Review | The Noh Family

Summary: The Noh Family

Chloe Chang lives a boring life in Oklahoma — with her busy single mom and her two best friends — where she loves watching K-dramas. But when her best friends gift her a 23-and-me test kit for her birthday, things take a dramatic turn. She finds out that her father was a son of the Noh family, a prestigious family in Seoul, South Korea and before she knows it, she’s off to meet them for the first time. Unfortunately, she’s thrust into a web of lies as she realizes that the family might have ulterior motives for reaching out to her.

The Good

This was such a high drama story and I was hooked from page one. I found it easier to stay engaged with the audiobook but the whole story feels like a K-drama come to life. Chloe reads like a real teen with all the angst, the sense of invincibility, and naïveté common with teens. I liked her friendship with her American besties (who happen to be dating each other) and their conversations feel real and age-appropriate.

Most of the book is set in Seoul where Chloe meets her father’s side of the family and immediately, readers can tell that something is off with them. They’re obviously not interested in Chloe personally, but in what they think she can gain from them. This was the first time I’d really experienced a villain grandmother and it makes for suspenseful reading as readers wonder whether and when Chloe will see through all the manipulative behavior.

There’s an almost-romance in the story, but I liked the way nothing turned out the way I expected. Just when I thought the family couldn’t do worse, something else happened. Finally, Chloe is into fashion and loves making clothes. She also has some university indecision as she’s gotten into a fashion institute but worries her mother can’t afford it. All true teenage problems!

Overall: The Noh Family

The Noh Family is a suspenseful, dramatic, and highly engaging YA book about Korean high society, family drama, and finding your voice. Teens who love wholesome Korean dramas with a touch of mystery will love this story. I also adored the growth in the mother-daughter relationship featured in this book. Add this to the growing line-up of YA books set in Asia.

My Rating

★★★★

Content Notes

Here are some specifics to know about the content.

Content Warnings

• Language: Little to no profanity
• Sexual content: Little to none.

Diversity

• Ethnic: Most of the characters are of Korean descent
• Sexual orientation: One side character, Miso, is a lesbian

Recommended for ages: 11+

Good for kids who like:

• YA books set in Asia
• Fans of Tokyo Ever After
• Family drama books
• K-dramas
• YA books without romance

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Publisher Details

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