My Thoughts:
Melody "Somi" is a sophomore going to be a junior living with her mom in New York City. For as long as she can remember, she and her mom have lived in New York while her father has lived in Korea. But as she turns 16, her mother suddenly moves them to Korea to live as a family in Seoul with her dad. Suddenly Melody is sent out on business dates by her father, she is thrust in a new international school and is even put into honors Korean even if she does not speak Korean.
Although she is a parent of Korean immigrants, Melody only knows her American identity. This K-drama type of book is about her finding out about her Korean culture, getting to know her dad and aunt better, as well as finding romance. Like the other books I have been reading, this is more about the elite, rich Asians, even if originally, Melody did now know how rich they were. She tries to hold on to the public transportation lifestyle for as long as she can, even if she has use of her fatherʻs driver.
Claire Ahn joins the growing group of AAPI writers creating stories for YA audiences. She is in company with authors like Maureen Goo, Axie Oh and Grace Kim.
Teacher plus: Claire Ahn talks about her book and her own cultural shock in coming to America from Korea. "It's a love letter to new friendships and discovering a little more about ourselves."
For fans of Never Have I Ever, Family Noh, XOXO
From the Publisher:
Melody always wanted to get to know the Korean side of her Korean American heritage better, but not quite like this. Thanks to a tiny transgression after school one day, she's shocked to discover that her parents have decided to move her and her mom out of New York City to join her father in Seoul—immediately! Barely having the chance to say goodbye to her best friend before she's on a plane, Melody is resentful, angry, and homesick.
But she soon finds herself settling into their super luxe home, meeting cool friends at school, and discovering the alluring aspects of living in Korea--trendsetting fashion, delectable food, her dad's black card, and a cute boy to hang out with. Life in Seoul is amazing...until cracks begin to form on its shiny surface. Troubling family secrets, broken friendships, and a lost passion are the prices Melody has to pay for her new life, but is it worth it?
Claire Ahn's charming debut lets you taste every bite of kalbi, bathe in the glow of Seoul's neon lights, and feel every high and low of Melody's journey across the world and within her heart.
But she soon finds herself settling into their super luxe home, meeting cool friends at school, and discovering the alluring aspects of living in Korea--trendsetting fashion, delectable food, her dad's black card, and a cute boy to hang out with. Life in Seoul is amazing...until cracks begin to form on its shiny surface. Troubling family secrets, broken friendships, and a lost passion are the prices Melody has to pay for her new life, but is it worth it?
Claire Ahn's charming debut lets you taste every bite of kalbi, bathe in the glow of Seoul's neon lights, and feel every high and low of Melody's journey across the world and within her heart.
Author: Claire Ahn
Publisher: Viking Books for Young Readers
Publication date: May 24, 2022
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