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3.62 AVERAGE
3.62 AVERAGE
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
3.5. Even though I wasn't a fan of I Believe in a Thing Called Love (great concept, not a fan of the execution), I decided to give this book a shot because Maureen Goo is very good at writing books where the concept makes me go 'ooh, I'd read that.' And I'm glad I read it, because I thought that this one was really cute. Lucky is a huge KPop star who is finishing up her Asia tour and gearing up for a bid to cross over into the American market. The only trouble is that she is starting to feel stifled by the KPop machine and its years-long effort to turn her into the perfect idol. So one night she wanders off into Hong Kong in search of a hamburger, and finds Jack, a boy resisting the college-then-career track his parents want for him. Of course, his idea of an alternate career path so far involves freelancing as a paparazzo...that can't possibly end badly, can it? I enjoyed their chemistry (even though I thought Jack was kind of obnoxious) and I felt like their conversations about what they want out of life weren't forced. Even though there was one scene that felt a little bit similar to the movie Beyond the Lights, who cares, that movie was great. I also thought that setting the book in Hong Kong was a good choice because it added a really neat sense of place that I don't usually come across. Quick and fun book, I recommend it.
So. Anyone that knows me knows I'm a huge fan of BTS and K-pop in general. It's a huge part of my life, it has been since I was a little child and I first discovered BoA. It was love at first sight. Since then, I've been in a number of fandoms until I finally found one that stuck. Being a part of the BTS A.R.M.Y has changed my life. I think I know more about BTS and the Korean music industry than I know about almost anything else. Which is why I like this book. It's a very cute story and Maurene Goo managed to show the K-pop industry in a pretty good way. It's not a fun scene. It's not easy being a K-pop star. Even once you make it big, the company still controls your every move, how you act, how you dress, what you sing, who you date if you date anyone because most idols aren't allowed to. The industry is harsh. You don't get to do what you want.
So, I really liked this book, even though it has that thing I really hate, you know, lying. It’s something that I find pretty unsympathetic and I usually bounce hard off of stories that have their central premise based on one party in the romance withholding information or misrepresenting themselves, even for “good” reasons. But I knew going into this that this was a loose updating of Roman Holiday, and both Lucky and Jack started out holding back from each other, but as their day together goes on, both reveal and realize more, ending with Jack hiding more damaging secrets about his motivations while Lucky only ever lied to go unrecognized. Not an easy thing to come back from or forgive and despite their reconciliation after all is revealed, I’m not sure I’m cool with *spoilers* the implication that they do eventually get back together back after they’ve both moved back to the States. Romantic, yes, but also are some things you don’t have to forgive? And even if you forgive, why should you give someone another chance? Lucky turns out to be a more forgiving person than me, but it fits with what we know of who she is.
But I’m going about this all backwards. Maurene Goo convinced me with her writing that both Lucky and Jack are loveable and complicated, and despite everything, would probably be really good for each other, if it weren’t for the lying…. Her skill with description and turn-of-phrase both charmed me and filled me with helpless envy. I swooned, I thrilled, and I desperately wanted to travel to Hong Kong to try all the food and visit all the places that Lucky and Jack go on their one day together. I didn’t come away from the book wanting to listen to K-Pop but I do respect it a little more after this book. Goo doesn’t hide the difficult parts of it: how Lucky has had plastic surgery, worked and trained non-stop since her teens, and now uses anti-depressants and sleeping pills to regulate herself. But Lucky also loves her music and chose this life with her eyes open. She doesn’t regret the hard work she’s put into her career or the time, but she’s thinking about who she wants to be going forward and the kind of music she loves. She’s at a crisis point, even if she can’t acknowledge it to herself yet. As is Jack, who is trying to please his loving ordinary family by interning at a bank before college when what he really wants to do is be a photographer. I loved all the details and how the two them reveal themselves to each other, and even to themselves, over the course of their day together, so even while I’m ambivalent about the unabashedly happy ending, the journey to get there was wholly satisfying.
But I’m going about this all backwards. Maurene Goo convinced me with her writing that both Lucky and Jack are loveable and complicated, and despite everything, would probably be really good for each other, if it weren’t for the lying…. Her skill with description and turn-of-phrase both charmed me and filled me with helpless envy. I swooned, I thrilled, and I desperately wanted to travel to Hong Kong to try all the food and visit all the places that Lucky and Jack go on their one day together. I didn’t come away from the book wanting to listen to K-Pop but I do respect it a little more after this book. Goo doesn’t hide the difficult parts of it: how Lucky has had plastic surgery, worked and trained non-stop since her teens, and now uses anti-depressants and sleeping pills to regulate herself. But Lucky also loves her music and chose this life with her eyes open. She doesn’t regret the hard work she’s put into her career or the time, but she’s thinking about who she wants to be going forward and the kind of music she loves. She’s at a crisis point, even if she can’t acknowledge it to herself yet. As is Jack, who is trying to please his loving ordinary family by interning at a bank before college when what he really wants to do is be a photographer. I loved all the details and how the two them reveal themselves to each other, and even to themselves, over the course of their day together, so even while I’m ambivalent about the unabashedly happy ending, the journey to get there was wholly satisfying.
2 1/2⭐️
I don’t know what to say about this one...I want to preface this first by saying that I absolutely adore Goo’s other books. As a Korean-American (emphasis on the American part) I was honestly overjoyed to see some accurate representation in YA lit. You can really tell that this is ownvoices by the way Goo writes the interactions between immigrant parents and their American-born kids. It’s such a specific type of relationship that is hardly ever done justice and I think it’s safe to say that she excels when writing stuff like that (stuff that she obviously holds dear to her heart). And here’s where the problems begin with this book.
Based on the author’s note, I know that Goo really researched kpop culture while writing about Lucky. I appreciate that she reached out to fans themselves to get a more accurate portrayal of what it’s like (or at least what we understand it’s like) to be a kpop idol. However unlike your typical boyband contemporary where the western boyband business is general enough for it to seem realistic, kpop is such a complicated, intricate business that it’s hard to write about without coming off as basic. Diets, plastic surgery, and grueling training are all things that are commonly known and they all make an appearance in Lucky’s backstory. However, the stuff that is more meaty (at least in my opinion) aka the mental health crisis and the stigma surrounding mental illness in general is overlooked and brought up about as many times as the other stuff that I find more trivial. I know that it’s not Goo’s responsibility to write about these sensitive topics considering she herself may not feel comfortable with doing so since doing a poor job could come off as disrespectful, but with the passing of Jonghyun, Sulli, and Goo Hara being as recent as they were I think it’s time we have a real and honest conversation about mental illness in the kpop community.
Besides that, I’d say the main reason why I rated this 2 1/2 stars instead of 3 is because of the problematic aspects of the plot. I know that this book is supposed to be Korean Roman Holiday based off of what others have said that movie must have come out quite a while ago because some of things that happen are noooooooooot it. Lucky acting “drunk” while on anxiety meds, Jack taking a passed out Lucky to his apartment and undressing her, and Jack basically lying to Lucky the entire book even though we’re supposed to root for him??????? Big yikes. But perhaps the biggest of the yikes (Roman holiday tropes aside) is how cliche some of the scenes are. Like how Lucky kissed Jack to avoid getting recognized by a fan. Was that really necessary? I’m so done with YA protagonists launching themselves at every boy because “quick! Gotta get out of this situation real fast but how else besides kissing this guy????” Also the fact that there was that gratuitous “guy in book takes off shirt to reveal he’s muscley” scene really made me want to roll my eyes. Just because they’re cliches doesn’t mean we have to keep using them!!!!
Oh boy. But on the flip slide, there were some really positive things I liked about this book. For instance that SUPER REAL talk about how American you feel when in Asia despite feeling super Asian in America was so relatable to me. I also loved how they talked about eating disorders and the pressure of having a practical job despite being interested in the arts. There were some great points brought up in both of those scenes and I really wished Goo spent more time talking about that than inserting yet another meal for Lucky to inhale (SERIOUSLY THOUGH like she ate at least five full sized meals). Anywho! I still of course recommend because it is fun and short and an ownvoices but out of all three of her books, I’d say this one is third place.
I don’t know what to say about this one...I want to preface this first by saying that I absolutely adore Goo’s other books. As a Korean-American (emphasis on the American part) I was honestly overjoyed to see some accurate representation in YA lit. You can really tell that this is ownvoices by the way Goo writes the interactions between immigrant parents and their American-born kids. It’s such a specific type of relationship that is hardly ever done justice and I think it’s safe to say that she excels when writing stuff like that (stuff that she obviously holds dear to her heart). And here’s where the problems begin with this book.
Based on the author’s note, I know that Goo really researched kpop culture while writing about Lucky. I appreciate that she reached out to fans themselves to get a more accurate portrayal of what it’s like (or at least what we understand it’s like) to be a kpop idol. However unlike your typical boyband contemporary where the western boyband business is general enough for it to seem realistic, kpop is such a complicated, intricate business that it’s hard to write about without coming off as basic. Diets, plastic surgery, and grueling training are all things that are commonly known and they all make an appearance in Lucky’s backstory. However, the stuff that is more meaty (at least in my opinion) aka the mental health crisis and the stigma surrounding mental illness in general is overlooked and brought up about as many times as the other stuff that I find more trivial. I know that it’s not Goo’s responsibility to write about these sensitive topics considering she herself may not feel comfortable with doing so since doing a poor job could come off as disrespectful, but with the passing of Jonghyun, Sulli, and Goo Hara being as recent as they were I think it’s time we have a real and honest conversation about mental illness in the kpop community.
Besides that, I’d say the main reason why I rated this 2 1/2 stars instead of 3 is because of the problematic aspects of the plot. I know that this book is supposed to be Korean Roman Holiday based off of what others have said that movie must have come out quite a while ago because some of things that happen are noooooooooot it. Lucky acting “drunk” while on anxiety meds, Jack taking a passed out Lucky to his apartment and undressing her, and Jack basically lying to Lucky the entire book even though we’re supposed to root for him??????? Big yikes. But perhaps the biggest of the yikes (Roman holiday tropes aside) is how cliche some of the scenes are. Like how Lucky kissed Jack to avoid getting recognized by a fan. Was that really necessary? I’m so done with YA protagonists launching themselves at every boy because “quick! Gotta get out of this situation real fast but how else besides kissing this guy????” Also the fact that there was that gratuitous “guy in book takes off shirt to reveal he’s muscley” scene really made me want to roll my eyes. Just because they’re cliches doesn’t mean we have to keep using them!!!!
Oh boy. But on the flip slide, there were some really positive things I liked about this book. For instance that SUPER REAL talk about how American you feel when in Asia despite feeling super Asian in America was so relatable to me. I also loved how they talked about eating disorders and the pressure of having a practical job despite being interested in the arts. There were some great points brought up in both of those scenes and I really wished Goo spent more time talking about that than inserting yet another meal for Lucky to inhale (SERIOUSLY THOUGH like she ate at least five full sized meals). Anywho! I still of course recommend because it is fun and short and an ownvoices but out of all three of her books, I’d say this one is third place.
This is basically YA Roman Holiday and it's just as charming as its source material.
Before this, I didn't know anything about K-Pop. (Well, basically that it existed and that a band was on the cover of a recent Entertainment Weekly. That was all my knowledge and I couldn't even give you the name of a person involved or any songs.)
That didn't at all hamper my enjoyment of this story. I immediately loved Lucky and, after a fairly lengthy probation, I fell for Jack, too.
This book is the equivalent of the first warm day of the year. It's fun and warm and just a complete delight. It's the perfect antidote for what's going on in the world. But don't read it while you're hungry; there's a lot of food talk in here. A LOT, though.
Recommended.
Before this, I didn't know anything about K-Pop. (Well, basically that it existed and that a band was on the cover of a recent Entertainment Weekly. That was all my knowledge and I couldn't even give you the name of a person involved or any songs.)
That didn't at all hamper my enjoyment of this story. I immediately loved Lucky and, after a fairly lengthy probation, I fell for Jack, too.
This book is the equivalent of the first warm day of the year. It's fun and warm and just a complete delight. It's the perfect antidote for what's going on in the world. But don't read it while you're hungry; there's a lot of food talk in here. A LOT, though.
Recommended.
3.75/5⭐️
This story follows Lucky who is a very popular K-pop star as she is about to debut in the United states when she decides she needs a night out to act like a normal teenager and be able to eat whatever she wants (aka a hamburger ). Jack is sneaking into the same hotel Lucky is trying to escape as he try’s to sneak some photos for his secret tabloid job. This follows their adventure as they explore Hong Kong for a day and all the fun tourist spots they’re able to see
I would recommend this to you if you :
* are a huge k-pop fan because there are some references that I thought were really cute (coming from someone who knows the bare minimum about k-pop)
* you really enjoyed The Sun is Also a Star by Nicola Yoon and the layout of that story
* if you’re looking for a really cute contemporary story that might not be the most realistic but will warm your heart with its cute moments
This might not be the story for you if :
* you aren’t a fan of story’s that take place in one day
* if you don’t like knowing more than the characters do throughout the novel. * if you don’t like characters that lie a lot
I thought this was a very enjoyable and quick read. I did have some issues with it, but I could still tell that the author researched k-pop a lot and I really enjoyed the way it spoke about the areas of the industry that people often ignore (aka racial discrimination,food diets, alienation).
This story follows Lucky who is a very popular K-pop star as she is about to debut in the United states when she decides she needs a night out to act like a normal teenager and be able to eat whatever she wants (aka a hamburger ). Jack is sneaking into the same hotel Lucky is trying to escape as he try’s to sneak some photos for his secret tabloid job. This follows their adventure as they explore Hong Kong for a day and all the fun tourist spots they’re able to see
I would recommend this to you if you :
* are a huge k-pop fan because there are some references that I thought were really cute (coming from someone who knows the bare minimum about k-pop)
* you really enjoyed The Sun is Also a Star by Nicola Yoon and the layout of that story
* if you’re looking for a really cute contemporary story that might not be the most realistic but will warm your heart with its cute moments
This might not be the story for you if :
* you aren’t a fan of story’s that take place in one day
* if you don’t like knowing more than the characters do throughout the novel. * if you don’t like characters that lie a lot
I thought this was a very enjoyable and quick read. I did have some issues with it, but I could still tell that the author researched k-pop a lot and I really enjoyed the way it spoke about the areas of the industry that people often ignore (aka racial discrimination,food diets, alienation).
I enjoyed this book so, so much. It was cute and fun with easy, fluent writing and two different voices. The characters in this book are each amazing in their own way. Lucky is a big K-Pop star who has to live after strict rules and is actually kind of done with it. What she thinks and how she acts don't always go well together, especially because she is actually really smart and knows she's living her dream. Lucky can be loud and reckless, but she is also this innocent star everyone wants to see in her. She has a private and a famous side but somehow manages to keep it together.
Jack's big dream is to work as a photographer but knows his parents won't be happy about it, so he lives his passion in secret as a tabloid reporter. He's brave and quirky and has a great deal of charm. He's kind of living by the day but always there if somebody needs him. He has a good heart and gentle soul.
The two of them together are such a power couple and I could feel the positive energy radiating from them, their joy and happiness.
Also, this book made me hungry. There was so much good food in there and I want to try it all! I want a day full of eating, it sounds amazing.
Generally this book is a perfect mix of fun and serious themes, interwoven with each other. The troubles and joys of fame, being afraid of the future, not fulfilling expectations. Fleeing own security, witty dialogues and cool old ladies. I really liked this!
Jack's big dream is to work as a photographer but knows his parents won't be happy about it, so he lives his passion in secret as a tabloid reporter. He's brave and quirky and has a great deal of charm. He's kind of living by the day but always there if somebody needs him. He has a good heart and gentle soul.
The two of them together are such a power couple and I could feel the positive energy radiating from them, their joy and happiness.
Also, this book made me hungry. There was so much good food in there and I want to try it all! I want a day full of eating, it sounds amazing.
Generally this book is a perfect mix of fun and serious themes, interwoven with each other. The troubles and joys of fame, being afraid of the future, not fulfilling expectations. Fleeing own security, witty dialogues and cool old ladies. I really liked this!