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XOXO (An XOXO Novel) Hardcover – July 13, 2021
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Jenny’s never had much time for boys, K-pop, or really anything besides her dream of being a professional cellist. But when she finds herself falling for a K-pop idol, she has to decide whether their love is worth the risk. A modern forbidden romance wrapped in the glamorous and exclusive world of K-pop, XOXO is perfect for fans of Jenny Han and Maurene Goo.
Jenny didn’t get to be an award-winning, classically trained cellist without choosing practice over fun. That is, until the night she meets Jaewoo. Mysterious, handsome, and just a little bit tormented, Jaewoo is exactly the kind of distraction Jenny would normally avoid. And yet, she finds herself pulled into spending an unforgettable evening wandering Los Angeles with him on the night before his flight home to South Korea.
With Jaewoo an ocean away, there’s no use in dreaming of what could have been. But when Jenny and her mother move to Seoul to take care of her ailing grandmother, who does she meet at the elite arts academy she’s just been accepted to? Jaewoo.
Finding the dreamy stranger who swept you off your feet in your homeroom is one thing, but Jaewoo isn’t just any student. Turns out, Jaewoo is a member of one of the biggest K-pop bands in the world. And like most K-pop idols, Jaewoo is strictly forbidden from dating anyone.
When a relationship means not only jeopardizing her place at her dream music school but also endangering everything Jaewoo’s worked for, Jenny has to decide once and for all just how much she’s willing to risk for love. XOXO is a new romance that proves chasing your dreams doesn’t have to mean sacrificing your heart, from acclaimed author Axie Oh.
Indigo Best Teen Books of 2021
- Print length352 pages
- LanguageEnglish
- PublisherHarperTeen
- Publication dateJuly 13, 2021
- Grade level8 - 9
- Reading age13 - 17 years
- Dimensions5.5 x 1.13 x 8.25 inches
- ISBN-100063024993
- ISBN-13978-0063024991
Book recommendations, author interviews, editors' picks, and more. Read it now.
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Editorial Reviews
From School Library Journal
Review
“A dreamy dose of K-pop idols and secret romances.”
— Maurene Goo, author of Somewhere Only We Know
“With fun K-drama vibes, XOXO delivers a lot of heart and warmth in its protagonist who stays true to herself to the very end.” — Lyla Lee, author of I’ll Be the One
“When it was over, I immediately wanted to read it for the first time again.” — Kasie West, author of The Fill-In Boyfriend
“Simply put, this book made me happy. I guess you could say . . . I’m just a big fan.” — Emery Lord, author of The Map from Here to There
“A handwritten letter to falling in love and opening yourself up to the world. A delicious treat!” — Aminah Mae Safi, author of Tell Me How You Really Feel
“A feel-good, page-turning, swoony read!” — Gloria Chao, author of American Panda and Rent a Boyfriend
“A sparkling story of self-discovery—I was utterly charmed.” — Sarah Kuhn, author of I Love You So Mochi
“An utterly delightful love song dedicated to the intersection between dreams and romance."
— Julian Winters, award-winning author of Running with Lions
“Immensely fun, funny, and romantic.” — Emma Mills, author of Lucky Caller and First & Then
"K-pop helps a cellist develop musically and emotionally in this novel filled with humor and theatrics. Themes of responsibility, regret, and reconciliation weave through the intergenerational dynamics in Jenny’s family, adding dimension and depth." — Kirkus Reviews
"Oh’s narrative reaches an enjoyable clip that is both accessible to readers unfamiliar with K-pop and pleasing for fans of K-dramas as well as anyone who enjoys a breezy contemporary romance." — Publishers Weekly
"This book was pure joy to read. If you're looking for a lighthearted, fresh, and fun romance, Oh's latest is absolutely for you" — Buzzfeed
"Jenny's journey is never defined by her love story but instead pushed forward by stolen moments that will make romance fans swoon. At its core, this is a beautifully written coming-of-age story that will remind readers love for a friend, family, your art, and a partner can all find space in your heart." — Booklist
"Narrator Greta Jung creates a world of voices that easily draws readers in and makes them feel each character’s uniqueness. A must-buy on audio to recommend to K-pop fans and also to readers who enjoy a bit of drama in their love stories." — School Library Journal (starred review)
About the Author
Axie Oh is the New York Times bestselling author of The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea, XOXO, and ASAP and the Rebel Seoul series. Born in New York City and raised in New Jersey, she studied Korean history and creative writing as an undergrad at the University of California San Diego and holds an MFA in writing for young people from Lesley University. Her passions include K-pop, anime, stationery supplies, and milk tea, and she currently resides in Las Vegas, Nevada, with her dogs, Toro and Leila.
Product details
- Publisher : HarperTeen (July 13, 2021)
- Language : English
- Hardcover : 352 pages
- ISBN-10 : 0063024993
- ISBN-13 : 978-0063024991
- Reading age : 13 - 17 years
- Grade level : 8 - 9
- Item Weight : 15.2 ounces
- Dimensions : 5.5 x 1.13 x 8.25 inches
- Best Sellers Rank: #78,753 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- Customer Reviews:
About the author
Axie Oh is the New York Times bestselling author of The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea, XOXO and ASAP, and the Rebel Seoul series. Born in New York City and raised in New Jersey, she studied Korean history and creative writing as an undergrad at the University of California San Diego and holds an MFA in Writing for Young People from Lesley University. Her passions include K-pop, anime, stationery supplies, and milk tea, and she currently resides in Las Vegas, Nevada, with her dogs, Toro and Leila.
Customer reviews
Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.
To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.
Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers say
Customers enjoyed the sweet romance and mellow progression of the relationship in this book. They found it a fun, lighthearted read that was perfect for poolside vacations. The characters were described as realistic and caring. The storytelling was well-written, with no huge drama. The K-pop content was also appreciated by customers.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews
Customers enjoy the romance in the book. They find it well-written and enjoyable, with a mellow progression into the relationship. The friendship dynamics are described as sweet. Many readers mention that the book gives K-drama vibes and is a fan favorite for K-pop fans.
"...YA romance with supportive family members, healthy ambition, sweet friendship dynamics, and just the right amount of tension – Jaewoo and Jenny must..." Read more
"...*a fun, quick, light romance Why you might not want to read it: *not into the pop star and regular girl trope..." Read more
"...Jaewoo and Jenny’s romance was really sweet and I couldn’t help but feel like a cheerleader cheering them on from the sidelines...." Read more
"This sweet story has me wanting to dive headfirst into KPop boy bands and Korean dramas on Netflix...." Read more
Customers enjoy the book. They find it lovely and sweet, with a charming and protective protagonist.
"...feed on Tuesday when it released, but I was immediately smitten by the cover art and concept. IMMEDIATELY smitten as in ordered it online POSTHASTE...." Read more
"...K-Pop group XOXO and he’s what girls dream the perfect boy to be: gorgeous, talented, charming, responsible, follows the rules and a super star...." Read more
"This book was so freaking adorable. I love a good coming of age story and this one did not disappoint...." Read more
"...though all I wanted to do was savor in its perfectly orchestrated, manicured, K-pop fanatic novel...." Read more
Customers find the book easy to read and engaging. They describe it as a quick, clean read that holds their attention. Readers mention it's a must-read for K-pop fans.
"...As I write this review I am like, aglow with the cute, the fun, and the excellent chain of decision-making that led me to this book and its dreamy,..." Read more
"...*a fun, quick, light romance Why you might not want to read it: *not into the pop star and regular girl trope..." Read more
"...This book is full of friendship, drama, and romance. There are hilarious moments and heartbreaking scenes...." Read more
"...this book was a mellow progression into the relationship and super enjoyable. I loved their relationship and how it progressed...." Read more
Customers find the book heartwarming and encouraging. They appreciate the well-developed characters and scenes that make them feel like they're hanging out with them. The story is described as lighthearted and cute, making readers feel happy at the end.
"...but every now and then it’s lovely to read something wholesome, heartfelt, with a light dose wish-fulfillment, and travel through it to a new place..." Read more
"...My thoughts: This one made me feel happy at the end and that’s what I really needed so it hit the mark for me...." Read more
"...I loved all the characters and their connections. Everyone was so fleshed out and I felt like I was hanging out alongside them!..." Read more
"...This was a love letter to Seoul and it made me love it too. I have now added Seoul to my bucket list as a place to visit." Read more
Customers enjoy the character development in the book. They find Jenny's character sweet and realistic, making mistakes and growing. The supporting cast is also adorable, with romantic moments, roommate drama, and famous boyfriends.
"...Fun side characters like XOXO member, Nathaniel. I liked Jenny’s new friends also. Content Warnings: bullying..." Read more
"...I loved all the characters and their connections. Everyone was so fleshed out and I felt like I was hanging out alongside them!..." Read more
"...book has great tropes - forbidden romance, roommate drama, and famous boyfriends. The perfect read for when you want something cute and sweet." Read more
"...Jenny's character was so sweet, and I honestly really fell in love with her!..." Read more
Customers enjoy the storytelling and plot. They find it well-written with little drama. The story feels like a kdrama, with lots of fluffy moments and little angst.
"...There’s lots of fluff, and very little angst, to use fanfiction terms. My favorite bit: Jenny!..." Read more
"...storytelling. You know the saying show don’t tell, it’s captured to a tee within XOXO...." Read more
"...of unfamiliar words, foods, and customs, but the storytelling makes it all flow seamlessly. Well done." Read more
"Sometimes you just need to pick up a sweet story, with no huge drama, just to feel good about life again. I read books across all genres and ages...." Read more
Customers enjoy the book's K-pop content. They find it a fascinating glimpse into the culture and the pressure bandmates face. The references to K-pop are appreciated, making it perfect for fans of the genre. The book takes place in Korea, which readers appreciate for its cultural aspects and food.
"...culture means for the celebrity and those around them, and culture shock and the strangeness (and fun exploration) that comes with moving to a new..." Read more
"...As a huge kpop fan, I found myself squealing constantly. I loved all the kpop aspects and smiled because it felt like I was part of a world I have..." Read more
"...This was a fascinating peak into K-pop culture and the level of pressure put on band mates...." Read more
"I loved this book and the characters so much. I loved been immersed in a different culture and learning about it as I read...." Read more
Customers appreciate the writing quality of the book. They praise the masterful descriptions, well-structured story, and smooth reading experience. While some find it cheesy, others find it a nice balance between angst and fluff.
"...There’s lots of fluff, and very little angst, to use fanfiction terms. My favorite bit: Jenny!..." Read more
"...The friendship between Jenny and Sori was beautifully written and I loved how they opened up to one another...." Read more
"...the novel even though all I wanted to do was savor in its perfectly orchestrated, manicured, K-pop fanatic novel...." Read more
"...The characters, scenes and descriptions are masterfully crafted by author Axie Oh, without a single wasteful word. This tale is truly magic...." Read more
Reviews with images
5 stars
Top reviews from the United States
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- Reviewed in the United States on July 15, 2021We all know it by this point, but social media sells books. I don’t know who retweeted a two-sentence synopsis of Axie’ Oh’s contemporary young adult novel XOXO in my feed on Tuesday when it released, but I was immediately smitten by the cover art and concept. IMMEDIATELY smitten as in ordered it online POSTHASTE. One-day shipping worked its magic and this K-pop and K-drama inflected love story arrived in the mail yesterday after lunch. Despite taking all-day teacher training classes this week (or maybe because of that?!), I read it in one afternoon and evening. As I write this review I am like, aglow with the cute, the fun, and the excellent chain of decision-making that led me to this book and its dreamy, secret romance.
Jenny Go is a talented and driven Korean-American girl living in L.A., attending a performing arts school, and planning her future. Her goal: to get into the best music school possible to achieve her dream of becoming a concert cellist. In her free time, she works at her Uncle Jay’s karaoke bar. When her uncle challenges her to be more spontaneous and live life in the moment, it leads her to an unexpected and perfect night out with a mysterious boy from Korea. But Jenny has a plan, and one encounter isn’t going to change her path… right? When an unexpected chance to travel to Korea presents itself, Jenny goes. There she meets her maternal grandmother for the first time, finds friends, and… runs into that boy from that one night in L.A.… only it turns out he’s a K-pop star. Jenny will have to grapple with secrets, figuring out what she values above all, and deciding whether a relationship is worth possibly losing everything you’ve worked for and dreamed about.
First things first: this is an adorable teen romance that deals with having big dreams and matching expectations for success, what celebrity culture means for the celebrity and those around them, and culture shock and the strangeness (and fun exploration) that comes with moving to a new place. It’s also a charming YA romance with supportive family members, healthy ambition, sweet friendship dynamics, and just the right amount of tension – Jaewoo and Jenny must keep their situation-ship under wraps for the sake of his budding career. There’s lots of fluff, and very little angst, to use fanfiction terms.
My favorite bit: Jenny! She’s a grounded soul: a little guarded, but a good listener and observer, passionate about music, and if you don’t fall in love with Seoul through her eyes (and through the food she eats!) then I don’t know what to tell you! I want to book a trip there like, now. I also loved the introduction to the way that the K-pop idol “machine” works! I had no prior knowledge about K-pop or going in, and I got the context I needed through author Oh’s descriptions. I also appreciated the seamless inclusion of Korean language throughout the text. The feel, sound, smell, and tastes of Seoul (and L.A.’s Koreatown) set the stage for Jenny’s adventures and were a major strength of the book.
If I wanted anything more from this novel it would have been interactions between Jenny and her mother and grandmother. I could sense a deep well of love in their relationships, but it all plays a very secondary role to the main romance (as it should, to keep the story tight and moving along). If this story is ever made into a movie – and it 100% should be! – I would hope that they build out more plotlines based on Jenny’s family (and Jaewoo’s family, for that matter!). The scenes Oh included were heart-warming. And if I’m already creating a wishlist, let’s get to know the other members of XOXO too! I want follow-up books that feature Sun and Youngmin at the least (and Nathaniel and Sori deserve happy endings too, yes, okay, FINE!).
In all, XOXO is a hug in book form. I like books with high stakes as much as anyone, but every now and then it’s lovely to read something wholesome, heartfelt, with a light dose wish-fulfillment, and travel through it to a new place. XOXO is that book.
Recommended for: fans of young adult fiction and romance, anyone with an interest in K-pop or celebrity culture, and fans of Jenny Han’s To All the Boys I've Loved Before.
- Reviewed in the United States on May 3, 2022Bought this one on a whim because it the ebook was on sale for $1.99 on Amazon and I was craving a light hearted, cute romance and this one delivered.
Girl meets boy and off in Los Angeles and then off to South Korea we go! I love that this mostly took place in South Korea, the author did a great job transporting my mind there. Jenny can handle herself in South Korea pretty well because she’s taken Korean language courses since she was young. I like that she’s independent, talented and she’s nice. Jaewoo is a member of rising K-Pop group XOXO and he’s what girls dream the perfect boy to be: gorgeous, talented, charming, responsible, follows the rules and a super star. The two hit it off in the most innocent way possible and when Jenny moves to South Korea and coincidentally to the school Jaewoo goes to – it’s hard for them to fight their attraction.
There are some family issues discussed in this book, especially with the issue of responsibility. Jaewoo is his family’s breadwinner – anything he does in public could jeopardize his career. Jenny is trying to reach her goals and get into her top choice music school and be a cellist. Her mom tells her the only path to succeed is no distractions (no friends, and especially no boyfriends). Yet Jenny finally finds out the truth about her mom and grandma’s strained relationship.
The romance is so super cute and sweet, I usually like some fighting and angst in romances but this was adorable. I felt like they gave each other enough space – Jenny was making new friends at her school and Jaewoo being in a k-pop group had many things to do with school and the group. I can’t say there was too much drama except the usual – how does a k-pop star date a normal girl? So even their little moment of a break-up it was short-lived.
Fun side characters like XOXO member, Nathaniel. I liked Jenny’s new friends also.
Content Warnings: bullying
I’d like to see this one as a k-drama, it would be so good!
Jaewoo remained the perfect boy in this story – would have like to see him break more rules like Nathaniel haha but everyone has their own role in the group it seemed and Jaewoo was the mysterious, song writer. Speaking of Nathaniel…do we get a book on him? Because I’d read it! Actually make one for each of the other guys in the group also haha.
I’m not a huge k-pop fan, I only know the popular ones like Black Pink and BTS (of course) so for me I thought it was fascinating learning about how they audition to be in a group and then how they are marketed. This becomes their lives and way of supporting their families so it’s a big deal!
Why you should read it:
*super cute, forbidden romance between a K-pop star and a Korean-American girl
*relatable issues about family responsibilities
*a fun, quick, light romance
Why you might not want to read it:
*not into the pop star and regular girl trope
My thoughts:
This one made me feel happy at the end and that’s what I really needed so it hit the mark for me. Would have love to see Jaewoo be a little imperfect but hey for what this story was about, he and Jenny were perfect for one another. XOXO had a good combination of friendship, family, romance and fun. I look forward to reading more from this author.
- Reviewed in the United States on July 27, 2021“If cellists have fan clubs, Jenny, I want to join yours.”
I AM IN LOVE WITH THIS.
This novel felt like I was reading a kdrama! And because I can’t help but binge watch kdramas, I devoured this in two sittings. It would’ve been one, but I had to wake up early the next morning and decided that pulling an all-nighter wasn’t the smartest decision.
This book is full of friendship, drama, and romance. There are hilarious moments and heartbreaking scenes. I wish I could reread it right now because it lifted me out of my sad mood and filled my heart with bubbles.
I loved all the characters and their connections. Everyone was so fleshed out and I felt like I was hanging out alongside them! The friendship between Jenny and Sori was beautifully written and I loved how they opened up to one another. Sori is a character who I hope gets her own novel—she deserves her happy ending. Family is also a huge part of this novel, and I adored Jenny’s relationship with her halmeoni. Their bond was really sweet and I loved their time together.
As a huge kpop fan, I found myself squealing constantly. I loved all the kpop aspects and smiled because it felt like I was part of a world I have always admired from a screen. Jaewoo and Jenny’s romance was really sweet and I couldn’t help but feel like a cheerleader cheering them on from the sidelines. Jenny felt like such a realistic heroine, she makes mistakes and grows throughout this novel. It takes some time for her to discover what it is she wants and she isn’t always sure if she is making the right choice, and I loved her all the more for it.
I cannot wait to see what Axie Oh releases next (and I need to delve into her backlist!).
Top reviews from other countries
- patriciaReviewed in Canada on February 29, 2024
5.0 out of 5 stars a
book in perfect condition
-
MarReviewed in Mexico on July 25, 2022
5.0 out of 5 stars Me gustó
Fue un buen libro, nada maravilloso y obviamente es cliché pero si eres fan del romance seguro te gustará. Es para pasar el rato y si haz leído muchos libros de romance sin duda este no será memorable pero si entretenido.
-
Vitória Domingues PereiraReviewed in Brazil on September 15, 2022
5.0 out of 5 stars Coração quentinho
Xoxo é o remédio para ressaca literária, ou apenas uma leitura gostosa para ficar de coração quentinho e extremamente revoltado por não estar dentro desse romance. E ainda mais! A protagonista é violoncelista e eu me identifiquei muito por isso. Os personagens são envolventes e rola aquela química a primeira vez. Sou oficialmente fã de Xoxo e da Axie Oh
- Preshita RambhaleReviewed in India on November 24, 2024
5.0 out of 5 stars The story is so cute plus the hardcover(i bought) is so sturdy!
The story is so cute, gives total kdrama vibe..as a kpop stan & one who sympathizes with their idol's life..it's a must read!
Preshita Rambhale
Reviewed in India on November 24, 2024
Images in this review - ElianaReviewed in Germany on February 5, 2024
5.0 out of 5 stars Best book I have ever read!!!
I am the type of person that doesn’t read a lot of books, but this one is on a different level of good. I will definitely buy ASAP as I like the concept of the book being from a different perspective.
10/10 recommend 👍🏽👍🏽