I think that having to be constantly aware of one's surroundings in New York City, particularly back in the 70s and early 80s, teaches you a little bit about how to take care of yourself. My dad had, with his story, he had people break in. I remember being a little girl and being told that someone came in through the roof by pouring acid on the top of the roof and then coming through that way to steal the drugs. We were always very careful about how we were going to be there without him. But ultimately we had to leave Staten Island because it was just too dangerous for a mom-and-pop shop of drugs. For an Asian American, I'm
The author of the award-winning novels “Pachinko” and “Free Food for Millionaires,” Min Jin Lee, discusses her remarkable career and the long journey and intention behind her Korean diaspora novels.