Reviews - I'll Love You Forever: Notes from a K-Pop Fan

82 reviews for:

I'll Love You Forever: Notes from a K-Pop Fan

This memoir is so personal…painstakingly so at times but I really love that Kwon was so vulnerable. I loved the theme of how music, specifically K-pop, saved her life. I wish the editor rearranged some of the chapters around a bit so that Kwon talks about her first experience with music at age 4 earlier in the book — just so that we can get a better sense of Giaae’s connection to music. Some of the essays — probably bc they were written to be read separately— probably could have been condensed bc some of the info was repetitive. I really love how Kwon wove together this book to talk/critque about K-pop groups, Korean culture, diaspora conflicts, depression & suicide, loneliness, and celebrity biases. It’s all so tightly knit together, I think this book is so intentional and thoughtful. Grateful for Kwon’s words.

ekilgore's review against another edition

4.25

dark informative reflective

rbylll's review against another edition

3.0

***These are my random thoughts after finishing the book. Some of the thoughts are an overall review of the book, or any questions/feelings that nagged at me throughout. There will almost definitely be spoilers. Read at your own risk.*** ‐----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

thank you to publishers for ARC

Agree with almost all the viewpoints in this but they're too repetitive and overall could've used some serious editing
Jumps around from point to point
Tries too hard to draw similarities to force a point

mezzythedragon's review against another edition

4.0

informative reflective medium-paced

I enjoyed listening to this. I enjoyed learning about some of the ins and outs of the K-pop industry, both the good and the bad, as well as Kwon’s personal reflections stemming from her fandom.

taketwolu's review against another edition

Part memoir and part cultural criticism, Kwon explores her mixed feelings towards the Kpop industry and how it’s shaped her. This essay collection had me swimming in nostalgia but also feeling like I was reflecting on these moments like a fly on the wall. Kwon explores larger issues like cultural norms, mental health, body image, obsession, the pressures of the kpop industry, as well as her Korean-American identity. Overall, I appreciated the mix of critique and positive sentiments and more vulnerable confessions.

Thanks Libro.fm and Dreamscape Media for the ALC!

abbyf's review against another edition

4.0

challenging emotional funny informative reflective slow-paced

salute's review against another edition

DID NOT FINISH: 17%

The author provides avid historical context and pop culture explanation throughout her memoir. While I would ordinarily enjoy these tie-ins, there were very few transitions and the chapters felt unorganized and chaotic.