Kpopmap's Best K-Lit: Here Is Why Jessica Jung's First Novel "Shine" Will Be Your Next Favorite Book

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"Shine", written by Jessica Jung, tells the rise of a young girl, Rachel, of Korean origin but born in the United States, in the world of K-Pop. This is not a trivial subject for the author who has been working in this industry for years. Indeed, Jessica was the Main Vocal of the popular group Girls' Generation, from 2007 to 2014. This is the first novel that she offers us, and she recently published a second volume, called "Bright". It is then the occasion to review "Shine", an instant New York Times bestseller!

Synopsis: "What would you give for a chance to live your dreams? For seventeen-year-old Korean American Rachel Kim, the answer is almost everything. Six years ago, she was recruited by DB Entertainment—one of Seoul’s largest K-Pop labels, known for churning out some of the world’s most popular stars. The rules are simple: Train 24/7. Be perfect. Don’t date. Easy, right? Not so much. As the dark scandals of an industry bent on controlling and commodifying beautiful girls begin to bubble up, Rachel wonders if she’s strong enough to be a winner, or if she’ll end up crushed… Especially when she begins to develop feelings for K-Pop star and DB golden boy Jason Lee. It’s not just that he’s charming, sexy, and ridiculously talented. He’s also the first person who really understands how badly she wants her star to rise".

 

"Shine" (2020)

Kpopmap's Best K-Lit: Here Is Why Jessica Jung's First Novel "Shine" Will Be Your Next Favorite Book

Simon & Schuster

 

Book Review

Author: Jessica Jung

Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books

Collection: Young Readers

Length: 368 pages

ISBN: 9781534462526

 

The story follows Rachel, whose journey resonates closely wit