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3.16 AVERAGE
3.16 AVERAGE
let me preface this by saying the ONLY reason i instantly added shine to my tbr was because i simply love jessica jung, as girls generation was literally my introduction into the gateway drug that is kpop, and despite my overwhelming bias (heh), i had no problems limiting my expectation because i knew how messy this could potentially turn out.
and i was??? kind of pleasantly surprised?? look, this by no means the perfect book. it doesn't have the most interesting, well-developed characters or the most exciting, realistic plot. It's actually kind of cheesy and even wattpad level cringy at times but for some reason i kind of enjoyed it? there's something addictive about it that had me listening to the audiobook whenever i could find the free time. it kept me entertained, and at the end of the day that's what i liked most about it.
whoever really thought jessica jung, who was an integral member of one of the biggest, most successful girl groups and subsequently under one of south korea's most powerful entertainment companies, would be completely spilling all the dark, gritty secrets of her time as an idol probably doesn't fully understand the industry and how that can still, years later, damage her personally. and while i didn't expect anything mindblowing, i WAS kind of wanting just more in-depth tidbits of idol life? we already know about how rigorously idols train and the dumb dating ban but i wanted to read about aspects perhaps less known. although with the way shine ended, maybe this will be better explored in the sequel.
our main character, rachel was likable and someone i found myself wanting to see succeed in her dream. the love interest jason was kind of basic and corny but i liked the way jung used his relationship with rachel to show how rampant sexism is in the industry. honestly, i wasn't expecting that to be such a big theme of the book but i'm really glad it was!
i'd rather not spoil too much, but while shine has it's fair share of cheesy. suspending disbelief moments, i do think it's a fast-paced, entertaining read, especially if you go the audiobook route. definitely will be checking out the sequel when it releases!
and i was??? kind of pleasantly surprised?? look, this by no means the perfect book. it doesn't have the most interesting, well-developed characters or the most exciting, realistic plot. It's actually kind of cheesy and even wattpad level cringy at times but for some reason i kind of enjoyed it? there's something addictive about it that had me listening to the audiobook whenever i could find the free time. it kept me entertained, and at the end of the day that's what i liked most about it.
whoever really thought jessica jung, who was an integral member of one of the biggest, most successful girl groups and subsequently under one of south korea's most powerful entertainment companies, would be completely spilling all the dark, gritty secrets of her time as an idol probably doesn't fully understand the industry and how that can still, years later, damage her personally. and while i didn't expect anything mindblowing, i WAS kind of wanting just more in-depth tidbits of idol life? we already know about how rigorously idols train and the dumb dating ban but i wanted to read about aspects perhaps less known. although with the way shine ended, maybe this will be better explored in the sequel.
our main character, rachel was likable and someone i found myself wanting to see succeed in her dream. the love interest jason was kind of basic and corny but i liked the way jung used his relationship with rachel to show how rampant sexism is in the industry. honestly, i wasn't expecting that to be such a big theme of the book but i'm really glad it was!
i'd rather not spoil too much, but while shine has it's fair share of cheesy. suspending disbelief moments, i do think it's a fast-paced, entertaining read, especially if you go the audiobook route. definitely will be checking out the sequel when it releases!
FULL REVIEW HERE
Thank you so much to Pansing for sending me an advanced readers copy of this book to review! All opinions are my own and keep your eyes peeled for this book because it will soon be available in all good bookstores!
Three-word description : K-pop, love, competition
My rating : 4 / 5 stars
Going into this book knowing that this is written by the former K-pop star Jessica from Girls Generation, I am so excited and thrilled because finally there is some inside scoop of the industry from someone who has been through it all! I find this book to be super fun and enjoyable to read, mainly because of the fast-paced tempo, and as a debut author, Jessica really writes well, the writing style is super easy to follow and you are just left wanting more after each chapter!
I absolutely love the main character, I find myself relate to Rachel a lot, a little unsure of her future but still striving to do her best. I feel like a lot of people would really love her as a character, she is really inspiring in a lot of ways, determined, a little shy and very down to earth. She struggled through tough times and finally she rise above all adversities and hardships and got her own happy ending. I am very happy for her, it feels like I’ve grown with her and I’m just so glad for her!
I loved the story, though I am not very sold on the relationship aspect of the book. I do like the love interest, but I just do not see much chemistry between them? Or maybe it could just be a me thing, I am somewhat immune to charming K-Pop stars I guess? *laughs* I also really love Rachel’s nemesis Mina, I feel like she is not just an “antagonist” here to make Rachel suffer but she has her own unique character arc as well! I do not want to spoil much but I genuinely root for her as well! You can really get to know some of the side characters in the story and I love that about the novel!
Also, I feel like Rachel’s little sister Leah also plays a big role in the novel, defining who Rachel is as a person and what her values are. I love that annoying little sister vibe of Leah but when Rachel needed her most, she is always right there, ready to face anything with her. I absolutely love the family dynamic as well, not just Leah but her parents, both super different from one another but all wanting Rachel to do well. We also get a glimpse of her mother’s past and her father’s future, and it really came full circle for me in this aspect of the book!
A little downside though, I feel like the ending was way too abrupt! I feel like everything suddenly comes crashing and then it was the end, I really was left surprised that the book ended without any more elaborate explanation because things are quite ambiguous towards the end. There are definitely loose ends that could be tied up better and I really hope we will have a spin off or sequel! I really love the cast of characters and I feel like another perspective would be a fun sequel or spin off! Overall, it was such a fun ride but I just hoped the ending was a little better wrapped up.
I really do encourage anyone who likes K-Pop or just drama in general to pick this up! You really get a sip of what’s happening in the industry and it really makes you think if there is any essence of truth hidden beneath the story as the author has been through it all. I think Shine is about being yourself and not let anyone dull your sparkle, this inspiring read will definitely need to be on your TBR
Thank you so much to Pansing for sending me an advanced readers copy of this book to review! All opinions are my own and keep your eyes peeled for this book because it will soon be available in all good bookstores!
Three-word description : K-pop, love, competition
My rating : 4 / 5 stars
Going into this book knowing that this is written by the former K-pop star Jessica from Girls Generation, I am so excited and thrilled because finally there is some inside scoop of the industry from someone who has been through it all! I find this book to be super fun and enjoyable to read, mainly because of the fast-paced tempo, and as a debut author, Jessica really writes well, the writing style is super easy to follow and you are just left wanting more after each chapter!
I absolutely love the main character, I find myself relate to Rachel a lot, a little unsure of her future but still striving to do her best. I feel like a lot of people would really love her as a character, she is really inspiring in a lot of ways, determined, a little shy and very down to earth. She struggled through tough times and finally she rise above all adversities and hardships and got her own happy ending. I am very happy for her, it feels like I’ve grown with her and I’m just so glad for her!
I loved the story, though I am not very sold on the relationship aspect of the book. I do like the love interest, but I just do not see much chemistry between them? Or maybe it could just be a me thing, I am somewhat immune to charming K-Pop stars I guess? *laughs* I also really love Rachel’s nemesis Mina, I feel like she is not just an “antagonist” here to make Rachel suffer but she has her own unique character arc as well! I do not want to spoil much but I genuinely root for her as well! You can really get to know some of the side characters in the story and I love that about the novel!
Also, I feel like Rachel’s little sister Leah also plays a big role in the novel, defining who Rachel is as a person and what her values are. I love that annoying little sister vibe of Leah but when Rachel needed her most, she is always right there, ready to face anything with her. I absolutely love the family dynamic as well, not just Leah but her parents, both super different from one another but all wanting Rachel to do well. We also get a glimpse of her mother’s past and her father’s future, and it really came full circle for me in this aspect of the book!
A little downside though, I feel like the ending was way too abrupt! I feel like everything suddenly comes crashing and then it was the end, I really was left surprised that the book ended without any more elaborate explanation because things are quite ambiguous towards the end. There are definitely loose ends that could be tied up better and I really hope we will have a spin off or sequel! I really love the cast of characters and I feel like another perspective would be a fun sequel or spin off! Overall, it was such a fun ride but I just hoped the ending was a little better wrapped up.
I really do encourage anyone who likes K-Pop or just drama in general to pick this up! You really get a sip of what’s happening in the industry and it really makes you think if there is any essence of truth hidden beneath the story as the author has been through it all. I think Shine is about being yourself and not let anyone dull your sparkle, this inspiring read will definitely need to be on your TBR
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
It took me four months of putting off this book, but I FINALLY FINISHED!!!
Honestly, I think a majority of the bad reviews are from SNSD stans that are pissed off that Jessica is “spoiling SNSD’s brand.” I did read that Shine was almost marketed as an autobiography, and so I could see how some fans could be worried about unsubstantiated claims ruining their idols’ reputations.
Personally, I think the ghost writer did a good job in mostly only villainizing the industry, not the trainees and artists (notable exception being Mina; pls don’t be based off Tayeon ahhhhhhhhhhhhh).
ANYWAY, the ghostwriter has that style of writing that makes it seem like they have a creative writing mfa, and the craft aspects were definitely present, but some things still fell flat to me.
1) I can’t precisely put my finger on why, but the novel just read as quite dry and bland to me? I do come from the high school competitive choir scene though, and so since I LIVED through some similar drama/trauma, I could just be taking the concept for granted.
2) We were stuck in Rachel’s head the whole time and adults all tended to dote on her as being a “special case” that got second third and fourth chances, and so it was hard to buy-into the whole “underdog” scenario. And we only really get told that Rachel is sPeCiAl because she’s eXtRa PrEtTy and sings good. But like, okay? There is someone just as pretty and just as talented probably a stone’s throw away??? So Rachel constantly lucking out seemed unrealistic and comes across as just pure plot armor. Because Rachel is never held accountable for anything that goes wrong. Adults will bluster at her and then they’ll get over it and give her an opportunity.
3) Supposedly Rachel got so many chances and seemingly had plot armor only because her love interest, Jason, was interceding on her behalf with the executives. And like, okay, sure, but WHY RACHEL. The insta-love between Rachel and Jason was so bad, ahhhhhhhhhh. Like, do guys really just see ONE pretty girl and instantly think “that one. She’s better than all the others and she’s mine?” Am I too optimistic in thinking that guys look at looks for minimum qualifications and then will LATER choose after assessing personality?
Overall, I still gave this book 4 stars because it was created under the name of an influential Kpop star so it’s technically the only own-voices Kpop book in circulation, but it also makes the Kpop industry accessible to foreign markets like white Americans that may be too alienated by the language gap to give Kpop a chance otherwise.
I see that there is a sequel and a movie already planned and I’ll be investigating both, but honestly just very “meh” on this book for the aforementioned reasons. Better than “Wintersong” though!
Honestly, I think a majority of the bad reviews are from SNSD stans that are pissed off that Jessica is “spoiling SNSD’s brand.” I did read that Shine was almost marketed as an autobiography, and so I could see how some fans could be worried about unsubstantiated claims ruining their idols’ reputations.
Personally, I think the ghost writer did a good job in mostly only villainizing the industry, not the trainees and artists (notable exception being Mina; pls don’t be based off Tayeon ahhhhhhhhhhhhh).
ANYWAY, the ghostwriter has that style of writing that makes it seem like they have a creative writing mfa, and the craft aspects were definitely present, but some things still fell flat to me.
1) I can’t precisely put my finger on why, but the novel just read as quite dry and bland to me? I do come from the high school competitive choir scene though, and so since I LIVED through some similar drama/trauma, I could just be taking the concept for granted.
2) We were stuck in Rachel’s head the whole time and adults all tended to dote on her as being a “special case” that got second third and fourth chances, and so it was hard to buy-into the whole “underdog” scenario. And we only really get told that Rachel is sPeCiAl because she’s eXtRa PrEtTy and sings good. But like, okay? There is someone just as pretty and just as talented probably a stone’s throw away??? So Rachel constantly lucking out seemed unrealistic and comes across as just pure plot armor. Because Rachel is never held accountable for anything that goes wrong. Adults will bluster at her and then they’ll get over it and give her an opportunity.
3) Supposedly Rachel got so many chances and seemingly had plot armor only because her love interest, Jason, was interceding on her behalf with the executives. And like, okay, sure, but WHY RACHEL. The insta-love between Rachel and Jason was so bad, ahhhhhhhhhh. Like, do guys really just see ONE pretty girl and instantly think “that one. She’s better than all the others and she’s mine?” Am I too optimistic in thinking that guys look at looks for minimum qualifications and then will LATER choose after assessing personality?
Overall, I still gave this book 4 stars because it was created under the name of an influential Kpop star so it’s technically the only own-voices Kpop book in circulation, but it also makes the Kpop industry accessible to foreign markets like white Americans that may be too alienated by the language gap to give Kpop a chance otherwise.
I see that there is a sequel and a movie already planned and I’ll be investigating both, but honestly just very “meh” on this book for the aforementioned reasons. Better than “Wintersong” though!
My full review can be read here: https://sites.google.com/view/biancareads/shine-by-jessica-jung
This book surprised me in a good way. I really only picked it up because the bookstore had tons of copies and I had never read anything about K-Pop yet. I loved the plot of the story and reading about the darker-side of K-Pop really interested me. By the way, I'm not a fan of K-Pop. I have no idea who Jessica Jung is so this review is an unbiased opinion.
The start of the book is pretty good. It managed to pull me in and I really enjoyed reading about her struggles and her dedication to K-Pop. Sadly, towards the end it just get hectic. I have a feeling the book was suddenly cut so there could be a sequel. If it stayed as a standalone it would have been better. You can really tell that the book is just building up to the second since there honestly isn't much that happens. I'm having a hard time remembering what happened in the last few chapters as I'm writing this review. There are some characters and scenes that I feel are a bit unnecessary. There were also some scenes that were supper dramatic at the end of a chapter and they weren't continued in the next chapter. There are somethings I did enjoy though!
This book surprised me in a good way. I really only picked it up because the bookstore had tons of copies and I had never read anything about K-Pop yet. I loved the plot of the story and reading about the darker-side of K-Pop really interested me. By the way, I'm not a fan of K-Pop. I have no idea who Jessica Jung is so this review is an unbiased opinion.
The start of the book is pretty good. It managed to pull me in and I really enjoyed reading about her struggles and her dedication to K-Pop. Sadly, towards the end it just get hectic. I have a feeling the book was suddenly cut so there could be a sequel. If it stayed as a standalone it would have been better. You can really tell that the book is just building up to the second since there honestly isn't much that happens. I'm having a hard time remembering what happened in the last few chapters as I'm writing this review. There are some characters and scenes that I feel are a bit unnecessary. There were also some scenes that were supper dramatic at the end of a chapter and they weren't continued in the next chapter. There are somethings I did enjoy though!
Full review (with spoilers) here
An enjoyable read, something fun and interesting with lots of drama.
An enjoyable read, something fun and interesting with lots of drama.
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Very Wattpad-y, I guess?
Jessica did manage to capture that not-adult-not-child teenage essence perfectly but the story was lacking. She tried to add depth but it was very contractory.
Rachel wasn't a likable character, Jason wasn't swoonworthy and the story was unfortunately predictable.
Jessica did manage to capture that not-adult-not-child teenage essence perfectly but the story was lacking. She tried to add depth but it was very contractory.
Rachel wasn't a likable character, Jason wasn't swoonworthy and the story was unfortunately predictable.
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes