Xoxo | Axie Oh

 

Title: XOXO

Author: Axie Oh

Publisher: HarperTeen

Release date: July 13th 2021

Genre(s): young adult fiction, romance, music, contemporary

Rating: ⭐⭐/5

Purchase link: Book Depository

Blurb

Cello prodigy Jenny has one goal: to get into a prestigious music conservatory. When she meets mysterious, handsome Jaewoo in her uncle’s Los Angeles karaoke bar, it’s clear he’s the kind of boy who would uproot her careful plans. But in a moment of spontaneity, she allows him to pull her out of her comfort zone for one unforgettable night of adventure…before he disappears without a word.

Three months later, when Jenny and her mother arrive in South Korea to take care of her ailing grandmother, she’s shocked to discover that Jaewoo is a student at the same elite arts academy where she’s enrolled for the semester. And he’s not just any student. He’s a member of one of the biggest K-pop bands in the world—and he’s strictly forbidden from dating.

When a relationship means throwing Jenny’s life off the path she’s spent years mapping out, she’ll have to decide once and for all just how much she’s willing to risk for love.

(Source: Goodreads)

My Review

XOXO by Axie Oh is more of a melodrama story of a Korean American girl who has a big dream in becoming a cellist but somehow, her journey interlaces with someone's dream as well, a rookie Korean idol who just debuted last year with the biggest hit song of the chart. Their first meeting begins in LA, in Jenny's Uncle Karaoke Bar, starting off with them getting under each other's skin but later turning into friends. Though, both of them don't end up on a good term when Jenny finds out at the last minute that Jaewoo is already on the board to Korea without telling her his departure beforehand. If she has known that he's actually a confidential person, a famous K-pop idol to be exact, then she would understand him instead of jumping to a misleading conclusion.

Later part of the story, she continues her studies in Korea due to some other reasons particularly her sick grandmother who needs a caretaker at the moment. Harbouring a dream to be a renowned cellist, she applies to a school that offers up her field; though little does she know, it's the same performing arts school attended by Jaewoo. That means those two have met again but in different circumstances. Conjured up with a classic forbidden love between a K-pop idol and a mere girl, this book is all about that and the dreams of teenagers who don't know the boundaries of giving up. 

Albeit, this kind of story is already repetitive to me, hence the 2 stars. If you have read Shine by Jessica Jung and K-pop Confidential by Stephan Lee, you probably find this book boring due to how similar the plotline is (which is I do). On top of that, this book is more focused on the plot rather than on characterization, so it felt like I was reading one-dimensional characters. For that reason, I didn't enjoy much reading the book. 

However, I still feel this book will be an enjoyable read for readers who haven't read Shine and K-pop Confidential; as you have never been exposed to such a storyline. It's a quick read too and I love that the author tried her best to bring out the realistic piece about the life of being a K-pop idol: 

“It’s a great honor to be an idol. You’ve achieved a dream that so many people want as well. But that’s only the beginning. You have to work hard to release good music, maintain your image and brand, perform well, win awards, top charts, hold fan signings, go on variety shows, support your group members’ solo activities, have your own solo activities . . .” She stops, catching her breath. “When you add another person into the mix, some people think it takes away from all of that. Like you have a person who is more important than all those other things, a part of your life you’re not sharing, when, as an idol, you agreed to share your whole life with your fans, so that they can love you without fear that you’ll disappoint or hurt them.” 

Reading this line again pains my heart so much because yes, it's true that dating will not only jeopardize the idol's career but as well people who work behind the camera too. Though, it is still an incredulous excuse to me because how is it possible that they can go on with life without going through the normal phase as other people?  They are still humans too, and they deserve the rights to date, someone, they love. With that being said, I still recommend this book to readers who are curious about the dating ban set by the K-pop industry. The rule may sound unreal but it's happening in the reality. 

About the Author

Axie Oh is a first-generation Korean American, born in NYC and raised in New Jersey. She studied Korean history and creative writing as an undergrad at the University of California – San Diego and holds an MFA from Lesley University in Writing for Young People. Her passions include K-pop, anime, stationery supplies, and milk tea. She currently resides in Las Vegas, Nevada with her puppy, Toro.

Can be reached at : Blog