rebel_fairy's review against another edition
3.0
This was a cute story, it could have been done in less chapters than it was written. It gives you a light in to the K-pop management world. How hard the pop stars have to work.
The characters were well rounded. Lucky, the k-pop star, comes to realisation that something is missing.
Jack, thought his parents didn't support him.
They meet, accidentally and go on this carefree day. Jack has intentions but Lucky . . . just wants to get away from reality.
It is nice contemporary romance, makes you go aww and then - 'it should come to an end now' moment.
3 stars due to dragging the plot and all they did was go around to eat and fun, eat and fun. A lot of repeating.
The characters were well rounded. Lucky, the k-pop star, comes to realisation that something is missing.
Jack, thought his parents didn't support him.
They meet, accidentally and go on this carefree day. Jack has intentions but Lucky . . . just wants to get away from reality.
It is nice contemporary romance, makes you go aww and then - 'it should come to an end now' moment.
3 stars due to dragging the plot and all they did was go around to eat and fun, eat and fun. A lot of repeating.
lberestecki's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
jazzyjan94's review against another edition
3.0
Somewhere Only We Know follows Lucky, a famous K-Pop star and Jack, an undercover tabloid photographer whose paths intersect one Friday night in the bustling city of Hong Kong. All Lucky wanted was a burger, however when she gets lost, Jack helps her out and takes care of her for the evening. When Lucky wakes up the next morning and realizes that she is far from her manager and security guard, she begs Jack to take her on an adventure around Hong Kong before she has to get back to her job. He obliges her and they have one day of adventure and romance in Hong Kong. But what happens when Lucky discovers that Jack is a photographer for the tabloids? And what happens when her management team finds her?
Somewhere Only We Know has been pitched a retelling of Roman Holiday, except it is set in Hong King and it follows a K-Pop Star and a tablorid reporter. From the moment that Jack and Lucky met, I could already see the different elements from the movie at play.
A theme that is prominent in the novel is that of identity. Both characters are Korean-American, but both initially felt out of place in Korea (for Lucky this lasted until she was able to pick up her mother tongue.) and Hong Kong, especially for Jack who has lived there for a couple of years but he feels more American and out of place than anything. Another way that identity and image are important themes to the story because both characters are trying to figure out who they are and what they want to be. Jack is trying to figure out whathe wants to do with his life, besides photography because he is pretty sure his parents would not approve. Lucky wants to find the joy in music and performing that led her to become a K-Pop sensation instead of the image her record abel wants her to put forth.
One quote that stuck out to me while reading the book was the following, considering that when Jack and Lucky meet each other they both lie about who they really are, "Here's the thing with good lying: You don't take risks by getting bogged down with details, making things complicated, and tying yourself up in some web of deception. You selectively tell truths Then when you're saying what you're saying, you exhibit the real signs of truthiness" (115).
It was also interesting to learn about the strict world of K-Pop and how restrictive it can be, from dating to diets, and how much of it is putting forth a persona that fans will love and adore.
In some ways this is a coming-of-age story for both characters, even though it does take place over 24 hours. It also explores how even when it feels like they have already messed up the characters can't do anything to change the course of their lives, but they can. One quote that explores this minor theme states, "'Human beings are messed up. But we are not beyong fixing'"(188).
The only thing that I didn't really like was that there is instalover between the two main characters and it was kind of cringey. I did enjoy the ending abd watching both the characters frow and pursue their dreams, or rather pursuethe life they wanted at the start of the novel.
Overall, it was an interesting read, but I strongly disliked the instalove that takes place. It was a fun read, but also not really anything very special about it. 3/5 Stars.
Somewhere Only We Know has been pitched a retelling of Roman Holiday, except it is set in Hong King and it follows a K-Pop Star and a tablorid reporter. From the moment that Jack and Lucky met, I could already see the different elements from the movie at play.
A theme that is prominent in the novel is that of identity. Both characters are Korean-American, but both initially felt out of place in Korea (for Lucky this lasted until she was able to pick up her mother tongue.) and Hong Kong, especially for Jack who has lived there for a couple of years but he feels more American and out of place than anything. Another way that identity and image are important themes to the story because both characters are trying to figure out who they are and what they want to be. Jack is trying to figure out whathe wants to do with his life, besides photography because he is pretty sure his parents would not approve. Lucky wants to find the joy in music and performing that led her to become a K-Pop sensation instead of the image her record abel wants her to put forth.
One quote that stuck out to me while reading the book was the following, considering that when Jack and Lucky meet each other they both lie about who they really are, "Here's the thing with good lying: You don't take risks by getting bogged down with details, making things complicated, and tying yourself up in some web of deception. You selectively tell truths Then when you're saying what you're saying, you exhibit the real signs of truthiness" (115).
It was also interesting to learn about the strict world of K-Pop and how restrictive it can be, from dating to diets, and how much of it is putting forth a persona that fans will love and adore.
In some ways this is a coming-of-age story for both characters, even though it does take place over 24 hours. It also explores how even when it feels like they have already messed up the characters can't do anything to change the course of their lives, but they can. One quote that explores this minor theme states, "'Human beings are messed up. But we are not beyong fixing'"(188).
The only thing that I didn't really like was that there is instalover between the two main characters and it was kind of cringey. I did enjoy the ending abd watching both the characters frow and pursue their dreams, or rather pursuethe life they wanted at the start of the novel.
Overall, it was an interesting read, but I strongly disliked the instalove that takes place. It was a fun read, but also not really anything very special about it. 3/5 Stars.
http_essi's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
3.5
Really struggled with the pace in the middle of the book. Otherwise a very cute story and the characters were very likeable.
streebela's review against another edition
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
nahlabooks's review against another edition
4.0
Someone turns this book into a K-Drama or a movie now!!
Maureen Good never disappoints! This made me think of Notting Hill in the best way. The writing style was great, I also loved the depth of the characters and the plot in general. This book made me want to go visit Hong Kong and eat all the food!
Maureen Good never disappoints! This made me think of Notting Hill in the best way. The writing style was great, I also loved the depth of the characters and the plot in general. This book made me want to go visit Hong Kong and eat all the food!
sarah_ayy's review against another edition
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
americangirlemmie's review against another edition
3.0
So, mixed feelings here, to say the least. I have been hearing a lot about Maurene Goo’s books in recent oaths; not only has the marketing been great, but it bounces off of the popularity of K-Pop and brings some much-needed diversity to the YA lit world. Who wouldn’t like that?
K-Pop (and K-Dramas) is a lavish, beautiful (on the outside) industry that lends itself perfectly to YA storytelling. With the competitive, captivating world that propels the great machine, there is guaranteed drama and angst. While all of Goo’s book boasts a “k-drama inspired” style of story-telling, I believe this is her first focusing on the pop world. Needless to say, my expectations were high.
Granted, I did go into the book expecting a quick, easy love story. And that is what I got. The “one-day” romances are kind of hard for me to deal with; I mean, c’mon. Who would really be able to fall in love with someone that quickly; it’s hard to believe any connection formed like that is more than a hormone trip. However, I did my best to suspend my disbelief (won’t lie tho, I did cringe at the references to “Oh, I am so in love with him/her, even tho I just meant them.”
The writing was cute, the characters were cute, the love story was cute… It was all… cute. But, not too much depth. I didn’t feel much of a connection to any character, as the development was all pretty superficial, and purely for the romantic aspect. Which, I guess, isn’t bad… But it was a bit lacking for me. However, I did appreciate the representation of mental health in the book.
This book did dissect the k-pop industry in a really good way; there is such a surge in the American interest in industry (won’t lie, I am a big BTS fan hehe been in love with Yoongi since 2015), and I think books like this are very important in helping the young fans truly dissect what the industry does to its idols. Granted, this was a very superficial, loose adaptation of the industry, and the representation of the culture/reception of Lucky’s “rebranding” was fairly unrealistic. However, I think it is stories like these that help younger readers become interested enough to truly look into these cultures and stories. So, like I said, it was super loose and not a truly accurate or deep interpretation of the culture, but it’s a good start.
Now, my real issue was…the plot was EXACTLY “Roman Holiday,” and I couldn’t figure out if it was supposed to be a retelling or if it was just a cheap knockoff. As I said, I enjoyed the book, but it was such a close plot to the Audrey Hepburn film, that it seemed less like a cute retelling and more like an easy storyline. It made the whole of the book seem a bit weaker to me, but as I said, I went into it expecting little more than a cute story, and that is what I got.
Overall, this was a cute story, and if you like a YA romcom, you will enjoy; even better, if you enjoy k-pop or k-dramas, you will very much enjoy it. However, it is a bit simple in nature, and had a rather forgettable plotline in general, so don’t go into it with high expectations in terms of critical reading.
3.5 out of 5.
K-Pop (and K-Dramas) is a lavish, beautiful (on the outside) industry that lends itself perfectly to YA storytelling. With the competitive, captivating world that propels the great machine, there is guaranteed drama and angst. While all of Goo’s book boasts a “k-drama inspired” style of story-telling, I believe this is her first focusing on the pop world. Needless to say, my expectations were high.
Granted, I did go into the book expecting a quick, easy love story. And that is what I got. The “one-day” romances are kind of hard for me to deal with; I mean, c’mon. Who would really be able to fall in love with someone that quickly; it’s hard to believe any connection formed like that is more than a hormone trip. However, I did my best to suspend my disbelief (won’t lie tho, I did cringe at the references to “Oh, I am so in love with him/her, even tho I just meant them.”
The writing was cute, the characters were cute, the love story was cute… It was all… cute. But, not too much depth. I didn’t feel much of a connection to any character, as the development was all pretty superficial, and purely for the romantic aspect. Which, I guess, isn’t bad… But it was a bit lacking for me. However, I did appreciate the representation of mental health in the book.
This book did dissect the k-pop industry in a really good way; there is such a surge in the American interest in industry (won’t lie, I am a big BTS fan hehe been in love with Yoongi since 2015), and I think books like this are very important in helping the young fans truly dissect what the industry does to its idols. Granted, this was a very superficial, loose adaptation of the industry, and the representation of the culture/reception of Lucky’s “rebranding” was fairly unrealistic. However, I think it is stories like these that help younger readers become interested enough to truly look into these cultures and stories. So, like I said, it was super loose and not a truly accurate or deep interpretation of the culture, but it’s a good start.
Now, my real issue was…the plot was EXACTLY “Roman Holiday,” and I couldn’t figure out if it was supposed to be a retelling or if it was just a cheap knockoff. As I said, I enjoyed the book, but it was such a close plot to the Audrey Hepburn film, that it seemed less like a cute retelling and more like an easy storyline. It made the whole of the book seem a bit weaker to me, but as I said, I went into it expecting little more than a cute story, and that is what I got.
Overall, this was a cute story, and if you like a YA romcom, you will enjoy; even better, if you enjoy k-pop or k-dramas, you will very much enjoy it. However, it is a bit simple in nature, and had a rather forgettable plotline in general, so don’t go into it with high expectations in terms of critical reading.
3.5 out of 5.
shaelinsans's review against another edition
4.0
SUCH A CUTE BOOK. it really felt like a korean retelling of roman holiday which i really loved - they even got some of the iconic scenes from it here I LOVEE
bak8382's review against another edition
4.0
I've had this on my to-read list for awhile, but couldn't remember why until I saw an article about it getting a Netflix adaptation and realized it was a retelling of Roman Holiday about a K-Pop star. I've been getting into K-Dramas recently and think a YA retelling of Roman Holiday sounded so fun. This book did not disappoint! It's told from the perspectives of both Lucky and Jack over a few days in Hong Kong as Lucky finishes a tour and meets Jack a moonlighting tabloid photographer.