Good books, books you want to write, books you need, books you sell

Why are we tickled by the word 'writer'?

Pretend Author by Lee Gim-mi: A Metafiction Unraveling the Intricate Tapestry of Contents, Reality, and the Writer's Journey

No one is ashamed to say that you are a reader. However, when someone hears the word writer, it is customary to swipe their hands once. Why are we tickled by the word writer? As a 30-year-old reader, who has taken the step of writing, novelist Lee Kim-mi has honestly solved her concerns about books in her thought-provoking metafiction, Pretend Author.

In this multi-layered narrative, Lee Kim-mi explores the intricate tapestry of literature, reality, and the writer's journey through the lens of her fictional counterpart, novelist Kim Park Chae, and the imaginary critics Park Jung-woo and Choi Jeon-young who exchange swords of criticism surrounding his work. Set against the backdrop of contemporary Korean society and its unique economic challenges, Pretend Author offers a fresh perspective on the global phenomenon of self-help gurus and motivational speakers, while also delving into the fundamental questions of what constitutes a book and the creative act itself.

Through the sharp questioning and heated debates unfolding in this inventive structure, Lee Kim-mi confronts the universal concerns of everyone who is on the path of creation today, grappling with issues such as commerciality, artistry, and popular writing. The book fearlessly questions the ethics of representation, the commodification of literature, and the authentic voice of the writer in an era where success is often measured by sales figures and social media buzz.

With its sharp wit, introspective depth, and bold experimentation, Pretend Author stands as a testament to Lee Kim-mi's unwavering commitment to her craft. The book's empirical research, including in-depth interviews shedding light on the lived experiences and emotional struggles of young people navigating this landscape, humanizes the issue and provides a relatable entry point for readers across the globe.

For anyone who has ever dreamed of writing a book, Pretend Author offers a raw and honest portrayal of the writer's life, reminding us that the path to literary success is paved with ramen packets, rejection letters, and the unshakable belief in the power of the written word. This thought-provoking and accessibly written social commentary is sure to attract a broad audience of general readers, beyond just academics, who are interested in exploring the narratives of individualism, meritocracy, and self-optimization that pervade capitalist societies, while examining the human toll and alternative paths forward.

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The allure of glossy boy bands and psychological thrillers are just two sides of the same culture, as this novel delves into the heart of Korean society - competitive, materialistic, and unyielding.

A Mirror for the Blind was widely acclaimed in Korean literary circles for its raw portrayal of contemporary Korean society. Now, translated into English, this book grants curious readers a rare opportunity to explore the complexities of life in Korea.

As each character navigates their own personal rat race, they can't seem to shake the constant impulse to compare themselves with and be compared to others. This phenomenon embedded deep within Korean culture extends even to online spaces, like on an anonymous company chat board everyone checks religiously but no one admits to using.

Constantly looking down at the screens of their phones, they slowly begin to see their own reflections staring back at them and must face what it is that they see.

Experience the struggles, aspirations, and dreams of Seoulites as they peer into the glowing screens of their phones, searching for answers in a society where nothing is as it seems.

Hi, nice to meet you. This is my third blind date this week, so... let's get the usual stuff out of the way and decide where to go from there. Great, I'll start. First, what's your age? Your academic background? How much do you make? And your parents? How many siblings do you have? Any debt in the family? How much do you have in your savings account right now? Where do you live in the city? What kind of car do you drive? Purchased or leased?Any office worker will tell you nearly every date opens with a conversation just like this. Ticking each of these boxes is simply what it takes to thrive in one of the most fast-paced cities on the planet, with the expectations of family and friends bearing down on you at every moment. People are always made aware of exactly what they bring to the table in terms of their relationships, their companies, their families, and even their social media profiles.Meet a group of privileged white-collar workers navigating their way through the cutthroat corporate landscape of Seoul. As they juggle day trading, crypto investments, and real estate hustles, they're constantly comparing themselves to others, both in person and online.The allure of glossy boy bands and psychological thrillers are just two sides of the same culture, as this novel delves into the heart of Korean society - competitive, materialistic, and unyielding.A Mirror for the Blind was widely acclaimed in Korean literary circles for its raw portrayal of contemporary Korean society. Now, translated into English, this book grants curious readers a rare opportunity to explore the complexities of life in Korea.As each character navigates their own personal rat race, they can't seem to shake the constant impulse to compare themselves with and be compared to others. This phenomenon embedded deep within Korean culture extends even to online spaces, like on an anonymous company chat board everyone checks religiously but no one admits to using.Constantly looking down at the screens of their phones, they slowly begin to see their own reflections staring back at them and must face what it is that they see.Experience the struggles, aspirations, and dreams of Seoulites as they peer into the glowing screens of their phones, searching for answers in a society where nothing is as it seems.