txfarmmom's review against another edition
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
This was a cute story line with a strong female lead. I love that even though she was confident and loved what her body could do (dance!) we still saw that words and judgment from other could hurt.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Fatphobia and Body shaming
annecath's review
5.0
What a fun read!! Not the most unpredictable book but definitely a blast. And super inspirational without being too cheesy. I’m a plus size girl, like Skye, and I wish she had been around when I was a teen. Bonus points, as always, for realistic bisexual representation!!
lazygal's review
4.0
If you're looking for a book that promotes a positive body-image and a primer on KPop, this is the book for you. The amplification that social media brings to all interactions, including innocently tagging someone without their approval, also features here. At times the fat shaming was serious bullying, and even having staunch friends behind you can't always help. Even though much of this is set in LA's Koreatown and among the Korean community, the messages are universal. However, those messages are shared by rather flat characters. Skye is the only one who is not one-note, only barely, and that lack of character growth and depth caused the loss of a star.
eARC provided by publisher.
eARC provided by publisher.
parva_trinity's review
5.0
You know I don't give out 5 stars willie-nillie, but this book deserves it. The depth of the characters and their stories is amazing. The interactions between Skye and her parents remind me of my personal experiences so this really resonated with me. And I love how realistic the interactions between the characters is and the banter (wow), you can tell Lyla Lee poured her soul and humor into it!
megs_s's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
slow-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? Yes
4.0
franuary's review
4.0
Honestly a little mad not to see a (I'll Be the One #1) beside the title bc I need a sequel IMMEDIATELY
jennms_qkw's review
4.0
This was fun and interesting about K-pop music. Body positivity. First love and LGTBQia+ support characters. Family problems of course. YA.
liralen's review
3.0
Read this on the heels of [b:K-pop Confidential|49090423|K-pop Confidential|Stephan Lee|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1576656079l/49090423._SX50_.jpg|73524551], and it makes for an interesting comparison. I know approximately nothing about K-pop,* though I've heard dire things about the pressure stars are under.
In I'll Be the One, Skye is not a star...yet. But when she qualifies for a televised competition in which the winners are offered a chance to train in a Korean K-Pop factory, she has her shot. The stumbling block: K-pop is not an industry that encourages breaking the mold, and just by being plus-sized—and, perhaps more to the point, fine with being plus-sized—Skye is challenging the norm.
I love seeing books doing their part to address fat-shaming and...how do I put this? highlighting things that are not part of dominant (white) American culture. I think the K-pop part of things ends up getting the short end of the stick here, though; so much time goes to the body image / family / relationship parts of things that the competition ends up feeling a bit like we're only getting the highlights of the highlights and none of the worry about whether she will or won't make it. It's not egregious, just occasionally feels like story is secondary to the (very important!) inclusivity goals. But still—very cute, very fun, very fast read.
*This has less to do with me not paying attention to K-pop and more to do with me not paying attention to music, period.
In I'll Be the One, Skye is not a star...yet. But when she qualifies for a televised competition in which the winners are offered a chance to train in a Korean K-Pop factory, she has her shot. The stumbling block: K-pop is not an industry that encourages breaking the mold, and just by being plus-sized—and, perhaps more to the point, fine with being plus-sized—Skye is challenging the norm.
I love seeing books doing their part to address fat-shaming and...how do I put this? highlighting things that are not part of dominant (white) American culture. I think the K-pop part of things ends up getting the short end of the stick here, though; so much time goes to the body image / family / relationship parts of things that the competition ends up feeling a bit like we're only getting the highlights of the highlights and none of the worry about whether she will or won't make it. It's not egregious, just occasionally feels like story is secondary to the (very important!) inclusivity goals. But still—very cute, very fun, very fast read.
*This has less to do with me not paying attention to K-pop and more to do with me not paying attention to music, period.
sbloom's review
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75