📘 XOXO
Words by Axie Oh
Genre/Category: This is a romance book part of the requirement.
Target Age Group: Ages 13-18
Format Read: Digital Book ebook
🌀 Plot Summary (1–2 Sentences)
This sweet, forbidden romance follows Jenny, a dedicated cellist from California, and Jaewoo, an overwhelmed K-pop idol living in Seoul. As they navigate strict rules, cultural expectations, and personal dreams, they learn to follow not only their goals but also their hearts.
✅ Why I Chose This Book
Originally, I planned to read Stuck Up and Stupid, a modern Pride and Prejudice retelling, but I never actually started it. Then, while browsing the Libby app, I stumbled across XOXO. As a big fan of K-dramas and K-pop, the summary instantly caught my attention, and I knew I had to read it. It also fulfilled the romance book requirement for my blog.
🔍 Evaluation
1. Characters
Jenny is an incredibly relatable protagonist. She’s a high school junior who faces realistic pressures like preparing for music competitions, stressing about her future, and worrying about college. While her ambition and maturity stand out, she still feels like a normal teenager, nervous around a cute boy, overthinking every interaction, and doubting whether Jaewoo really likes her. The author does a great job of capturing that delicate balance between young love and personal growth.
2. Tone/Mood
I enjoyed the lighthearted and dreamy tone of the book, especially paired with glimpses into the Korean idol world. While the story had romantic tension and emotional stakes, the mood stayed warm and hopeful. This made it a comforting and enjoyable read, as some patrons like to describe it, with a lot of 'fluff'.
3. Plot
I’ve always loved stories with the “what are the chances?” kind of trope, and XOXO delivers that perfectly. Jenny and Jaewoo’s unexpected meeting on the other side of the world gave the story a magical, destiny-filled vibe. The challenges they face, school rules, public image, family expectations, only made their connection more compelling.
📚 Reference
Oh, A. (2021). XOXO. HarperTeen.