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3.17 AVERAGE
3.17 AVERAGE
"Shine" was such a wonderful debut for Jessica Jung. With the perfect writing style for YA, breezy and easy-to-follow, "Shine" follows Rachel, an Asian-American who is in training to become the next K-pop star. Rachel isn't totally relatable because but what she goes through with mean girls and relationships is definitely what can be relatable. I loved the love story, the journey that we go through with Rachel as she really does work her tail off, and battling nerves in front of a camera. This was cute, light, and the perfect read to escape the harsh realities of the world.
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
inspiring
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Underneath the pristine perfect image of KPop stars is a trove of secrets that could end the careers of these idols who have climbed all their way to the top.
Rachel Kim is a KPop trainee for a company called DB and longs to one day debut in a girl group. When a rumour goes around that DB wants to form a new girl group, Rachel does everything she can to work hard and to be noticed by the company executives. When everyone is vying for a place at the top, it can be difficult to shine.
After reading Shine, if there is anything that I will take away from this book, is that the life of a KPop star (and trainee) is super difficult. It’s not a life I would want to have. Jessica Jung, author of Shine, is a former KPop idol from Girls Generation (one of the biggest girl groups of all-time). Her perspective of the industry was very insightful for a work of fiction. I really liked how Jessica Jung included that female KPop stars are not treated the same as male KPop stars. There’s a severe double standard. If a male KPop star gets caught dating, there isn’t much of a scandal, and it could even help him boost his career. But if a female KPop star is caught dating, it could end her career forever and have her bullied by “fans” in person and on the Internet. Of course, this is nothing new, but this book was a good reminder that we all need to remind ourselves that beneath the image of a picture-perfect star is just a regular human being with feelings.
I was very surprised by how much I enjoyed Jessica Jung’s writing. It flowed effortlessly without trying too hard. I was immediately engaged in the book, and I am so excited to read the sequel when it comes out. I can’t wait to see how Rachel’s career in KPop will turn out.
I would recommend Shine by Jessica Jung to all KPop fans. This book is a must-read for all those who wondered what it is really like in the KPop industry.
*I received an advanced reader’s copy of Shine by Jessica Jung from Simon & Shuster Canada and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
Rachel Kim is a KPop trainee for a company called DB and longs to one day debut in a girl group. When a rumour goes around that DB wants to form a new girl group, Rachel does everything she can to work hard and to be noticed by the company executives. When everyone is vying for a place at the top, it can be difficult to shine.
After reading Shine, if there is anything that I will take away from this book, is that the life of a KPop star (and trainee) is super difficult. It’s not a life I would want to have. Jessica Jung, author of Shine, is a former KPop idol from Girls Generation (one of the biggest girl groups of all-time). Her perspective of the industry was very insightful for a work of fiction. I really liked how Jessica Jung included that female KPop stars are not treated the same as male KPop stars. There’s a severe double standard. If a male KPop star gets caught dating, there isn’t much of a scandal, and it could even help him boost his career. But if a female KPop star is caught dating, it could end her career forever and have her bullied by “fans” in person and on the Internet. Of course, this is nothing new, but this book was a good reminder that we all need to remind ourselves that beneath the image of a picture-perfect star is just a regular human being with feelings.
I was very surprised by how much I enjoyed Jessica Jung’s writing. It flowed effortlessly without trying too hard. I was immediately engaged in the book, and I am so excited to read the sequel when it comes out. I can’t wait to see how Rachel’s career in KPop will turn out.
I would recommend Shine by Jessica Jung to all KPop fans. This book is a must-read for all those who wondered what it is really like in the KPop industry.
*I received an advanced reader’s copy of Shine by Jessica Jung from Simon & Shuster Canada and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
dnf page 114.
maybe i'll end up finishing it later in the year if i get curious and have the motivation. ftm it's just so bad (i'm sorry jessica i still love you though) i can't bring myself to continue and it's messing with my hot book summer.
maybe i'll end up finishing it later in the year if i get curious and have the motivation. ftm it's just so bad (i'm sorry jessica i still love you though) i can't bring myself to continue and it's messing with my hot book summer.
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated