Flip the Script by Lyla Lee
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Reviewed by Julia W., 11th Grade
Rating: 7/10
Flip the Script is a novel that follows Hana, an up and coming k-drama actress. After several years of being a k-drama fan, Hana has finally landed her first lead role. Not only that, but this show has a lot of buzz and publicity because starring opposite her is none other than Bryan Yoon, a very famous k-pop idol. Everything is going great for Hana...until it isn't. The show's first few episodes don't do as well as everyone had expected, leading the producers to do everything they can to get it off the ground. It is decided that Bryan and Hana will pretend to date each other in real life in the hopes of creating some publicity for the show. While Bryan and Hana don't have any real feelings for each other, neither of the mind too much. This, however, doesn't lift their viewership numbers high enough for the producers to be satisfied. In an effort to make the show a success, the producers cast another female lead, Minjee Park. Minjee just so happens to be Hana's former friend turned enemy. Hana's life quickly gets complicated and Hana has to do everything she can to make not only the show but her life a success.
I had a lot of fun reading this novel! As a k-pop and k-drama fan, I always enjoy books that give little mentions of real actresses and singers, like this novel did. Another aspect of this book that I really enjoyed was how descriptive the author was. The author went into great detail--everything from how a room looked to what a character was thinking--was made crystal clear. I also love how this novel, while it did deal with a variety of things, had a strong focus on friendship. It was a nice change of pace after reading so many books solely about romance. I also really appreciate how Flip the Script stayed true to how k-dramas are really made. In real life they are made as the show airs, so that the makers of the show are able to change the scripts, outfits, scenery, etc. as they see how viewers react. This was exactly how it worked in the novel which helped to make the book feel more real and relatable.
If I had to say anything negative about this novel, it would be how it isn't overly original. I have read so many books with a very similar plot, so it didn't really keep me guessing like most other books do. Nonetheless, this was a great read, and I definitely recommend it to all the k-drama fans out there!
Want to read Flip the Script?
Request a copy online with your library card today!
