Reviews

Made in Korea by Sarah Suk

deedee_4's review

emotional funny lighthearted slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix

3.5

caitief's review

lighthearted slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

1.5

cobaltbookshelf's review against another edition

3.0

This was cute although romance was little rushed Wes was adorable.

faria16's review against another edition

5.0

I absolutely loved this book! It really spoke to me and I felt like I could relate to the ambitions and wants of the characters so much.

I also really related to Valerie’s struggles with her mum and the expectations in an ethnic household and I thought they were really well expressed as well as the issues faced by ethnic minorities in predominantly white countries.

I think the book was really well written and combines several themes of life brilliantly, definitely one of my favourite books!

ash0312's review

emotional inspiring lighthearted reflective fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

This book made me feel all of the things I did not think I would feel. What I went into thinking would be a cute, rivals to lovers type story, ended up being one of the most emotional, reflective and inspiring books I've read in a long time. 
Valerie's character was beautifully written. I didn't expect to relate so heavily to her every emotion and to sympathize with her as much as I did. Not to mention her relationship with her halmeoni. That relationship was truly the best aspect of the entire story. Whenever Valerie talked to her parents or discussed (internally) how they made her feel, I will fully admit that those moments had me bawling my eyes with, over how relatable and open those scenes were. Every thought and emotion was portrayed so perfectly, it was like I was in the book myself like I was Valerie.
I also really enjoyed Wes' character, although I wished there was more to the story with his parents throughout the book rather than having the big blow up right at the end with the hopeful light to their relationship in the future. That's a trope that I see very often and I had hoped that their relationship and the pressures Wes felt were more discussed, but I am satisfied nonetheless.
Overall, this book was absolutely amazing, the only reason I couldn't give it a five-star rating was because of how much I cried. I can safely say that this book has made its way onto my list of all-time favourite books.

mb13_books's review

emotional hopeful lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes

4.0

It is a YA book with Korean teenagers as its protagonists who are living in America. It is a fun and heart warming and light read. The story also builds up on their friendship along with their attraction. I loved that part as well.

mishale1's review against another edition

emotional hopeful lighthearted 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? It's complicated

3.25

Valerie and her cousin Charlie run a business in their school. Every Monday morning during the school year, for years on end, Valerie sells Korean beauty products. Charlie’s dad sends the products to them and Valerie and Charlie have built up a successful business over the years.

Valerie has been saving up money because she dreams of taking her grandmother on a trip to Paris after she graduates high school. This is Valerie’s senior year and she’s still got a little ways to go before she has saved enough money.

Then Wes starts at the same school. Wes has moved all around the world. His mom has given him some beauty products to pass out to his friends but Wes doesn’t have friends. And he accidentally winds up selling the products.

Wes keeps accidentally falling into situations that hurt Valerie’s sales. He’s never trying to hurt Valerie. But earning money would help him too. He needs a part for his musical instrument and he needs help with tuition for music school. 

So Wes and Valerie wind up as rivals.

And then things get even more heated when they decide to start a competition over who makes the most money.

They’re both likable characters with good hearts. You only have to think about why they’re trying to save money to understand that. But they definitely don’t always make the best decisions. Valerie has a tendency to prioritize sales when over family and Wes isn’t completely clueless in the decisions he makes that affect Valerie.

And this is a coming of age story too because these characters are both still young enough to think they have more control than they do. I think that was well shown in the storyline with Valerie’s grandmother.

I enjoyed this. I look forward to the author’s next book.

hansteffrmt's review

lighthearted reflective fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

spencerreidwannabe's review

3.75

very cute!! really recommend if you want a light hearted romance that isn't cringy and has some emotional depth

bitesizedbeet's review

emotional medium-paced

3.5