @DebinHawaii I did not either I am hoping it is soon after we finish! 2y

Karisa @vlwelser Agreed. Her writing is beautiful especially in the way she manages to capture so many points of view deeply. Feels like Edith Wharton in places. 2y

TheBookHippie @Karisa I agree it is actually the writing for me that I like best. The story is so far good and well, but the writing is so very. good. 2y

mollyrotondo I love her writing! It just makes me want to keep turning the page. I do really love the female characters and the jumping from different perspectives. I also love that the progression of events moves quickly. It doesn‘t linger too long on any one moment. I have to read pachinko for goodness sake 😂 2y

Sargar114 This has been such a good read so far. I would love to watch a Netflix adaptation. Plus think of all the characters you could deep dive into above and beyond! 2y

12 likes11 comments

TheBookHippie

Free Food for Millionaires | Min Jin Lee

This post contains spoilers

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#SUNDAYBUDDYREAD

Casey‘s friend Virginia
Who writes letters
Wonders about her birth mom
Virginia, Ella and Casey all show differing kinds of mother daughter bonds.
Think this is a theme of the book?

Do you like all the stories and narration occasional swaps?

vlwelser Virginia is interesting. We're only 1/4 into the book so maybe this is just setting character/backstory for later. 2y

vlwelser Oh and the mother daughter thing has to be a major theme. Otherwise it wouldn't be so blatant. 2y

TheBookHippie @vlwelser 🎯 2y

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mcctrish ❤️❤️❤️ 2y

DebinHawaii It seems like it must be one of the themes—not just for these three but even looking at Sabine with no children but finds her own to mentor & Ted‘s mom who has sons & wants a daughter. I like the different narrations & want to learn more about all of these women. 2y

AmyG I also think it‘s one of the themes. Mothers and daughters, fathers and daughters. Birth parents, adopted and chosen. What makes someone a “parent”. 2y

TheBookHippie @DebinHawaii I agree. 2y

TheBookHippie @AmyG I imagine this is more true. 2y

Karisa I hope we see more of Virginia. She‘s interesting and it‘s be cool for Casey to have an Italian adventure. Maybe the hat making will play in more too. I have no idea where the book is going but rooting for Casey, Ella, and Virginia (and maybe Tina too. I guess all the female characters…🤣) 2y

TheBookHippie @Karisa I find it interesting that I don't care where the story is going but am very anxious to read more of her writing. That being said the hat making has me so interested, what an unusual talent and story line . 2y

mollyrotondo I do think parent/child relationships are a major theme. The want for your child to be happy but also the pain of letting them go make their own choices. And also for those that don‘t have children the want to help a young person succeed especially within your own community. It‘s admiring. 2y

mollyrotondo @TheBookHippie I also love that Casey can make hats! I just want her to become an apprentice of Sabine‘s and then start her own hat business! 2y

Sargar114 @DebinHawaii absolutely! 2y

Sargar114 I‘m really enjoying the storytelling. I like seeing all the perspectives and flaws of even minor characters. It feels like it gives the story so much more depth. It also helps to make this chunkster a surprisingly quick read. 2y

6 likes14 comments

TheBookHippie

Free Food for Millionaires | Min Jin Lee

This post contains spoilers

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#SUNDAYBUDDYREAD

Job interview
Gracious
So much to say
Thoughts ?
Also
It‘s free food for millionaires pg 106
So why is this the title you think?
And she got the job.

It reminded me of the movie working girl🎬🎥

📷 https://corporette.com/working-girl-movie-discussion/

vlwelser That interview was just slightly ridiculous. I think there's probably more to come from this story line. 2y

TheBookHippie @vlwelser one would think so. But phew… 2y

mcctrish I had a few thoughts: Casey is smart and has the right degree for the job that is hiring her and above the job she is being interviewed ? but still has trouble ‘translating‘ what the appropriate response should be ( especially Ted, whom I hate) the amount of shit women take from men is exhausting. I like Walter 2y

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TheBookHippie @mcctrish SO EXHAUSTING ….. 2y

DebinHawaii @TheBookHippie It reminded me of Working Girl too! 😂 I thought the quote about the more money people make the more they like free stuff is so true. I think of things like award shows & the swag bags they give out to celebrities. I think it‘s the title because Casey is not from wealth but wants to be & is in the orbit of the wealthy & witnessing the choices & benefits that they have in life versus what the have-nots get. 2y

AmyG Same-I thought of Melanie Griffith and Working Girl. I felt that the title meant how much easier things are for people who have money. Casey has had a taste of that world through her friends and strives to live in that world. (edited) 2y

TheBookHippie @DebinHawaii @AmyG and I have to admit I‘d not thought of that movie in ages! 2y

Karisa I think I need to add Working Girl to my movie list soon. Sounds like a companion piece. 2y

TheBookHippie @Karisa I just put it on hold from the library!!! HAHAHAHAHA. I have not seen it in literal years. I am anxious to see it again!! Plus we will get to see the Twin Towers. 2y

mollyrotondo @DebinHawaii agree! The lower middle class always says there is no such thing as a free lunch. But for millionaires there certainly is such a thing. Make a big deal give everyone a free lunch. Lower middle class works hard everyday and even stays late with no overtime has to bring bag lunch and only stick to half hour eating time before it‘s back to work. And yes Casey is observing this privilege and aspires to that life. The imbalance of life. 2y

Sargar114 @DebinHawaii @TheBookHippie that quote seems so true. The rich seem rich for a reason, free stuff being one of those. That interview felt very gross and accurate for the industry. But I do hope we see more of her work life after this since she‘s no longer in a relationship and maybe this will be her way of finding her path…and give us a bit more for the title . 2y

6 likes11 comments

TheBookHippie

Free Food for Millionaires | Min Jin Lee

This post contains spoilers

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#SUNDAYBUDDYREAD

Ella. (The girl who takes Casey in)
Thoughts on her?
Altruism people rarely understand it ..
Does Ella love Ted? Or her boss?
Ella‘s fiancé Ted?
She wanted to be Casey‘s friend when they were younger.
How did you like Casey‘s handling of the wedding dress fiasco ?
Casey‘s pictures in her head
Waiting on a sign
Practical?

vlwelser I do feel bad for Ella. She seems incredibly lonely. 2y

TheBookHippie @vlwelser I do as well. I hope we get more of her. 2y

mcctrish I love Ella and her dad, the fact he doesn‘t like Ted ( and neither do I ) is so ominous. She‘s so young, she shouldn‘t be marrying. It just sounds like heartbreak is coming. But with her father‘s wealth she can make mistakes that won‘t knock her down as far as Leah or Casey. I want more Ella too 2y

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Deblovestoread I like Ella and I think Casey has found a true friend there if Ted doesn‘t get in the way. I can‘t figure out why she married him. 2y

TheBookHippie @Deblovestoread I think she believes he is giving her a voice - confidence -which is so backasswards. I believe she‘s growing up and gaining confidence -I don‘t think it‘s Ted 🤦🏻‍♀️😫 2y

TheBookHippie @mcctrish I am no fan of Ted. 2y

AmyG I, too, like Ella. She does seem lonely and a bit insecure and unsure. I also like their friendship. I am very curious to see what happens qith her and Ted (not a fan). 2y

DebinHawaii I like Ella & was hoping she would back out of the marriage when her dad gave her the out as it‘s clear it won‘t go well. Ted is controlling & it seems like that will only get worse. I think she & Casey are good for each other & like how the friendship is evolving. 2y

TheBookHippie @DebinHawaii reminded me of my dad at my first wedding …. Also I was 17 🤣🤦🏻‍♀️😅😫 shoulda listened 🤦🏻‍♀️🤦🏻‍♀️🤦🏻‍♀️🤦🏻‍♀️🤦🏻‍♀️🤦🏻‍♀️🤦🏻‍♀️🤦🏻‍♀️🤦🏻‍♀️🤦🏻‍♀️🤦🏻‍♀️🤦🏻‍♀️🤦🏻‍♀️🤦🏻‍♀️🤦🏻‍♀️🤦🏻‍♀️ 2y

Karisa @AmyG That‘s what I would say too. Ted is bad news—just waiting for that train wreck. I like Ella and Casey both a lot. The 3rd person omniscient was a little overwhelming at first. I just wanted to skim some of the Ted thoughts especially to get back to Casey. 2y

TheBookHippie @Karisa It is like classical literature quite a bit which I find fascinating. 2y

Karisa @TheBookHippie Reading her intro, it makes total sense now. She‘s a true artist! 💗 2y

TheBookHippie @Karisa I agree one hundred percent! 2y

mollyrotondo I love Ella and Casey‘s friendship. I‘m so glad they found one another again after so many years. I wish Ella didn‘t marry Ted but I‘m hoping Casey will continue to be there for Ella because I think Ella is going to struggle if she sticks with Ted. She‘s going to need a friend like Casey needed a friend. 2y

mollyrotondo Also Casey waiting on a sign or waiting to see a picture in her head. It‘s like her version of a gut instinct. I understand this. Sometimes it‘s hard for me to picture things for my future but it‘s not good to solely relay on this impractical superstition almost. But not seeing Jay and moving on was totally the right move. So if it helps her come to a conclusion on a difficult decision then great lol 2y

AmyG @TheBookHippie HA! What 17-year old listens to their parents???? 🤣🤣🤣 2y

TheBookHippie @AmyG NONE 😂🤦🏻‍♀️😅 2y

Sargar114 I also love their friendship! They were both lonely and maybe a little desperate at the moment they crossed paths and are a great compliment to each other. I am confused about the marriage to Ted since he is such a tool! I get why her dad dislikes him and agree he‘s not good enough for Ella. 2y

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