A fantastic new novelist, Katherine Min, exploded onto the writer’s scene with her first novel, “Secondhand World.” The novel is a coming-of-age story for 18-year-old Isadora Myung Hee Sohn, referred to in the book as Isa.
Min is a professor at Plymouth State who teaches mainly graduate-level English classes. Her novel has been the collaboration of several years of work and the help of friends who were more than ready to read her drafts. Through revisions, hard work and the never-ending support of her family and colleagues, “Secondhand World” was published and officially released the first week in October during a reading held at the Frost House.
Isa, the heroine of “World,” brings readers through the trials and tribulations of growing up with Korean immigrant parents and still trying to “fit in” in this foreign American world. Her father is strict and seemingly uncaring, with his harsh expectations for Isa and his desire for her to embrace her Korean heritage. Isa’s mother portrays the opposite emotions of Isa’s father, wanting to involve her new and exotic American culture into her life and bring Isa into that life as well. Isa finds herself uncomfortably in the middle of her parents, unsure of where her loyalties lie. She identifies much more with the American side of her cultural identity and that is where she feels most comfortable, but at the same time she remains conflicted, desperate to simply belong somewhere.
As Isa struggles with finding her own identity amid the conflicting signals of her parents, the reader falls in love with the strong and confident teenager. We follow her through her first love – an Albino named Hero – and her friendship with Rachel, a girl whose family and lifestyle are the antithesis of Isa’s stark and strict family. The three are constantly getting into crazy adventures and stories as the three embark on the last couple years of high school.
“Secondhand World” is a success on all levels – the short chapters make it almost impossible to put down and the fast moving plot keeps you wanting more from the first page to the last. Isa’s unbelievable story of survival, triumph and finding herself is a must read for anyone who’s been thirsting for a fresh and original read. Don’t miss this amazing novel – “Secondhand World” is available at the Plymouth State Bookstore in its hardcover print.