Idol Gossip

July 26, 2021
In Young’s proficient debut, a reserved Chinese American 17-year-old navigates the tension between her reserve and her aspirations of becoming a singer. After being scouted at a karaoke bar, introverted but vocally talented Alice Choy is invited to an open audition for mega-label Top10. Despite initial hesitations, the encouragement of her K-pop-loving younger sister helps to persuade her, as does the possibility of restarting vocal lessons if she’s chosen—something she has forfeited since her family’s relocation to Seoul. When her talent lands her an all-expenses-paid spot at Star Academy, where trainees live and work, she’s placed into girl group A-List—which is set to debut in only five months—and thrown into dance rehearsals, exercise regimes, vocal lessons, and Korean classes. Young aptly conveys Alice’s difficulties as the group’s youngest member, navigating life away from her family and deciphering the implicit rules of the K-pop world. Interspersed with Alice’s narration, posts from The Fix, a blog devoted to “exposing the real side of idols in hopes that no one else is ever consumed by the K-pop machine,” purports to interrogate the role of fans and gossip sites. Though Alice’s initial success despite being unable to dance, act, or speak Korean requires a large suspension of disbelief, readers interested in the inner workings of idol groups will enjoy this entertaining inside look. Ages 12–up. Agent: Patricia Nelson, Marsal Lyon Literary.

August 1, 2021

Gr 7-10-Young's YA debut is an entertaining romp through the world of K-pop. Seventeen-year-old Chinese American Alice Choy is adapting to life in Seoul after her mom's diplomat job moved the family to South Korea from San Francisco. An afternoon karaoke session with her sister Olivia turns into a life-changing event when a K-pop talent agent hears Alice sing and offers her a coveted audition. Soon Alice is ensconced in Top10 Entertainment's Star Academy, living in a dorm with the rest of her assigned girl group, trying to learn Korean, dance moves, and all of the intricacies of the K-pop lifestyle at once. Alice struggles to adjust to her grueling schedule and bond with her group members as the date of their debut looms. K-pop and YA fans alike will find much to enjoy in this deep dive into fan culture and the music industry. Young takes a nuanced, thoughtful look at Alice's relationships with her fellow musicians, from supportive to jealous. Alice and Olivia's sibling bond is also well done. Though the ending is a bit abrupt, there is much to enjoy in this inside look at the world of K-pop. VERDICT A fun glimpse into what happens when your dreams of fame come true, great for fans of Maurene Goo, Anna Carey, and Jessica Jung.-Elissa Bongiorno, Washington, DC

Copyright 2021 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

August 15, 2021
A teenage girl gets pulled into the intense world of K-pop as she fights for her dream of becoming a singer. Seventeen-year-old Alice Choy, who took voice lessons at home in San Francisco, has always dreamed of fame. But since her diplomat mother moved the family to Seoul, South Korea, six months ago, the only singing she's done has been in a small karaoke booth with her little sister, Olivia. That is, until she gets discovered in one of these noraebangs by Top10 Entertainment, one of K-pop's biggest labels. With a little sisterly encouragement, Alice auditions and gets the opportunity to attend their Star Academy, where she is trained to become an idol. Slated to debut in just five months, Alice works to prove she's good enough--but training to be an idol is rigorous. Even though she is a talented singer, dancing and learning Korean don't come easy. Biracial (Chinese/White) Alice struggles with the intense pressure to keep up and fit in with her group. Even worse, gossip bloggers and anti-fans might destroy her career before it even begins. This is a fast-paced, captivating inside look at what lies behind the glitz of the K-pop industry. Alice's road to fame highlights cultural differences, self-discovery, sisterhood, and empathy. The narrative is laced with blog posts that help move the story forward and give background information. Korean dialogue is romanized. An entertaining read unveiling the people behind K-pop glam. (Fiction. 13-18)

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