A review by twiinklex
Shine by Jessica Jung

3.0

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!