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alongreader's review
4.0
Books set in Korea or featuring large parts of their culture are on the rise...this is the third one I've read this month. I'm slightly hampered by the fact that none of them ever explain the terms they're using, but I'm starting to grasp some of them from context and I'm really enjoying learning more about a culture I don't know very well.
That aspect aside, Melody is very relatable; we've all had that feeling of having to fit in somewhere new, to a lesser or greater extent, and watching her try to fit in somewhere so strange is fascinating. I did think the book dragged a bit to start, but once it picked up it kept up the pace, and I was very interested to see what would happen next.
I loved watching Melody stand up to her father, and the way she chose to do it was amazing, unique and very 'her'. Her interest was an unusual one, too, not one you see often, and I loved it. I really enjoyed reading about her excursions around Seoul, as well...I could almost smell the food!
I'd love to read more about Melody, but if this is where it ends, it's a good spot for it.
That aspect aside, Melody is very relatable; we've all had that feeling of having to fit in somewhere new, to a lesser or greater extent, and watching her try to fit in somewhere so strange is fascinating. I did think the book dragged a bit to start, but once it picked up it kept up the pace, and I was very interested to see what would happen next.
I loved watching Melody stand up to her father, and the way she chose to do it was amazing, unique and very 'her'. Her interest was an unusual one, too, not one you see often, and I loved it. I really enjoyed reading about her excursions around Seoul, as well...I could almost smell the food!
I'd love to read more about Melody, but if this is where it ends, it's a good spot for it.
sboedecker1024's review
3.0
One of the reviews I read of this book stated "reads like a Kdrama" and that was 110% accurate. I found myself thinking about the character and situations they were in during my daily life, eager to come back at the end of the day to see where they would end up or if they would find love, etc.
I enjoyed it, the same way I have enjoyed fluffy Kdramas, especially those of the earlier 2000s (Boys Over Flowers anyone?) I do want to acknowledge the lessons woven throughout the book that are on point for YA readers (I'm a little aged out of the category myself) and hope that this book can bring clarity to young readers as they navigate high school relationships, friendships, the chasing of dreams and difficult family dynamics.
I enjoyed it, the same way I have enjoyed fluffy Kdramas, especially those of the earlier 2000s (Boys Over Flowers anyone?) I do want to acknowledge the lessons woven throughout the book that are on point for YA readers (I'm a little aged out of the category myself) and hope that this book can bring clarity to young readers as they navigate high school relationships, friendships, the chasing of dreams and difficult family dynamics.
smalltownbookmom's review
3.0
A really great look at a contemporary Korean American family living separately. Melody's perfect life in NYC is upended when her mother announces out of the blue that they're moving back to Seoul to live with her father. Melody has culture shock as she has to adjust to a new school, new friends and a whole new country, not to mention getting to know the father she hasn't lived with for sixteen years. Perfect for fans of Loveboat Taipei or Anna K and good on audio.
daenknight's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
3.5
honeyvoicehwang's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
honeyvoicehwang's review
emotional
inspiring
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
emmaito's review
4.0
I recently finished I GUESS I LIVE HERE NOW & <3 !! 16 year old Korean American Melody wakes up one morning in her small New York City apartment to the news that her mom is moving them to join her father in Seoul. She's whisked away to a very different (& very wealthy) lifestyle, yet finds pieces of both Seoul & of herself that she loves there. She meets new friends, learns more about her family, & becomes more confident in herself & her work as an interior designer. And the FOOD IN THIS BOOK. omg. Do not read hungry. I loved escaping into the sights, sounds, & smells of Seoul & I love that this book exists. I know I've said it in a previous post, but YA is just so freaking good right now, I cannot.
mandyisbookish's review
adventurous
emotional
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5