A Heartfelt Dive into Love: Review of Julia Song Is Undateable by Susan Lee
When I first spotted Julia Song Is Undateable by Susan Lee, it felt like fate. As someone who adores K-drama storytelling and dynamic characters, the premise of a successful CEO navigating familial expectations and romantic pursuits instantly intrigued me. Susan Lee, known for her light young adult romances, was venturing into adult fiction for the first time, and I couldn’t help but feel an overwhelming curiosity about how she would tackle adult themes while maintaining her signature charm.
Julia Song is a brilliant protagonist: she’s the CEO of Starlight Cosmetics and features on Forbes’s “30 Under 30.” At thirty, she seems to have it all — except a fulfilling love life, which looms heavily over her heads, especially under the watchful eye of her Korean family. This internal struggle is relatable; we’ve all felt the societal pressure to tick certain boxes of success. Julia’s relationship with her delightful Grandma Song adds a poignant layer, particularly as she navigates her Grandma’s dying wish for her to find love.
Enter Taehyung “Tae” Kim, Julia’s childhood neighbor and an urban legend in her town for his exes moving on to better partners post-breakup. His proposal to coach her through the dating minefield sets the stage for a whimsical interplay of challenge and camaraderie. This setup gives the narrative the delightful K-drama pacing I longed for; it remains fast and engaging, with snippets of nostalgic Korean culture sprinkled throughout — think BTS mentions and cozy Korean BBQ dinners.
Lee’s writing style is crisp and inviting, an effortless transition into the adult genre that kept me rapt from start to finish. I was fortunate enough to experience the audiobook narrated by Michelle H. Lee, whose voice is like a warm embrace, reminding me of the feelings I had while reading other beloved titles. Lee’s ability to create an authentic language of friendship and familial bonds resonated with me deeply, capturing that dance between love and duty.
While the romance between Julia and Tae is sweet, it did leave me craving a bit more chemistry. Their friendship sparkled brighter than their romantic scenes, and I often found myself wishing for more depth and exploration in their relationship. Quirky references to "Tae’s hands" felt like a running gag that maybe overstayed its welcome. Yet, the dynamic friend group Julia has serves as her cheerleaders and check-points. Their blunt honesty provides humor and clarity that drew me in during moments of doubt.
The challenges Julia faces mirror many women’s experiences in their 30s, addressing societal pressures around success and relationships with empathy and humor. However, the second half of the book felt somewhat subdued after an exhilarating first half. I couldn’t help but feel that the drama at the end felt a little forced, showcasing Tae’s struggles in a way that didn’t align with the otherwise upbeat tone of the story.
Despite its few shortcomings, Julia Song Is Undateable is a lively, charming read perfect for anyone who enjoys stories filled with heart, humor, and a touch of cultural flavor. It’s a wholesome palate cleanser between heavier reads, reminding us that success doesn’t solely hinge on romantic relationships.
If you’re a fan of K-dramas or looking for a relatable exploration of love and personal growth, I wholeheartedly recommend diving into Julia’s journey. This is definitely my first Susan Lee adventure — and I can assure you it won’t be my last!
Thank you to Edelweiss, HarperCollins, and Susan Lee for the advance copy!
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