After all, what is a coming-of-age novel without this type of character development which includes breaking through the shell of adolescence? That said, I do feel this novel featured relatively believable characters who each harbor age-appropriate amounts of main character syndrome.

Valerie was pretty socially myopic for most of the novel, and Wes was a bit too much of a pushover. Now, while I found both of the main characters quite authentic, I didn’t find them particularly likable. As a first-generation Asian-American, the family dynamics presented felt very well represented.

I think the author’s voice was spot on, and the characters well-established within this cozy universe. The story moves along smoothly, strategically braced with subtle but revealing backstory and relationship-defining dialogue. I enjoyed the balance of plot and character development in Made in Korea. Sparks fly between the two, and soon you’ve got a good ol’ fashioned enemies-to-lovers trope underway. Our story begins when the new kid Wes Jung unwittingly finds himself in Valerie’s crosshairs when he accidentally falls into selling K-Pop branded lip balms. Valerie is exceptionally shrewd, and through thoughtful curation and skillful social media marketing, she’s built a brand that classmates flock to weekly. Even more impressive? She and her cousin Charlie run this consistently profitable venture out of a school locker storefront. Main character Valerie is one half of V&C Beauty- a weekly pop-up boutique that regularly sells out its stock of Korean beauty products.

Made in korea by sarah suk