Shine - by Jessica Jung (Hardcover)

About the Book

Seventeen-year-old Rachel Kim confronts the dark underbelly of the K-pop world as she strives to become a K-pop star.

Book Synopsis

An instant New York Times bestseller

Crazy Rich Asians meets Gossip Girl by way of Jenny Han in this knockout 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 Entertainment--one of Seoul's largest K-pop labels, known for churning out some of the world's most popular stars. The rules are simple: Train 24/7. Be perfect. Don't 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 she's strong enough to be a winner, or if she'll end up crushed... Especially when she begins to develop feelings for K-pop star and DB golden boy Jason Lee. It's not just that he's charming, sexy, and ridiculously talented. He's 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 Korea's 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 success--and love--might be even higher. It's time for the world to see: this is what it takes to shine.

Review Quotes

"Shine is a lush, heart-filled story with a core of whip-smart satire. In Rachel, Jung has created a protagonist both sympathetic and believable, a girl dreaming big in a brutal industry. Prepare to laugh, cry, and devour this all in one sitting." --Marie Lu, New York Times bestselling author of the Warcross Series

"[A] fast-paced, entertaining romp...Shimmering."--Kirkus Reviews

"Fans of Maurene Goo's Somewhere Only We Know will enjoy a return to K-pop subject matter and appreciate Jung's insider perspective on the music industry, while also enjoying a candid narrative style reminiscent of Meg Cabot with a touch of Mean Girls. A worthwhile addition."--School Library Journal

About the Author

Jessica Jung is a Korean American singer, actress, fashion designer, and international influencer. Born in San Francisco, Jessica grew up in South Korea where she trained as a K-pop singer, debuting as a member of the international sensation Girls Generation in 2007. After going solo in 2014, she launched the successful fashion line, Blanc & Eclare. Jessica has been featured on the covers of magazines worldwide, her brand now spanning platforms including film and television.