Reviews tagging 'Mental illness'

K-pop Confidential by Stephan Lee

5 reviews

pointeshoebookworm's review against another edition

adventurous dark tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

1.5

While this was a very light read, I did struggle with this book a bit. It just seemed too ... unrealistic. And yes, I adore unrealistic stories. Books are places where fairytale dreams and reality can collide with no need for logical explanation ... But this was just a bit too far fetched.

I'm also highly intrigued how this segues into the second book. Given the current ending ... it seems even more implausible. 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Emotional abuse, Toxic friendship, Body shaming, Bullying, Child abuse, Eating disorder, Gaslighting, Cultural appropriation, and Fatphobia

Minor: Homophobia, Mental illness, Grief, Stalking, Panic attacks/disorders, Death of parent, and Injury/Injury detail

chloe_23's review against another edition

funny inspiring lighthearted reflective fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.25

Not the best book I've ever read, yet it's an amazing read for a K-pop fan. This is my second time reading it, and my reactions were either the same energy or even more energy when something big happened. I think I'll forever love this book, or at least as long as I stan K-pop. I started reading the second book the moment I flipped the last page in this book. 

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Violence, Bullying, Child abuse, Emotional abuse, Torture, Toxic friendship, and Body shaming

Minor: Death of parent, Death, Cursing, Mental illness, and Fatphobia

miss__manga__'s review against another edition

emotional hopeful inspiring medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

2022 review: Not a bad read, and I really enjoyed the end. I just wish there had been a faster pace for the first half of the book.
Rating 3.75

2023 reread review: I really like the almost effortless worldbuilding, though I still wish we had seen more of the other trainees (JinJoo was just... existing...). The writing did feel a little inconsistent at times (especially when Candace was using slang like shooketh - I have no issues with slang or the words chosen, but they were very sporadic).

I would have also liked to have seen the theme of feminism being a bit more developed, same with friendly rivalries amongst the girls. I hope these are expanded on in the sequel, which I plan to read soon.  
In my reading journal, I've updated this to a 4 star rating, but since it's not that different to my original rating, I'm leaving it there.

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Body shaming and Bullying

Minor: Misogyny, Panic attacks/disorders, Death of parent, Stalking, Toxic relationship, Eating disorder, Injury/Injury detail, and Mental illness

pvbobrien's review against another edition

emotional funny fast-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? No

3.25

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Fatphobia, Body shaming, and Bullying

Moderate: Emotional abuse, Misogyny, Sexism, and Eating disorder

Minor: Panic attacks/disorders, Grief, Injury/Injury detail, Medical content, Mental illness, Self harm, Stalking, and Suicide

bookstagramrepresent's review against another edition

adventurous funny hopeful 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? It's complicated

4.0

I really enjoyed this arc! Thank you to the publisher for the early review copy. 

It is so much funnier than I expected. I really love Candace’s voice through out her journey as a trainee. I really appreciated the realistic portrayal of her relationship with her traditional parents. I could relate so hard to that struggle to find common ground and still want to be your own person. 

I’m excited to grab a finished copy! A must read for anyone who love that kpop life! 

There are a few content warnings that should be noted before reading this book for eating disorders and mental health issues. 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Mental illness

Moderate: Eating disorder