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I expected to enjoy this story; I have always liked this style of novel, one where you're invited into a world that you don't know anything about - can't know anything about, honestly - by someone who does know. Getting all of the inside secrets and details is really fun to me. Shine definitely delivers on the machine of K-pop, something that I was completely clueless about.
And honestly, yikes.
I am horrified by some of the details, and unfortunately I'm sure that the ones that are the worst are completely true. (Micromanaging girls' diets, weigh-ins and the horrific comments that go along with them, manipulating these children on a global scale without their knowledge or consent, the insane expectations the way the adults speak to these kids.) It makes me feel a little bit glad that I haven't been drawn into K-pop fandom - I don't know that I could participate in that without feeling incredibly icky.
Having said all of that: This was a good, entertaining read. The authenticity lends to the horror, yes, but it also lends to the sort of dishy in-the-know vibe and atmosphere of the story. Rachel is a compelling narrator, Jason is a believable love-interest, the family feels real, the awful mean girl tone of the other trainees (Mina particularly) is genuinely upsetting without turning the girls into caricatures.
It works, I liked it, I want to read the sequel. Do proceed with caution (triggers would include disordered eating and negative discussions of weight and bodies; misogyny and sexism; mistreatment of children; gross media and celebrity gossip culture). I do think this walks a good line between showing the glamour of this whole k-pop machine and laying bare its ugliness.
ARC provided for review by the publisher via NetGalley.
And honestly, yikes.
I am horrified by some of the details, and unfortunately I'm sure that the ones that are the worst are completely true. (Micromanaging girls' diets, weigh-ins and the horrific comments that go along with them, manipulating these children on a global scale without their knowledge or consent, the insane expectations the way the adults speak to these kids.) It makes me feel a little bit glad that I haven't been drawn into K-pop fandom - I don't know that I could participate in that without feeling incredibly icky.
Having said all of that: This was a good, entertaining read. The authenticity lends to the horror, yes, but it also lends to the sort of dishy in-the-know vibe and atmosphere of the story. Rachel is a compelling narrator, Jason is a believable love-interest, the family feels real, the awful mean girl tone of the other trainees (Mina particularly) is genuinely upsetting without turning the girls into caricatures.
It works, I liked it, I want to read the sequel. Do proceed with caution (triggers would include disordered eating and negative discussions of weight and bodies; misogyny and sexism; mistreatment of children; gross media and celebrity gossip culture). I do think this walks a good line between showing the glamour of this whole k-pop machine and laying bare its ugliness.
ARC provided for review by the publisher via NetGalley.