XOXO

XOXO by Axie Oh


Genre: Realistic Fiction


Reviewed by Julia W., 9th Grade


Rating: 8/10


XOXO by Axie Oh is by far one of the most heartwarming novels I have ever read. While it is not filled with action, there are many memorable moments in this novel that will definitely stick with me for a long time.  

XOXO follows teenager Jenny Go, an award winning Korean-American cellist from Los Angeles. Jenny avoids anyone and anything who can distract her from being her very best at the cello. This causes Uncle Jay, who isn't really Jenny's uncle but used to be close with Jenny's dad, to worry that Jenny isn't enjoying life as much as she should be. He gives Jenny the advice to "live a little.” When Jenny meets a boy named Jaewoo, she decides to take Uncle Jay's advice to heart and spend the evening with him. The two decide to break out of their shells and simply have a night of fun and adventure. They eat good food, take photos in a photo booth and exchange phone numbers before parting ways.


This very first part of the novel teaches some valuable life lessons, which made me immediately fall in love with the novel.

A little while later, Jenny and her mom move to South Korea for a few months, and Jenny enrolls in a performing arts school so she can continue to focus on the cello. When she attends the school's entrance assembly, she is shocked to see that Jaewoo attends school there too. Not only that, he is the class president of her grade. Jenny tried to keep in touch with Jaewoo but he hasn’t answered her messages since the night they met. Jenny also comes to realize that Jaewoo isn't just anyone. Jaewoo is a member of one of the biggest K-pop bands in the world -- XOXO.


This novel is perfect for teens as it shows great character development. Jenny lets her mom decide almost everything for her in the beginning of the novel. By the end of the novel, Jenny knows how to make her own decisions and go after what she wants. While parents usually have their children's best interests at heart, by the time you are a teen you should be able to know for yourself what you like and what you value.

XOXO also teaches teens how you shouldn't ever sacrifice your dreams for romance. In my opinion, this is an important lesson to be aware of, especially as a teen. Opportunities usually come your way when you are a teen or young adult. You shouldn’t let the opportunities you take be limited because you have a significant other. During your teen and young adult years you should simply be enjoying life. If having a partner helps you enjoy life even more you should totally stick with them. Just be sure that having a special someone doesn’t limit you.

I hope XOXO can warm the hearts of other readers, and leave them with the same life lessons I have learned and won't ever forget.