Hello [bookworms](https://i.imgur.com/84s9juC.gif) of r/bangtan! 💜💜💜 [ppuing-ppuing](https://youtu.be/Dhp7scv4sOs)

Thank you to everyone who participated in our January book club meeting with **Kim Ji-young, Born in 1982**. It was quite illuminating with regards to the feminist movement, but it also filled us with so much rage, that we could [*burn*](https://i.imgur.com/Lb8BJJJ.gif). This month, we’ll be discussing another book that is BTS-adjacent (either recommended by them, or about BTS, or spotted in the background of their content). You voted, and the results are in for the next book to read! And it is… [pausing for dramatic effect…](https://i.imgur.com/4mnpHEK.gif)

## On BTS: Pop Music, Fandom, Sincerity by Lenika Cruz

The supersonic rise of the Korean pop group BTS may seem enigmatic to some, but for Lenika Cruz, senior culture editor at [*The Atlantic*](https://www.theatlantic.com/), their worldwide fame is obvious. As Cruz argues in On BTS: Pop Music, Fandom, Sincerity, the group’s trajectory–debuting on a relatively obscure label in Korea to becoming a global household name in just a few years–is a natural result of their authenticity, artistry, energy, social conscientiousness, and general coolness. As a non-English-language band finding record-breaking international success, BTS is helping usher in a fresh, more inclusive era in the music industry. In this love letter to the once-in-a-generation pop sensation, Cruz narrates her own unexpected journey into the fandom, and in doing so might welcome you in, too.

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# Where to get the book (*on the street*)

* Title: On BTS: Pop Music, Fandom, Sincerity
* Author: Lenika Cruz
* Publisher: Atlantic Edition
* Publication Date: January 10, 2023
* ISBN-13: 978-1638930648
* Format: It is available either in paperback and ebook
* Please also check with your [local libraries](https://search.worldcat.org/title/1355358439) (where applicable) for loan availability
* [Link to Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/BTS-Fandom-Sincerity-Atlantic-Editions/dp/1638930643) | [Link to Google Books](https://books.google.com/books/about/On_BTS.html?id=SzstzwEACAAJ) | [Link to Apple Books](https://books.apple.com/us/book/on-bts/id6443818895) | [Link to Barnes & Noble](https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/on-bts-lenika-cruz/1141492779)

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# Schedule for our *important business*

* February 11: Reader’s Choice book reveal
* February 23: Books with Luv discussion meeting

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# Bring it all, I’m doing it all

*Below is a discussion guide. We will also be preparing some questions for you!*

* Book specific questions – TBA
* *Fan Chant*: Hype/overall reviews
* *Ments*: favorite quotes
* *ARMY Time*: playlist/recommendations of songs you associate with the book/chapters/characters
* *Do The Wave*: sentiments, feels, realizations based on the book
* *Encore/Post Club-read Depression Prevention*: something the book club can do afterwards (on one’s own leisure time) to help recover from the book hangover.

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# Hello to our Hope World!

Roll call! Drop a line here, and let us know if you’ll be joining us! If you voted for this book, we’d love to know why. Or if you were hoping for another option, share that too. See you at the discussion meeting.

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# Outro

If you have any questions or concerns regarding the book or the thread, feel free to tag me or any of the mods or BWL Volunteers.

* u/EveryCliche
* u/munisme
* u/mucho_thankyou5802
* u/Next_Grapefruit_3206

…and the r/bangtan Mod Team

by Next_Grapefruit_3206