mrs_mander_reads
Written on Sep 25, 2020
The world of K-Pop has never met a star like this. Debut author Lyla Lee delivers a deliciously fun, thoughtful rom-com celebrating confidence and body positivity—perfect for fans of Jenny Han and Julie Murphy.
Skye Shin has heard it all. Fat girls shouldn’t dance. Wear bright colors. Shouldn’t call attention to themselves. But Skye dreams of joining the glittering world of K-Pop, and to do that, she’s about to break all the rules that society, the media, and even her own mother, have set for girls like her.
She’ll challenge thousands of other performers in an internationally televised competition looking for the next K-pop star, and she’ll do it better than anyone else.
When Skye nails her audition, she’s immediately swept into a whirlwind of countless practices, shocking performances, and the drama that comes with reality TV. What she doesn’t count on are the highly fat-phobic beauty standards of the Korean pop entertainment industry, her sudden media fame and scrutiny, or the sparks that soon fly with her fellow competitor, Henry Cho.
But Skye has her sights on becoming the world’s first plus-sized K-pop star, and that means winning the competition—without losing herself.
- ISBN10 0062936921
- ISBN13 9780062936929
- Publish Date 16 June 2020
- Publish Status Active
- Publish Country US
- Publisher HarperCollins Publishers
- Imprint Collins
- Format Hardcover
- Pages 336
- Language English
Reviews
alindstadtcorbeax
Written on Jul 5, 2020
Okay literally... I don’t even know how to rate this because this book, while it has some great reps, and some pretty heavy topics (bullying, fat shaming, emotional abuse).... it somehow all manages to feel like you’re eating... idk fluffy marshmallows.
The premise is: Skye Shin wants to be the world’s first female plus-sized K-Pop Star. She tries out for a K-Pop talent competition originating from Seoul, Korea, that this year sets up shop in LA— You’re My Shining Star, and gets in— for BOTH voice AND dance categories!
I honestly couldn’t put this down. It was empowering to women everywhere, it was witty, adorable, charming, It was swoon worthy- a celebrity, Henry Cho is in the competition with Skye and each catch the other’s eye
Angie
Written on Jun 22, 2020
+Plus size Korean bisexual! Yes! Her love interest is also bisexual! And she befriends some lesbians!
+It hurts how relatable Skye's relationship with her mom is. I totally had all of these moments with my own mom. We are more than our bodies and our looks!
+Friendship! Skye immediately befriends Lana even though they're competing against each other. There is ZERO cattiness! Just love and support and fun!
+The drama of reality television!
+Super adorable romance. It's very sweet.
NO!
-Very repetitive at times. Particularly at the beginning.
Sam@WLABB
Written on May 15, 2020
• Pro: Skye was a-m-a-z-i-n-g! I ran for president of her fan club after just the first chapter. That's how much I adored her. She was the type of person I would gravitate towards, because of the good vibes and confidence she exuded. But, the more I learned about her and her mother, the more I admired her, and was actually quite shocked by how well adjusted she was.
• Pro: Though she was fat shamed by her mother, and considered unattractive by many for being plus-sized, Skye still loved herself. She thought of herself as cute, and on some days, pretty. Which was wonderful, but I also appreciated that Lee included the idea that being fat doesn't necessarily mean unhealthy, and that genetics also play a role in body type.
• Pro: It was great being on the show. I loved the rehearsals, the performances, and everything that had to do with competition. I found myself completely wrapped up in all the excitement and drama, and I loved getting carried away by it all.
• Pro: Henry was one the best surprises for me. I wasn't sure how to receive him at first, or how he would fit into this story, but he ended up being a sweet little cinnamon roll, who won my heart.
• Con: I did wish there was more resolution regarding the situation with Skye's mother, and though I was smiling as I read the last page, I found myself wanting a bit more.
• Pro: Watching the romance unfold was so satisfying for me. It happened slowly and sweetly, and they were so gooey and cute together. LOVED IT!
Overall: I think everyone will find it easy to cheer for Skye as she defies the odds, and shows the world, that a plus-sized girl can love herself AND be a K-pop star.
*ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
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