Striving to be the best despite the unfair judgement of others. We can definitely relate to this, and Skye Shin shows us how it's done in this amazing story. I'll Be the One by Lyla Lee was recommended to me by a colleague who knew of my love for Kpop. It targets not only the unfair beauty standards in the world of show business, but in cultural norms as well. Skye Shin is an amazing singer and dancer, and wants to show her skills in a reality competition called "You're My Shining Star." However, she is met with harsh criticism not for her talent, but for her weight. She is targeted by one of the judges, some of her fellow auditonees, and sadly her own mother. But with supportive friends, and hot Instagram star Henry Cho, Skye is ready to show the world that she can be the next Kpop idol. I really loved this story. I'm always a sucker for the underdog, and Skye had me rooting for her since page one. She's not ashamed of herself and unapologetically lives her truth. Skye knows that in most Korean cultures, she would be judged not just based on her weight, but also as a bisexual girl. The treatment she receives from her mother about her weight is heartbreaking as it borderlines towards emotional abuse. She badgers Skye on her weight and even goes as far as to tell her daughter to give up on apprearing on the show because of the shame it would cause her, not Skye. Wow, what a supportive mom >_> Thank God Skye's father supports and encourages her. The discrimination Skye receives is unfortunately not uncommon. Media and society has always broadcasted what a "perfect" body should look like. Hell, that's why many are faced with insecurities and eating disorders to have that "perfect" body. Skye acknowledges that she'll not be a size 2, but she's comfortable with who she is and that's the message all people should embrace. While the romance is not elaborated as much, we are reminded that this is Skye's story of perseverance. I give I'll Be the One a 4/5. I had a hard time putting down the book. I wanted to see Skye prove her haters wrong, and how to overcome any obstacle life throws at her. And she does just that.
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Who am I?The Library Lady is a Young Adult Librarian and reviewer. She's also a music, anime, and film nerd. Archives
January 2024
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