Community Reviews

Rating(4 / 5.0, 100 votes)
5 stars
37(37%)
4 stars
29(29%)
3 stars
34(34%)
2 stars
0(0%)
1 stars
0(0%)
100 reviews
July 15,2025
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So far, this book is really interesting. It takes us back to NYC in the 1990s.

During that time, it was a different era. People with slacker jobs could still afford to live in the East Village.

The East Village was a vibrant and eclectic neighborhood, full of artists, musicians, and bohemians.

It was a place where creativity flourished and where people could express themselves freely.

The book vividly描绘s the atmosphere and the characters of that time, making it a captivating read.

It makes us wonder how things have changed since then and what the future holds for this iconic neighborhood.

Overall, this book is a great exploration of a bygone era and a must-read for anyone interested in the history and culture of NYC.

July 15,2025
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It's truly interesting to peruse this book that delves into the Korean experience in the US shortly after finishing Pachinko, a remarkable work that focuses on the Korean experience in Japan.

Neither of these experiences was by any means idyllic. In fact, being an immigrant is an arduous journey in any context.

The challenges faced by Koreans in both the US and Japan were numerous. In a foreign land, they had to grapple with language barriers, cultural differences, and discrimination.

Despite these hardships, they persevered and managed to carve out a place for themselves. Their stories are a testament to the strength and resilience of the human spirit.

Reading about these experiences not only provides us with a deeper understanding of the Korean immigrant community but also makes us reflect on the broader issues of immigration and assimilation.

It is a reminder that we should strive to create a more inclusive and welcoming society for all, regardless of their background or origin.
July 15,2025
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It is quite unusual to come across a book where one has absolutely no clue, right up until the very end, about where the story is headed. Just for this reason alone, it earns three stars right from the start. I have just completed reading it, and I am truly left unsettled by the experience. It is most definitely not a happy story, but it is an incredibly effective and affecting one.

It begins slowly, yet it is odd enough that curiosity compels one to keep going. I had never encountered someone quite like Suzy Kim in literature before, and I was intrigued. By the conclusion, I rather hope that I never meet anyone like Suzy Kim or her family in real life. Although presented sympathetically, the protagonist is really sort of a monster. But wow, there are some truly beautiful moments in this book. Without giving away any spoilers here, I think the most stunning moment took place during a conversation with a four-year-old girl in a church. This story was masterfully told.

*******SPOILERS BELOW*************

********SERIOUSLY, DON'T READ FURTHER IF YOU PLAN TO READ THE BOOK**********

It is interesting how the 'interpreter' in this book ended up being Grace and not Suzy, from an importance perspective. I am really seriously in awe of how this book was constructed, and I hope 0% of it was drawn from the author's actual life experiences.
July 15,2025
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The Interpreter began as a promising book, filled with captivating themes related to interpreting.

It seemed to hold great potential to engage the reader with its interesting subject matter. However, as the story progressed, a major flaw became evident. Each chapter concluded with a cliffhanger, which should have been a hook to keep the reader eager for more. But unfortunately, these cliffhangers failed to deliver.

Most of them did not materialize as the reader delved deeper into the book. Instead, they were simply brushed aside by the main protagonist. After experiencing this several times, I found myself skipping the introductions in the chapters, hoping to reach something more thrilling.

Yet, all that followed was a relocation to a new place and a hint that something might occur. In the end, the anticipated excitement never materialized. I resorted to skimming through the latter half of the book, only to find myself trapped in the protagonist's mind, filled with suppositions and no real action.

Overall, this book was a disappointment. My rating: One star. I would not recommend it to others.
July 15,2025
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**Original Article**: This is a short article. It needs to be rewritten and expanded.

**Expanded Article**: This is a rather short article indeed.

It is in need of a thorough rewrite and expansion to make it more comprehensive and engaging.

Perhaps we can add more details, examples, and explanations to enhance its content.

By doing so, the article will be able to provide a more in-depth understanding of the topic at hand.

Moreover, a well-expanded article is more likely to capture the reader's attention and keep them interested until the end.

So, let's get started on this rewrite and expansion process and turn this short article into a much better one.

Rating: 4.5/5
July 15,2025
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Hmm, I truly liked the intricate and multifaceted nature of the main character.

The way the character was developed added a layer of depth and complexity that made the story all the more engaging.

However, when it came to the ending, it left a bit to be desired. It was a little unsatisfactory, perhaps not tying up all the loose ends as neatly as I would have liked.

Nonetheless, the overall work had the distinct melancholic and gloomy flair that is so characteristic of Korean art, whether it be in movies or TV series.

This unique atmosphere added a certain charm and allure to the story, making it stand out and leaving a lasting impression on me.

Despite the minor flaw in the ending, I still found myself drawn to the story and its characters, and I look forward to exploring more works with this same captivating style.
July 15,2025
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Fictional:

An Intriguing Glimpse into the Life of a Korean Immigrant in NYC

In the bustling metropolis of New York City, a Korean immigrant embarks on a journey filled with both excitement and challenges. The story takes an interesting turn as we follow the immigrant's daily life, from the initial struggles of adapting to a new culture and language to the unexpected opportunities that come their way.

There are moments of joy and celebration, as well as times of heartbreak and disappointment. The twists and turns in the plot keep the reader engaged, wondering what will happen next.

Will the immigrant find success in their new home? Or will they be forced to face setbacks and obstacles along the way?

This fictional account offers a unique perspective on the experiences of Korean immigrants in NYC, painting a vivid picture of their hopes, dreams, and the realities they encounter.

July 15,2025
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A multi-layered mystery and character study

Suzy is an intricately nuanced character. She is haunted by the tragic deaths of her parents, burdened by the poor choices she has made in the past, and deeply困扰 by her lack of a clear personal identity. Caught in the crossfire between her parents' Korean culture and the dominant American culture that surrounds her, Suzy is in desperate need of something to define her. She yearns to belong somewhere but is at a loss as to how. The plot of this novel indeed presents a mystery, and a highly satisfying one at that. However, for me, it is truly a remarkable exploration of a character "stuck in a vacuum where neither culture moved nor owned her," valiantly trying to cope with the twin demons of loss and depression.

The only aspect that lacks nuance in this story is Suzy's gay roommate. He comes across as one-dimensional and unfortunately seems to be based on a stereotype. This is all the more glaring to me considering the evident care and attention that Suki Kim has lavished on the crafting of the rest of her characters and the overall story. His appearances are fleeting, but he could have been developed in a much more meaningful and complex way.
July 15,2025
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**Title: The Importance of Reading**

Reading is an essential activity that offers numerous benefits.

It allows us to expand our knowledge, improve our vocabulary, and enhance our cognitive abilities.

By reading different types of books, we can explore various cultures, ideas, and perspectives.

Moreover, reading can also be a great source of entertainment and relaxation.

It helps us to unwind after a long day and transport us to different worlds.

In addition, reading is a great way to improve our communication skills.

It enables us to express our thoughts and ideas more clearly and effectively.

Overall, reading is a valuable habit that everyone should cultivate.

Whether it's for personal growth, academic success, or simply for pleasure, reading has something to offer for everyone.

So, make sure to set aside some time each day to pick up a good book and start reading.

You'll be amazed at how much you can learn and how much it can enrich your life.
July 15,2025
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This is a noir book that is truly one of a kind. It stands out from all the others I've ever read.

The story is filled with dark and mysterious elements that keep you on the edge of your seat from beginning to end. The characters are complex and flawed, adding an extra layer of depth to the narrative.

The writing style is engaging and atmospheric, painting a vivid picture of a gritty and seedy world. You can almost feel the tension and the sense of foreboding as you turn the pages.

I cannot recommend this book highly enough. If you're a fan of noir literature or just looking for a thrilling and unique read, this is the book for you. It will leave you breathless and wanting more.

Trust me, once you pick it up, you won't be able to put it down.
July 15,2025
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I can truly fathom how this book managed to attract critical attention. Its unique perspective on the immigrant experience in America is refreshingly devoid of cliché.

When you gaze at the back cover and learn that it's about a daughter of Korean immigrants in New York City, you might have all sorts of hazy notions about what an author would inevitably do with that premise. However, Kim defies all those expectations. Kudos to her for that.

Nevertheless, I can also understand why this book ends up with only average reviews on Goodreads. It seems unable to decide whether it wants to be a lyrical exploration of the radical rootlessness of being the child of an immigrant or a captivating murder mystery. And although I respect its ambition to blend the two, it doesn't quite succeed.

If you decide to pick up this book, I suggest approaching it more as a dreamy, lyrical meditation on the immigration experience rather than as a mystery novel. It simply doesn't handle plausibility or even exposition very well. And I couldn't determine if the dialogue was deliberately so non-mimetic (perhaps the author was trying to convey something about the unreliability of interpreting others' words?) or if it was just the result of a first-time author who wasn't particularly adept at writing dialogue.

I suspect another reason to read it is its obsessively detailed focus on the geography of NYC and its associated boroughs. The heroine never makes a move without the narrator interjecting to precisely tell you what block of Morningside Ave she's on. I'm not entirely convinced that this served the book's coherence, but I can see how it could provide genuine enjoyment for those familiar with the area.
July 15,2025
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A solid 3.5. I initially purchased this book under the impression that it was a mystery novel. However, upon reading, I discovered that the family drama aspect was handled in an extremely remarkable manner. Considering it is a debut novel, it truly leaves a lasting impression. The author has shown great potential and skill in crafting this story. I was thoroughly engaged from start to finish. The way the family relationships were developed and the various conflicts and resolutions were presented was both captivating and thought-provoking. It made me reflect on my own family dynamics. I have no hesitation in saying that I will most definitely read whatever she writes next. I am eager to see how her writing evolves and what new stories she will bring to life.

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