‘Pachinko’ Author Min Jin Lee Reveals the Books That Inspire Her: ‘It Knocked Me Off My Feet’ (Exclusive)
The bestselling novelist shares the books that moved her and changed how she sees the world
Key Takeaways
- Min Jin Lee reveals the beloved children’s classic that reminds her of growing up.
- One literary classic helped Lee recognize the power of writing what you know and love.
- From ‘Middlemarch’ to ‘Jane Eyre,’ Min Jin Lee shares books she thinks everyone should read.
Bestselling author Min Jin Lee is opening up about her favorite books. As part of her collaboration with Spotify, the music app that also offers hundreds of audiobooks, the Pachinko author is exclusively revealing the books that have inspired her with Woman’s World. The list ranges from one that made her want to be a writer to a book she wants to give to her younger self. Keep scrolling for the surprising list.
A book that reminds Min Jin Lee of her childhood: ‘The Velveteen Rabbit’ by Margery Williams
Originally published in 1922, this children’s book—which has also been called How Toys Become Real—has become an American classic. In it, a nameless little boy has a stuffed rabbit that he is determined to make real. Then, one day, the rabbit springs to life and soon the two go on magical adventures.
What Min Jin Lee says about this book: “It’s a beautiful story about the relationship between a child and a toy, and how something becomes real by being loved.”
A book that made Min Jin Lee want to be a writer: ‘A House for Mr. Biswas’ by V.S. Naipaul
This award-winning novel follows Mr. Mohun Biswas, a 46-year-old man trying to find independence. Sadly, that’s not an option, since most of his time is spent being shuttled from one residence to another. He lives this way due to the death of his father—which Mr. Biswas was inadvertently responsible for. When he marries into the domineering Tulsi family, Mr. Biswas is more determined than ever to live on his own—even if it means ruining things with his wife and his friends.
What Min Jin Lee says about this book: “This book helped [me] recognize the power authors can have when they write about something they really know and love.”
A book Min Jin Lee wishes she could read again for the first time: ‘A Fine Balance’ by Rohinton Mistry
Set in 1975 in an unnamed city by the sea, this novel begins after the government declares a State of Emergency. As a result, four strangers—a young student uprooted from his home, a spirited widow and two tailors who have fled their violent native village—are forced to share a cramped apartment. As the days drag on, the four bond and soon all are left wondering what will become of them—and the world.
What Min Jin Lee says about this book: “Four strangers living together amid a global economic and political crisis. This story knocked [me] off [my] feet.”
A book with a character that has had a major impact on Min Jin Lee: ‘The House of Mirth’ by Edith Wharton
First published in 1905, this classic novel is perfect for people who love historical fiction tales set in New York City. Twenty-nine-year-old Lily Bart lives among the richest people in New York City and is determined to marry one of them. But when a rumor comes out that she is having an affair with a married man, her plan goes up in flames and she is forced into exile. Now, Lily must find a way to rebuild the life she lost, before it’s too late.
What Min Jin Lee says about this book: “Lily was out of place in her time, and her character really affected the way [I] understood commerce, politics, marriage and the betrayals of a society that wasn’t prepared for women.”
A book Min Jin Lee recommends to everyone: ‘Middlemarch’ by George Eliot
George Eliot, a pen name for Mary Ann Evans, explores what it was like to be a woman in the 1800s in this classic novel. Set in the fictional town of Middlemarch in the English Midlands, the plot follows Dorothea Brooke and Tertius Lydgate, two idealistic individuals trapped in disastrous marriages. As the years pass, both struggle to find happiness with their husbands and their places in society. A moving tale that was remarkably ahead of its time.
What Min Jin Lee says about this book: “[I] recommend this book to everyone because [I] want them to see beyond themselves. George Eliot was writing about community, not just herself.”
A book Min Jin Lee would give to her younger self: ‘Jane Eyre’ by Charlotte Brontë
Originally published in 1847, this novel has become one of the most-read books of all time. It’s the story of every chapter of Jane Eyre’s life, from her harsh upbringing as an orphan to her position as governess for a young French girl at Thornfield estate, where she meets and falls in love with the charming Mr. Rochester. It’s a powerful tale of love, classism, religion and feminism.
What Min Jin Lee says about this book: “[I] recall reading this in [my] 20s, but [I] should have read it in [my] teens and then revisited it in [my] 30s.”
You can presave Min Jin Lee’s new novel, American Hagwon, which follows the Koh family after they move to Southern California and was a Woman’s World must read fall book, out Tuesday, September 29, 2026, on Spotify now.
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