IDOL, BURNING is a short book that nevertheless packs a punch. The story is an immersive and at times dark character study that delves into the main character's psyche and obsession.

I have to preface by saying that I myself am engaged in fandom culture - though of course not to such an extreme extent like Akari - and am personally familiar with the Japanese idol culture presented in the book. With that said, I am impressed by how spot-on Usami's portrayal of both general ubiquitously-online idol and fan behaviors are. This is easier said than done - as many less-than-stellar efforts have shown - so the authenticity and acute understanding of this critical part of the story by the author is certainly something to be praised.

The character study and exploration of the protagonist's psyche, reasoning and internal logic are also thought-provoking. We live in a misogynistic world where female interests are often scorned (though Japanese men are heavily involved in idol culture as well), thus it is refreshing to see a story that views a young woman and her (admittedly obsessive) interest - and the motivation behind it - seriously, instead of merely brushing it all off as something shallow and typical.

However, some parts of the novel are a little forgettable, and the ending - particularly in regards to Akari's character development - feels too abrupt. Currently, there are also a number of typos and missing words that warrant further proofreading.

I also think it would be beneficial if some explanation is provided for the book's specific cultural context, whether it be in the form of footnotes or a separate section at the end altogether. This would certainly aid readers who are unfamiliar with the Japanese idol culture and cultural codes present in the novel (some examples being the strict silence on idols dating, ring on the middle finger, etc.).

Overall, I enjoy this book for its interesting subject matter and the author's acute understanding of the former (the cover art is also gorgeous), though I think many Western readers might have a more difficult time wrapping their heads around the novel's quite-specific - if not niche - context.

I was really looking forward to reading this but had a tough time getting hooked in. I think this would better suit a Teen YA audience!

Thank you Netgalley & the publisher for the advance reader copy!

IDOL, BURNING isn't for everyone, but it was definitely for me. It felt almost like a slice-of-life anime, the kind of narrative that just meanders along as a study of a character in a fascinating stage of life. So if you're looking for exciting twists and turns and heavy plot, this isn't that kind of book. But if you like Japanese culture or pop idols, this could be right up your alley. I had just finished reading AKB48 (published by 2019 by Bloomsbury Academic), an academic study of the Japanese idol group AKB48 and, while I was already familiar with the idol phenomenon in Japan, AKB48 was the perfect grounding for reading IDOL, BURNING (in fact, the group AKB48 was even mentioned in this book!). So if you enjoyed IDOL, BURNING and want to learn more about the fascinating history and business of pop idols, I strongly recommend AKB48.

I don't think this book works for US audiences. We don't have the kind of extreme obsession with movie stars and singers that they apparently do in Japan. I couldn't relate to the story at all. Many of the terms used were unfamiliar.

Idol, Burning provides unrelenting insight into fandom culture—specifically the "J-Pop," or Japanese pop music fandom. Rin Usami captures the insularity and obsessive nature of "stan culture" with aplomb, and if you've spent time in any sort of online fandom over the years, there's a lot you'll recognize in here. (If you haven't... I think you might get a little lost reading this book, if I'm being honest—let the layman beware.)

But where it shines in its portrayal of the more toxic aspects of fandom culture, the narrative itself leaves something to be desired. The whole concept that this novella is supposedly predicated on—a girl coming to terms with her favorite pop idol maybe having assaulted a woman—isn't ever really the focus, and I understand why this detail is included in the book's summary, but the reality of the way this narrative transpires is much more mundane than fraught. This isn't a story about a girl being torn apart and forced to question everything she's believed in; it's more of a portrait of the insidious nature of obsession, and the ways in which it can lead you to become disconnected from reality. And of course, there's nothing wrong with that at all; I just think this could have been a more interesting project had there been a bit more tension and more of a shift within Akari's character throughout the story.

It's short and it's worth reading and Rin Usami is one to watch for sure, but I ultimately did want more from this.

Thank you to Netgalley and HarperVia for the advanced copy provided in exchange for an honest review.

This was an interesting but strange book. I had a hard time connecting with the main character. I think this is partly because of her odd affect and personality, and partly because I have just never understood excessive fandom. I just don't get the point and thus it's hard to understand how the tribulations and ultimate retirement of a celebrity can throw someone for such a loop.

I really enjoyed this short, beautiful book. The protagonist, Akari, is overwhelmed by the world. Easily overstimulated, her vision funnels down to the one thing she can handle: knowing and analyzing every detail about her oshi, Masaki. Though doomed to be an unrequited love, she is comfortable with this one-sided relationship. Unable to destroy it by any misstep she may take, Akari is happy to adore from afar, to have something to devote herself to--even when her beloved is accused of punching a female fan.

This was a really interesting psychological portrait. Sometimes the view was a little blurred, as we get everything from Akari, not the most reliable of narrators. I was intrigued by the topic of oshis, which I didn't know much about. I thought the language was often beautiful, the pathos light as a butterfly wing. Highly recommend.

I'll be honest: I just finished this book, and I have no clue how to go about discussing it. This was such a strange story that is truly unlike anything I've read before. Idol, Burning is a very short, fast read that follows Akari through her teenage obsession with the pop star Masaki Ueno over the course of a short period in which Masaki is under public scrutiny. It's a portal into Akari's life and the unhealthy obsessions in fandom culture, especially in which the subject of the obsession is a major public figure. It's a commentary on this phenomenon, a flashback to the stressors of high school, and a light in the dark for those seeking to find joy in some area of their life. The novel itself left me feeling "???" but it was neither exceptional nor bad and was instead very neutral. If you've got some free time and need a quick read, give it a try!

Thank you to NetGalley and HarperVia for a digital ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.