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reynaisland's review
5.0
Despite their popularity, few people outside of fans actually know anything about BTS.
Little does the public know how BTS have waded neck deep in socio-political affairs for nearly their entire career. Or how they initiated a music industry reform in the working conditions of the Kpop industry. They don't know BTS' extensive knowledge of music, art, history, and nuanced social justice that fuels their creativity in countless genres of music. They don't know the sacrifices that these seven men made to break into the global music scene, and why that is *so* mind-bogglingly significant for the timeline of music history.
And maybe this book will finally answer the question that baffles most major news sources: "Why the hell haven't BTS disbanded yet?"
To a true, fan, nothing in the book will surprise you, but that's just a testament to how transparent the members have been with ARMYs over the past decade.
Little does the public know how BTS have waded neck deep in socio-political affairs for nearly their entire career. Or how they initiated a music industry reform in the working conditions of the Kpop industry. They don't know BTS' extensive knowledge of music, art, history, and nuanced social justice that fuels their creativity in countless genres of music. They don't know the sacrifices that these seven men made to break into the global music scene, and why that is *so* mind-bogglingly significant for the timeline of music history.
And maybe this book will finally answer the question that baffles most major news sources: "Why the hell haven't BTS disbanded yet?"
To a true, fan, nothing in the book will surprise you, but that's just a testament to how transparent the members have been with ARMYs over the past decade.
nojamms's review
5.0
It was harrowing to imagine all that they went through and still decided to take the next step everytime. All the world's respect to them.
floatwiththesticks's review
4.0
I’m not sure how interesting this would be to muggles but for me, a Bangtan devotee, it’s a book I will hold very dear. Though it’s pretty sanitised and functions more as a chronological record of their achievements/deep dive into their discography than a tell all memoir, the insights from the members (especially around the infamous 2018 near break up) are fascinating. I’ll definitely be re-reading each chapter and listening to the corresponding albums.
Basically: every ARMY needs this on their physical or digital shelf!
*Update* My main disappoint is the last chapter. I was really hoping that their enlistment and group pause for solo careers would be discussed - and, within that, the conflicting emotions they had around the English trilogy, wondering what direction they were heading in post-release. The narrator waxed lyrical for way too long when what I really wanted was more direct quotes from the members themselves
Basically: every ARMY needs this on their physical or digital shelf!
*Update* My main disappoint is the last chapter. I was really hoping that their enlistment and group pause for solo careers would be discussed - and, within that, the conflicting emotions they had around the English trilogy, wondering what direction they were heading in post-release. The narrator waxed lyrical for way too long when what I really wanted was more direct quotes from the members themselves
agussne's review
4.0
i liked the way the information was handled, i've been following them as an outsider since woh but it was just a few years ago that i really got into listening to their full albums and searching more about each member, it was helpful to have it all in chronological order and see how much i've missed out
i'd have loved to know more about their inner thoughts though and i found it reiterative at some points or maybe because i had constant déjá vus of things they said in the past, but it was interesting to read
it was a good for motivation while preparing my exams
i'd have loved to know more about their inner thoughts though and i found it reiterative at some points or maybe because i had constant déjá vus of things they said in the past, but it was interesting to read
it was a good for motivation while preparing my exams
brisingr's review
3.0
5 absolute stars for who BTS are, what they stand for, and their impact on my life (biggest of which being that i am still here, alive)
this book chronicles the decade of BTS' activity, from pre-debut to 2022, and is pretty much an encyclopedia on the biggest band in the world. it is a high quality book, heavy as an armful of bricks, with the signature beautiful pictures that tend to accompany HYBE publications. this is where the good thing ends, because i really disliked the narration in this (most of the book is actually written by Myeongseok Kang, critic and journalist) which explains why it took me so long to finish this book - i never wanted to pick it up again after i stopped reading.
The translation is very poor, because the art of translating *and* adapting is unfortunately lost. Literally giving me synonyms for words won't do much for reading flow, and it is really unfortunate, considering we are discussing a top of the top artists, a bit more care should have been given in how this information is presented (beyond the aesthetic, on which front they absolutely win all the praises).
This book is worthy for any fan out there, as the quotes from the members I think are very darling, endearing and enlightening, and really offer some new perspective on different parts of their history. It is also a good 'bible' to check out for any new fan curious to learn more about BTS' path.
However, I've been in the trenches as an ARMY defending my precious boys since 2017, and this book didn't offer anything new to me personally. As I mentioned, I am rating the book itself only 3 stars, as otherwise the journey it covers, and the artists it presents, are worthy of all the respect and love in the world <3
this book chronicles the decade of BTS' activity, from pre-debut to 2022, and is pretty much an encyclopedia on the biggest band in the world. it is a high quality book, heavy as an armful of bricks, with the signature beautiful pictures that tend to accompany HYBE publications. this is where the good thing ends, because i really disliked the narration in this (most of the book is actually written by Myeongseok Kang, critic and journalist) which explains why it took me so long to finish this book - i never wanted to pick it up again after i stopped reading.
The translation is very poor, because the art of translating *and* adapting is unfortunately lost. Literally giving me synonyms for words won't do much for reading flow, and it is really unfortunate, considering we are discussing a top of the top artists, a bit more care should have been given in how this information is presented (beyond the aesthetic, on which front they absolutely win all the praises).
This book is worthy for any fan out there, as the quotes from the members I think are very darling, endearing and enlightening, and really offer some new perspective on different parts of their history. It is also a good 'bible' to check out for any new fan curious to learn more about BTS' path.
However, I've been in the trenches as an ARMY defending my precious boys since 2017, and this book didn't offer anything new to me personally. As I mentioned, I am rating the book itself only 3 stars, as otherwise the journey it covers, and the artists it presents, are worthy of all the respect and love in the world <3