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A review by deldc
XOXO by Axie Oh
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
this has been a cute ride to korean idol culture!
things i liked:
- basically everything: the character diversity, the trope! (i didn't expect i'd enjoy it), the connections ๐ซ -- it all felt like a novel that came straight out of a romantic kdrama: there's a family element, authentic friendships, and love ๐
- it enlightens about idol culture in korea -- both the good and the bad parts. how the industry can be both toxic and loving at the same time: i.e: a) the toxic paparazzis, the krazy fans, dating scandals, and the training process; b) it showed how the trainees had to be apart from their biological families at a young age but also showed that despite this tragic requirement, they are able to grow up acquiring another kind - one with their bandmates, managers, purely loving fans and even their company -- it's heartwarming to see that kind of relationship possible despite its difficult journey behind; it also showed the gravity of passion and determination one can put in one's craft (not just for the idol artists but the same with classical musicians - which i also liked that axie oh managed to blend)
- i also love that i discovered few korean elements that i'd normally wouldn't be able to understand in watching a kdrama. in fact, i kept imagining this would be an even greater book if it was in pure korean if only for my lack of fluency in the language.
- also love that it tackled mixed race inclusivity, not as pressing as other books dedicated to the topic though and that's completely fine. i've learned not to expect korean-american and other marginalized writers to do that job in courtesy of miss Elaine Castillo, author of How to Read Now ๐. but i do hope more books and readers would be able to advocate this kind of important issues especially in this very foundational platform we all share. :)
who would i recommend this to?
- of course, to kpop enthusiasts!! and suckers of celebrity-noncelebrity trope!! it's giving that fan fiction/wattpad novel vibe with the kilig element of a romance kdrama because of its setting โจ it reads like that unwritten novel i would've authored in wattpad during my highschool days lol - normally i would cringe, but this definitely submitted a better work than any imaginary novel i would've tried to write. ๐ค๐ผ
i give this a solid 5 because it's pure enjoyment and i simply have nothing against it. =) i wouldn't hold it back for axie oh. ๐ซถ๐ผ
things i liked:
- basically everything: the character diversity, the trope! (i didn't expect i'd enjoy it), the connections ๐ซ -- it all felt like a novel that came straight out of a romantic kdrama: there's a family element, authentic friendships, and love ๐
- it enlightens about idol culture in korea -- both the good and the bad parts. how the industry can be both toxic and loving at the same time: i.e: a) the toxic paparazzis, the krazy fans, dating scandals, and the training process; b) it showed how the trainees had to be apart from their biological families at a young age but also showed that despite this tragic requirement, they are able to grow up acquiring another kind - one with their bandmates, managers, purely loving fans and even their company -- it's heartwarming to see that kind of relationship possible despite its difficult journey behind; it also showed the gravity of passion and determination one can put in one's craft (not just for the idol artists but the same with classical musicians - which i also liked that axie oh managed to blend)
- i also love that i discovered few korean elements that i'd normally wouldn't be able to understand in watching a kdrama. in fact, i kept imagining this would be an even greater book if it was in pure korean if only for my lack of fluency in the language.
- also love that it tackled mixed race inclusivity, not as pressing as other books dedicated to the topic though and that's completely fine. i've learned not to expect korean-american and other marginalized writers to do that job in courtesy of miss Elaine Castillo, author of How to Read Now ๐. but i do hope more books and readers would be able to advocate this kind of important issues especially in this very foundational platform we all share. :)
who would i recommend this to?
- of course, to kpop enthusiasts!! and suckers of celebrity-noncelebrity trope!! it's giving that fan fiction/wattpad novel vibe with the kilig element of a romance kdrama because of its setting โจ it reads like that unwritten novel i would've authored in wattpad during my highschool days lol - normally i would cringe, but this definitely submitted a better work than any imaginary novel i would've tried to write. ๐ค๐ผ
i give this a solid 5 because it's pure enjoyment and i simply have nothing against it. =) i wouldn't hold it back for axie oh. ๐ซถ๐ผ