Scan barcode
atomicbritt's review
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Toxic relationship and Xenophobia
Moderate: Fatphobia and Suicidal thoughts
Minor: Sexual assault and Suicide
gossamerchild's review against another edition
dark
funny
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
utopiastateofmind's review against another edition
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.0
(Disclaimer: I received this book from the author. This has not impacted my review which is unbiased and honest.)
The Band is a literary fiction book about the fandom culture. It begins with an escape and turns into something more. An exploration of culture and music. Of what we would do when everyone is watching. And when no one is. The Band is quick paced, with a hint of an edge. As someone who leans towards deep character introspection, it was a little light. But it's more about the clashes of these two character's lives. What would happen when they collide.
The Band is a literary fiction book about the fandom culture. It begins with an escape and turns into something more. An exploration of culture and music. Of what we would do when everyone is watching. And when no one is. The Band is quick paced, with a hint of an edge. As someone who leans towards deep character introspection, it was a little light. But it's more about the clashes of these two character's lives. What would happen when they collide.
dustin_o's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
mjoybo's review against another edition
dark
funny
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
carlynclark's review against another edition
funny
mysterious
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? No
3.75
justinkhchen's review against another edition
funny
4.25
A satirical, literary take on the K-pop, idol making industry, The Band pleasantly surprised me because it turns out to be not at all the straightforward drama I was expecting—its characters larger-than-life, the humor brutally dry and self-deprecating, and it really hones in on the objectification of performers (they are replaceable parts, not people), how media scrutiny, industry demand, and pressure from fans result in an individual's emotional crisis.
I can see this being a polarizing read because of its free-form format and metafiction structure. While I find some of the fragmentation to be a little overdone (the footnote doesn't really add much to the core narrative), I greatly appreciate the unfiltered juxtaposition of East (many Korean dialogs/slang are left phonetically transcribed) and West (The humor is VERY American—I get Park and Recreation vibe), the fever dream of a plot, and how it manages to hit me emotionally by the end. I'll also add it is at a near-perfect length just tipping over the 200-page mark.
The Band is unabashedly written for a niche audience, someone with basic knowledge of how the K-pop industry functions (such as trainee debt), who appreciates the pop culture phenomenon but not intentionally shying away from its problems, AND also loves literary fiction. It is a challenging cross section to hit, but I do hope it will find its way to the right audience, as overall I find it to be an atypical, refreshing and sharply written read.
**This ARC was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Much appreciated!**
I can see this being a polarizing read because of its free-form format and metafiction structure. While I find some of the fragmentation to be a little overdone (the footnote doesn't really add much to the core narrative), I greatly appreciate the unfiltered juxtaposition of East (many Korean dialogs/slang are left phonetically transcribed) and West (The humor is VERY American—I get Park and Recreation vibe), the fever dream of a plot, and how it manages to hit me emotionally by the end. I'll also add it is at a near-perfect length just tipping over the 200-page mark.
The Band is unabashedly written for a niche audience, someone with basic knowledge of how the K-pop industry functions (such as trainee debt), who appreciates the pop culture phenomenon but not intentionally shying away from its problems, AND also loves literary fiction. It is a challenging cross section to hit, but I do hope it will find its way to the right audience, as overall I find it to be an atypical, refreshing and sharply written read.
**This ARC was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Much appreciated!**
dhemanth's review against another edition
Didn’t like the writing style, it was annoying!!
kobireads's review
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.5