Shine
Jessica Jung
Hardcover
(Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, Sept. 29, 2020)
Crazy Rich Asians meets Gossip Girl by way of Jenny Han in this knock-out debut about a Korean American teen who is thrust into the competitive, technicolor world of K-pop, from Jessica Jung, K-pop legend and former lead singer of one of the most influential K-pop girl groups of all time, Girls Generation.What would you give for a chance to live your dreams? For seventeen-year-old Korean American Rachel Kim, the answer is almost everything. Six years ago, she was recruited by DB Entertainmentâone of Seoulâs largest K-pop labels, known for churning out some of the worldâs most popular stars. The rules are simple: Train 24/7. Be perfect. Donât date. Easy right? Not so much. As the dark scandals of an industry bent on controlling and commodifying beautiful girls begin to bubble up, Rachel wonders if sheâs strong enough to be a winner, or if sheâll end up crushed⌠Especially when she begins to develop feelings for K-pop star and DB golden boy Jason Lee. Itâs not just that heâs charming, sexy, and ridiculously talented. Heâs also the first person who really understands how badly she wants her star to rise. Get ready as Jessica Jung, K-pop legend and former lead singer of Koreaâs most famous girl group, Girls Generation, takes us inside the luxe, hyper-color world of K-pop, where the stakes are high, but for one girl, the cost of successâand loveâmight be even higher. Itâs time for the world to see: this is what it takes to SHINE.