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3.16 AVERAGE
3.16 AVERAGE
What a ride. I think I mostly got through with this book because I was buddy reading with my friend and, despite the poor writing, it was sometimes entertaining. Other times it just seemed like I was reading some sort of Wattpad fanfic about a K-pop trainee who was dating an idol. Characters like Leah felt so superficial which was very contraditory to me since the main character made it seem like she didn't want her sister to be on her shadow but it always came down to that. I'll probably only read the second book to keep my friend company and because this one ended in a cliffhanger. Jessica Jung thanks for the entertainment!
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
N/A
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
The rules are simple: Train 24-7. Be perfect. Don't date. Easy, right? Not so much.
Not gonna lie - I picked this up only because of the celebrity author even though I'm not a massive K-pop fan (though I enjoy it in moderate amounts) nor do I know much about Girls' Generation. I was surprised to learn that Jessica Jung had written a book in addition to her many talents and endeavours, about the K-pop industry no less.
Is this fiction novel based on Jessica's own life? Partially.
According to a TIME interview, the author says it's up to the reader to decide the line between fact and fiction: "It's going to be like an Easter egg hunt. Looking for clues and who's who, what's what, what's true, what's not."
I read the book without looking up anything first because I wanted to dive in on a blank slate. But the whole time, I felt like I was reading a memoir instead, even after reading articles about how Jessica said this is a work of fiction that's inspired by her own life.
You can find a lot of parallels between the book's protagonist and Jessica as well as their lives. Somehow I also have a strong feeling that the conversation between Kang Jina and her boyfriend in the book is one that Jessica actually had in real life.
All in all, this was a fascinating and enjoyable read regardless of how much of it is fiction. Now I just have to figure out who Mina (villain in the book) is supposed to represent in real life, hah.
Does this book spill tea about the industry? Partially.
I knew that the industry was tough, competitive and some might even say extreme, but I had no idea just how much. I mean, this is the first time I have heard of slapping a trainee's stomach to supposedly strengthen the diaphragm (also known as the wall sit punishment). And so much sabotage - it makes you wonder about all the behind-the-scenes rivalry in K-pop groups that appear close in public, all the things we don't see.
The rules of no dating, no phones, always have to be on a diet, no texting — those all still exist. Talking to my friends in the industry right now, nothing has changed. —Jessica Jung to TIME
I would have preferred if this book was a standalone or at least longer in length because there were still so many unresolved storylines by the end. What happened to Akari? And I need more Kang Jina! What's going on with all the execs? I was left feeling rather unsatisfied, hence the 3 stars despite it being an enjoyable read. Can't wait for the sequel!
Sebagai penggemar K-Pop terutama penggemar SNSD dan Jessica Jung, saya sangat menantikan novel ini. Menceritakan perjuangan Rachel Kim, seorang remaja berdarah Korea-Amerika dalam mewujudkan impiannya sebagai idola K-pop. Jujur, novel ini kurang memenuhi ekspektasi karena isinya hanya berkutat di bullying dan masalah percintaan saat masa training di dunia industri K-pop. Mungkin novel ini cocok untuk penggemar novel teenlit. Cerita dan konflik yang ditawarkan tidak terkesan monoton. Still worth to read
okay so uhhh where do i begin.
well, saw some reviewers saying that it's written like a fanfiction and i will say that's an insult to fanfiction writers because many of them write more-than-amazing fics FOR FREE. not saying that this book is really bad, though. it's just ... it's not my cup of tea, i guess.
i find the romance to be cringy. none of the characters interest me, i dont even care what they do. i also dont like mean girl characters, but it's definitely just a personal preferences. however, i like the way this book open up about the dark side of kpop.
well, saw some reviewers saying that it's written like a fanfiction and i will say that's an insult to fanfiction writers because many of them write more-than-amazing fics FOR FREE. not saying that this book is really bad, though. it's just ... it's not my cup of tea, i guess.
i find the romance to be cringy. none of the characters interest me, i dont even care what they do. i also dont like mean girl characters, but it's definitely just a personal preferences. however, i like the way this book open up about the dark side of kpop.
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
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:
Yes
Reading it because rivetedlit has given us the chances for free. Honestly, the whole story keeps reminding me of fanfiction although we clearly see it tells about Jessica Jung's original characters. I just don't know what certainly the motives of all characters each. All i could get is about the Rachel Kim who's tryin her best so that she can brightly shine, achieve her dreams for her entire life and she's not totally innocent. Then, the Mina who constantly dislikes Rachel. Also, Jason that i don't know- too much lovey dovey between him and Rachel.
Shortly, it's more likely the story about trainees itself.
Or did she really write the real fact of her experience? The second seems more interesting and deserves more stars so i'll be waiting for the next book, i guess?
Shortly, it's more likely the story about trainees itself.
Or did she really write the real fact of her experience? The second seems more interesting and deserves more stars so i'll be waiting for the next book, i guess?
emotional
inspiring
sad
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
As an amateur kpop stan, I loved getting a take on the trainee process from someone who actually experienced it. It was also nice getting a somewhat authentic view of the culture in Korea and the challenges that Rachel faced being from America. However I did find some of the manipulative plot elements to be cliche and predictable. But ultimately I'm excited to read the next book, so it paid off!