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1.61k reviews for:

I'll Be the One

Lyla Lee

4.02 AVERAGE

juli_mod's review

4.0

this Book is a fun-ride into (American-)Korean Popculture with a fierce and remarkable protagonist, who dances and sings her way through this light-hearted but predictable rom-com.
But wait, it is maybe much more than this: I loved how the novel addresses topics like fat-shaming, abusive parent-child-relationships, friendships, traditions vs love.
It was enchanting to accompany Skye from the first round of the competition “you are my shining star” until her lasts moments on stage, beloved and awesome. And whilst reading I thought to myself: that would make an extremely enjoyable movie or series. And yas: the idea is already in production with Nhanatchka Khan as Producer, who is responsible for always be maybe and fresh off the boat!! So yeah! Let’s dance!

inspiring
juiceorange's profile picture

juiceorange's review

3.5
inspiring lighthearted fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated

*3.95
This was soooo cute to read!

I love Skye. She is such an amazing role model for everyone. Ever since Skye hit puberty, her mother was ashamed of her because she was fat . Skye went through a period where she tried dieting and got to a point where she went days without eating. But eventually, Skye accepted her body and she was unapologetic about it.

Unfortunately, her mother was not. Skye loved dancing and singing, but her mother did not support it because, again, Skye did not look like the "average" K-pop stars. But Skye didn't let her mother stop her from becoming Korea's first plus-sized K-pop star. Honestly, I hated Skye's mother. Yes, it was "tough love" and Skye's mother was
Spoiler bullied when she was younger about her size
. But that does not excuse you from emotionally abusing your daughter . And ohhhh in the end...
Spoiler Skye won You're My Shining Star partly to prove her mother wrong. Skye's mother was "proud" of her...but she never apologized for all the harsh words and pain she inflicted on her own daughter. After Skye won, her mother wanted to go back to Korea with her because she would have something to brag about. Skye's mother deliberately stayed away from Korea because she was embarrassed about Skye .
I have never wanted to slap anyone more...

The romance between Henry and Skye was super cute. Both of them were struggling with family stuff so they knew what the other was going through. The romance was cute but average. There wasn't a lot of drama in their relationship, though. Henry was super supportive so he made up for what Skye was lacking in her mother's support. Skye's friends were also supportive. The ones from her school and the ones she made during the competition. They didn't care that she was fat and they were there for Skye when again, her mother wasn't.

The plot wasn't that engrossing and it was pretty predictable. I loved the show aspect of the book. It really reminded me of America's Got Talent. And it gave a POV of what contestants are doing behind the scenes in shows like that. The competition was the main focus of the book,
Spoiler but when Skye won, I didn't feel excited (I guess) because I already knew she was going to win.


Overall, it was a very good book filled with positive messages for people who are having problems loving their bodies. I had a lot of fun reading (or listening) to this book! BUT HER DANG MOTHER!!!
jarichan's profile picture

jarichan's review

4.25
challenging emotional hopeful inspiring fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

florrl's review

3.5
funny hopeful lighthearted relaxing fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Complicated
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated

It was a cute story, sweet, funny, it was one that had what I was looking for.  It was good, but not something I'll read again.  Maybe some parts? 
The problem I had with it was the writing at times felt awkward in it's delivery in some scenarios.  I really did like the main character and her confidence, but sometimes the writing took me out of the story and through me off. It was enjoyable for what it was and what I wanted to read about at the time. 

moh's review

5.0

WHAT A JOY!

ETA: I'm bumping this up to five stars because it's been a few days since I've read it, and I still find myself thinking about it and smiling.
atlanticgiantpumpkin's profile picture

atlanticgiantpumpkin's review against another edition

DID NOT FINISH: 24%

It didn’t hold my attention enough to allow me to ignore the very real cruelties of the K-pop industry. I love what this book is trying to do, but the industry as a whole needs to be turned on its head, first, before we can strive to join it.
miss_cheevious's profile picture

miss_cheevious's review

5.0
adventurous funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Plot
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated
adventurous challenging emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated

I LOVED THIS BOOK. The narrator was so amazing. It was amazing to listen to her, and I couldn't stop listening. This book has a great message. I hope that there is a sequel, as I want to read more about Skye.