From mock interviews, constant dance and vocal practices, and even sabotaging from the other trainees. We get to see the secrets of the world and how rough it is to be a trainee. I was super invested in the book, especially in wanting Rachel to become a K-Pop star. Between her enemies, friends, family, and even love interest, Rachel stops at nothing to make sure she gets noticed by the top dogs.

But at seventeen, it’s her final chance to debut.

Moving from America to Korea, Rachel’s entire life is turned upside down as she becomes the outsider in this cutthroat world. Six years ago, Rachel Kim, a Korean-American teenager, was recruited by DB Entertainment, the top K-Pop producing company in the world. įormer Girls’ Generation member Jessica Jung writes about a girl’s tale into K-pop stardom in Shine. No redistribution permitted.Jessica Jung offers delicious secrets about the K-Pop world in her debut novel, SHINE. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. A worthwhile addition.-Abby Hargreaves, DC P.L.?(c) Copyright 2011. VERDICT Fans of Maurene Goo's Somewhere Only We Know will enjoy a return to K-pop subject matter and appreciate Jung's insider perspective on the music industry, while also enjoying a candid narrative style reminiscent of Meg Cabot with a touch of Mean Girls. The novel occasionally touches on deep topics such as individual identity, beauty standards, and wealth privilege, but none are given a complete treatment so as to make a direct and unmistakable point. Secondary characters, particularly Rachel's love interest, lack sufficient personality and operate primarily as plot devices, which may disappoint some. While the book suggests, and at times directly addresses, feminist themes, the ending falls significantly short of these ideals.

Now, six years later, Rachel is on the cusp of superstardom or losing her dream forever as she navigates the opportunity of a lifetime to sing with K-pop sensation Jason Lee while maintaining the squeaky clean image required by her label. Gr 8 Up-International K-pop superstar Jung debuts with a novel about Rachel, a K-pop star-in-training who moved from New York to Korea as a child to pursue her dream.

I will shine jessica jung