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mezzano's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
5.0
XOXO is the epitome of a classic romcom with a modern and diverse take. Jenny Go is a Korean-American who dreams of being a concert cellist. She doesn't have time for friendships, and is singularly focused on getting into a top musical college. When she receives feedback on her performance that states she would be perfect if she had "a spark," her uncle encourages her to take risks and find something that inspires her outside of her ambitious musical dreams. What Jenny soon discovers is a boy who won't leave after his time ends at a karaoke bar, followed by a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to travel with her mother to Korea to help her ailing grandmother. She attends a music school in Korea to find out that the boy at the karaoke bar was a K-pop idol the entire time.
As someone who has never been a fan of K-pop songs and idols, I related to Jenny's initial confusion about K-pop culture and the fanbase. There was just enough explanation to make the story easy to follow regardless of whether or not you were a fan of K-pop previously. For fans of the genre, there are small Easter eggs for the readers-- like when BTS and other popular bands are mentioned. I also appreciated how other aspects of Korean culture was represented naturally for the reader as well. Jenny may not be the best at reading Korean, but it's evident by the food and routine that she adjusts very quickly to the world around her. Korea is a beautiful place which allows readers into the world of Jenny's culture fluidly.
For what XOXO is lacking in its formulaic and predictable plot-line, it makes up for it's quippy and colorful characters. Each character has distinct personalities, interests, and demonstrate great care for the people they love. While falling in love with pop stars can be stressful, there are plenty of moments that are truly tender and comforting, even when the male love interest is off the screen. The story goes one step farther than most romcoms by allowing Jenny to foster friendships and interests which supersede the love interest. Jenny befriends her roommate, grows closer with her grandmother, and even comes to understand her mother more by the end of the story. While the story undeniably features Jenny's romantic life at the center of the story, the reader also watches Jenny's personal and professional life flourish as well.
This is a great comfort read when you're in the mood for something simple, sweet, and relaxing. I'd highly recommend preordering this book or picking it up from your local library on its release date (July 13, 2021). Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins for giving me an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
As someone who has never been a fan of K-pop songs and idols, I related to Jenny's initial confusion about K-pop culture and the fanbase. There was just enough explanation to make the story easy to follow regardless of whether or not you were a fan of K-pop previously. For fans of the genre, there are small Easter eggs for the readers-- like when BTS and other popular bands are mentioned. I also appreciated how other aspects of Korean culture was represented naturally for the reader as well. Jenny may not be the best at reading Korean, but it's evident by the food and routine that she adjusts very quickly to the world around her. Korea is a beautiful place which allows readers into the world of Jenny's culture fluidly.
For what XOXO is lacking in its formulaic and predictable plot-line, it makes up for it's quippy and colorful characters. Each character has distinct personalities, interests, and demonstrate great care for the people they love. While falling in love with pop stars can be stressful, there are plenty of moments that are truly tender and comforting, even when the male love interest is off the screen. The story goes one step farther than most romcoms by allowing Jenny to foster friendships and interests which supersede the love interest. Jenny befriends her roommate, grows closer with her grandmother, and even comes to understand her mother more by the end of the story. While the story undeniably features Jenny's romantic life at the center of the story, the reader also watches Jenny's personal and professional life flourish as well.
This is a great comfort read when you're in the mood for something simple, sweet, and relaxing. I'd highly recommend preordering this book or picking it up from your local library on its release date (July 13, 2021). Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins for giving me an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Medical content and Cancer
Minor: Drug use
Drug use: Alcohol is mentioned when of age students drink at the end of the book. Medical content, cancer: The main character's grandmother has cancer and will require surgery.
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