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3.16 AVERAGE
3.16 AVERAGE
So, what I wanted was just basically all the drama and tea spilling (which I did feel like I also got to a point) But what I got was a stable good plot with a well rounded authentic likable main character. Issues in the industry being presented in a way that made sense to the plot and also pushed it along. I found myself quickly rooting for Rachel as she was a fantastic character and the way she navigated situations in this book doesn’t feel over the top or forced. I liked that every time I thought I had figured out the main conflict it filters into another issues/plot twist. I didn’t think I was going to love this book as much as I did but exceeded my expectations—10/10 will be preordering the sequel when the time comes.
funny
lighthearted
fast-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
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
I was honestly pleasantly surprised with the writing in this one.
Jessica Jung is so obviously a lady of many talents, and in Rachel she created a loveable driven protagonist struggling in the world of K-Pop. This book was a really enjoyable contemporary, and as a love-interest, Jason Lee was charming.
The only slight issue I had was just how catty a number of the characters were with one another. I'm unashamedly a K-Pop fan myself - so the thought that the groups I follow could be like this behind the scenes is not one I like. Not that this is a fault of the author, but it also made it slightly harder to truly support Rachel's dreams and goals in the novel.
Jessica Jung is so obviously a lady of many talents, and in Rachel she created a loveable driven protagonist struggling in the world of K-Pop. This book was a really enjoyable contemporary, and as a love-interest, Jason Lee was charming.
The only slight issue I had was just how catty a number of the characters were with one another. I'm unashamedly a K-Pop fan myself - so the thought that the groups I follow could be like this behind the scenes is not one I like. Not that this is a fault of the author, but it also made it slightly harder to truly support Rachel's dreams and goals in the novel.
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
fast-paced
Fair warning: I went into this not expecting much, and I'm probably a little old for the demographic as a 19 y/o kpop stan. Shallow, cringeworthy, tries to shine light on culture in really awkward ways that doesn't work out (putting in unexplained/translated romanized words in Korean, dialogue that doesn't need to happen, etc), drama without proper conclusion, resolvable communication issues. Enjoyed the sisters' relationship it was so sweet! That's honestly it though
Jessica Jung has surprised me. Not only is she a remarkable artist, she has proven she is talented in the art of writing too. I honestly didn't know what to expect? An idol from one of my favourite kpop girl groups writing a YA romance novel... ABOUT KPOP?! I never thought I'd see this day.
For the most part. This is cute. It's fun. It got me reading again which is the most important factor for me. I don't know how much Jessica's real life experiences in the idol industry was instilled into the story - but ouch. It's rough. Toxic. As I feared yet this felt oddly worse because I could be reading about her actual experiences. It felt personal. I'm so attached to kpop and feel deep connections with my favourite groups, it's honestly a little unnerving reading about the "behind the scenes" because it's a hot topic in the kpop stan world, but much of it is sugar coated and not openly expressed. Whilst Shine is a work of fiction, it's definitely portraying elements of real life experiences. It's tough.
Shine is great for new-to-kpop stans and readers. Whilst it wasn't perfect (there are korean references or romanised words used without a follow up of English translations. Whilst it didn't affect me, someone who understands korean, it bothered me that for anyone who doesn't know korean would be left a little clueless) it was still a great introduction into the kpop culture and idol industry. With kpop growing as a whole all over the world, we need more books like Shine to really 'shine' a light on this topic. Help people to understand why it's an easy hole to fall into. Why it's different to stanning an artist from the west. It's become an important part of many lives in this world.
I was not a fan of Rachel at the beginning but she grew on me as her character arc was explored. I felt more and more empathy and a deeper understanding of her struggles as she faces hurdles and challenges and works to overcome them whilst being so completely afraid.
A lot of the romance was quite... unrealistic. Sort of feeding fantasies but it was a little angsty, bit slow burn and cute. But not my favourite nor a highlight for me. I still look forward to the next book and more of Jessica's writing! I still can't believe this is a real book!!
For the most part. This is cute. It's fun. It got me reading again which is the most important factor for me. I don't know how much Jessica's real life experiences in the idol industry was instilled into the story - but ouch. It's rough. Toxic. As I feared yet this felt oddly worse because I could be reading about her actual experiences. It felt personal. I'm so attached to kpop and feel deep connections with my favourite groups, it's honestly a little unnerving reading about the "behind the scenes" because it's a hot topic in the kpop stan world, but much of it is sugar coated and not openly expressed. Whilst Shine is a work of fiction, it's definitely portraying elements of real life experiences. It's tough.
Shine is great for new-to-kpop stans and readers. Whilst it wasn't perfect (there are korean references or romanised words used without a follow up of English translations. Whilst it didn't affect me, someone who understands korean, it bothered me that for anyone who doesn't know korean would be left a little clueless) it was still a great introduction into the kpop culture and idol industry. With kpop growing as a whole all over the world, we need more books like Shine to really 'shine' a light on this topic. Help people to understand why it's an easy hole to fall into. Why it's different to stanning an artist from the west. It's become an important part of many lives in this world.
I was not a fan of Rachel at the beginning but she grew on me as her character arc was explored. I felt more and more empathy and a deeper understanding of her struggles as she faces hurdles and challenges and works to overcome them whilst being so completely afraid.
A lot of the romance was quite... unrealistic. Sort of feeding fantasies but it was a little angsty, bit slow burn and cute. But not my favourite nor a highlight for me. I still look forward to the next book and more of Jessica's writing! I still can't believe this is a real book!!
This is the first k-pop romance novel that I did not enjoy at all.
I'm sure that Jessica Jung drew inspiration from her real-life experiences within the K-pop industry, and it isn't my intention to discredit or to minimize them. However, I can't overlook the mediocre writing and one-dimensional characters, including the author's self-insert Rachel Kim.
More importantly, I deeply disliked the lack of self-reflection in Shine. Throughout the book, the author seizes any and all opportunity to criticize the long-standing sexism within the K-pop industry, particularly the double standards against female idols and trainees. However – and this is a big however! – the novel is embedded with so much internalized misogyny that remained unchecked and unchallenged. Most, if not all, the female characters are shallow, catty, and villainous. Even Rachel Kim finds satisfaction in seeing her fellow trainees, especially Mina, fail or receive abuse from management. It diminished the sincerity of the book's criticism since it seemed like sexism was only a problem for Rachel if it hindered her from her own success.
Thus, the book gives off the impression of virtue-signaling. Not exactly groundbreaking feminism that genuinely seeks to empower and emancipate idols and trainees, particularly young women, being exploited by the K-pop industry.
Not recommended.
Recommended alternatives:
I'm sure that Jessica Jung drew inspiration from her real-life experiences within the K-pop industry, and it isn't my intention to discredit or to minimize them. However, I can't overlook the mediocre writing and one-dimensional characters, including the author's self-insert Rachel Kim.
More importantly, I deeply disliked the lack of self-reflection in Shine. Throughout the book, the author seizes any and all opportunity to criticize the long-standing sexism within the K-pop industry, particularly the double standards against female idols and trainees. However – and this is a big however! – the novel is embedded with so much internalized misogyny that remained unchecked and unchallenged. Most, if not all, the female characters are shallow, catty, and villainous. Even Rachel Kim finds satisfaction in seeing her fellow trainees, especially Mina, fail or receive abuse from management. It diminished the sincerity of the book's criticism since it seemed like sexism was only a problem for Rachel if it hindered her from her own success.
Thus, the book gives off the impression of virtue-signaling. Not exactly groundbreaking feminism that genuinely seeks to empower and emancipate idols and trainees, particularly young women, being exploited by the K-pop industry.
Not recommended.
Recommended alternatives:
Boring.
Having read [b:K-pop Confidential|49090423|K-pop Confidential|Stephan Lee|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1576656079l/49090423._SX50_.jpg|73524551], which I really liked and thought did a great job maintaining drama and suspense whilst also being informative about K-POP culture, I was disappointed with this one.
It just seemed really... IDK, typical for YA lit. The actual K-POP aspects were pushed to the side in favor of conventional teen drama with occasional K-POP stuff in the back.
Having read [b:K-pop Confidential|49090423|K-pop Confidential|Stephan Lee|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1576656079l/49090423._SX50_.jpg|73524551], which I really liked and thought did a great job maintaining drama and suspense whilst also being informative about K-POP culture, I was disappointed with this one.
It just seemed really... IDK, typical for YA lit. The actual K-POP aspects were pushed to the side in favor of conventional teen drama with occasional K-POP stuff in the back.