What do you think?
Rate this book
Idol Limerence: The Art of Loving BTS as Phenomena
Written by emerging avant-garde theorist and cultural critic, Wallea Eaglehawk, this cross-genre book explores the phenomenal relationship between K-pop group BTS and their fandom, ARMY. Eaglehawk delves deep into the socially constructed, intimate relationships between South Korean idols and their fans to contextualise her transformative, revolutionary theory of idol limerence.
Eaglehawk builds on Dorothy Tennov’s psychological concept of limerence, an all-consuming love and emotional attachment to another person. With the introduction and theorising of the self-reflexive, socially constructed idol persona, Eaglehawk brings limerence into the 21st century and places it in the realms of social studies for the first time. Within the theory of idol limerence lies the answers for how relationships with idols are formed and maintained, and also the transformational and revolutionary capacity of fandoms around the world.
Teamed with her groundbreaking research and theorising is the fictitious narrative of Echo, a young millennial woman who finds herself falling in love with BTS from across the vastness of the internet. This book seamlessly weaves social theory and a love story which spans this universe, and the next. Idol Limerence is bridging the gap between scholarly and general audiences with a book of introspection, healing and universal experiences. This book provides a study of the microcosm of humankind with the relationship between Echo and BTS leader, RM, who guides her through exploring the inner workings of her psyche to the beat of a BTS song.
Eaglehawk builds on Dorothy Tennov’s psychological concept of limerence, an all-consuming love and emotional attachment to another person. With the introduction and theorising of the self-reflexive, socially constructed idol persona, Eaglehawk brings limerence into the 21st century and places it in the realms of social studies for the first time. Within the theory of idol limerence lies the answers for how relationships with idols are formed and maintained, and also the transformational and revolutionary capacity of fandoms around the world.
Teamed with her groundbreaking research and theorising is the fictitious narrative of Echo, a young millennial woman who finds herself falling in love with BTS from across the vastness of the internet. This book seamlessly weaves social theory and a love story which spans this universe, and the next. Idol Limerence is bridging the gap between scholarly and general audiences with a book of introspection, healing and universal experiences. This book provides a study of the microcosm of humankind with the relationship between Echo and BTS leader, RM, who guides her through exploring the inner workings of her psyche to the beat of a BTS song.
- GenresNonfictionContemporary
240 pages, Paperback
Published March 29, 2020
36 people are currently reading
694 people want to read
About the author
Wallea Eaglehawk
10 books56 followersWallea Eaglehawk is a book publisher, sociologist, and author living on Gubbi Gubbi country. She researches and writes in the areas of fandom, popular culture, identity, and digital culture. Her debut book, Idol Limerence, explores the revolutionary capacity of fandom through the true-love experiences of fans. She is currently writing Iconicism. As the CEO of Revolutionaries, Wallea oversees three imprints and a small team of editors, publishing five titles annually.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
April 9, 2022
Would not recommend. My rating would really be a 1.5 because I did really enjoy the first half of the book but I should have known from the countless JKR/H*rry P*tter references that this book would fall off. The synopsis is misleading, calling the book "a love story wrapped in social text" when it really is an encouragement of delusional behavior. The author tries to explain that 'Idol Limerence' is this "spectrum of love" which "[spans] from OT7 soft stan to sasaeng[,]" but that, in my opinion at least, only validates the dangerous behavior of sasaengs. I get that in being "social theory" the author should not seem biased but I think it is okay to condemn unsafe behavior. In not doing so, it felt like the author was trying to say "Hey we all experience limerence so that means it is okay if you take it too far because BTS are celebrities so they will never really know who you are."
A final few things,
First, I felt like the author should have just stuck with writing an essay on the topic because the book felt very repetitive.
Second, I wish the author had included other members when using examples instead of only talking about RM for the entirety of the book.
And lastly, I wish the book flowed better. It felt as if the author jumped around from one point to another.
A final few things,
First, I felt like the author should have just stuck with writing an essay on the topic because the book felt very repetitive.
Second, I wish the author had included other members when using examples instead of only talking about RM for the entirety of the book.
And lastly, I wish the book flowed better. It felt as if the author jumped around from one point to another.
May 18, 2020
“Her mind said capitalism and her heart said art; perhaps, she hoped, both could be real at the same time.”
When I first heard of this book, I was anticipating a high-quality fanfiction. Instead, I was surprised by the depth of Idol Limerence. This book not only took me through many different emotions, it also challenged me on what I thought I knew.
We were introduced to Echo, who I first thought seemed naïve in her journey of discovering what love is. I was intrigued by her evolving perspective towards romantic love throughout the book. Echo is a character you will empathise with, you will be curious about, you will sympathise with - and you may feel scared for (no spoilers here!).
Echo’s thought process when she first discovered BTS is probably relatable to many of us. Firstly, what is this? Why do I enjoy this despite not knowing who these 7 men are nor the language they are singing in? Why do I feel like I need to defend and substantiate my love? Why can’t I just like what I like without explaining myself? I was not aware of the concept of limerence prior, and I felt that the Author thoroughly explains this through Echo’s narrative and psychology references.
This book is conversational. The Author’s personality shines through her writing style and references to substantiate Echo’s story. I also enjoyed the BTS content discussed along the way, which gives us an inside look into BTS’ journey in becoming who they are today.
Idol Limerence is a reminder that though our perspective of who we are changes, each version of ourselves are still us.
To anyone thinking of picking up this book, be ready to go on a rollercoaster ride to understand the world of idols and the major complexities involved in idol-fan relationships. Idol Limerence brings up the tough questions, as it challenges you to question the way you view and treat your favourite artists, idols, or public figures.
When I first heard of this book, I was anticipating a high-quality fanfiction. Instead, I was surprised by the depth of Idol Limerence. This book not only took me through many different emotions, it also challenged me on what I thought I knew.
We were introduced to Echo, who I first thought seemed naïve in her journey of discovering what love is. I was intrigued by her evolving perspective towards romantic love throughout the book. Echo is a character you will empathise with, you will be curious about, you will sympathise with - and you may feel scared for (no spoilers here!).
Echo’s thought process when she first discovered BTS is probably relatable to many of us. Firstly, what is this? Why do I enjoy this despite not knowing who these 7 men are nor the language they are singing in? Why do I feel like I need to defend and substantiate my love? Why can’t I just like what I like without explaining myself? I was not aware of the concept of limerence prior, and I felt that the Author thoroughly explains this through Echo’s narrative and psychology references.
This book is conversational. The Author’s personality shines through her writing style and references to substantiate Echo’s story. I also enjoyed the BTS content discussed along the way, which gives us an inside look into BTS’ journey in becoming who they are today.
Idol Limerence is a reminder that though our perspective of who we are changes, each version of ourselves are still us.
To anyone thinking of picking up this book, be ready to go on a rollercoaster ride to understand the world of idols and the major complexities involved in idol-fan relationships. Idol Limerence brings up the tough questions, as it challenges you to question the way you view and treat your favourite artists, idols, or public figures.
April 23, 2020
I was expecting an academic treatise; what I got was a fascinating blend of fiction, dissertation and allegory used to explain why people bond with "idols" and in particular with Korean band BTS.
Using a fictional narrative to illustrate points, as well as popular movies that will be familiar to the reader, helped the author make her point very clear. I don't agree with all of her findings, but I immensely enjoyed the way she presented her arguments.
Using a fictional narrative to illustrate points, as well as popular movies that will be familiar to the reader, helped the author make her point very clear. I don't agree with all of her findings, but I immensely enjoyed the way she presented her arguments.
August 13, 2023
This was really bad. Really really bad. The author had no direction with this book. Either just have the narration of your unhinged main character, or just discuss philosophy and how different ideas and people all correlate to unhealthy Fandom culture. Don't randomly mix and match. It wasn't cohesive, and it wasn't enjoyable. I thought maybe it'd get better, but it stayed bad the whole way through. If you don't know what to write about, or you want to write about everything all together all at once, may I present to you the idea of short stories or essays? If you write them, you can put each individual thing into a book together and title it "collection of essays/short stories" and then you may then actually seem like an author that knows what they're doing. Don't read this. All you people that influenced me into getting thos and reading this, STOP! IT'S BAD! STOP! If this author ever publishes anything else, I will immediately run in the opposite direction. No trust is left here.
April 28, 2020
Eaglehawk mixes non-fiction social theory with a fictionalised romance storyline and ties the two together very well. It was definitely a book that educated me on things I didn’t know - things I had never even thought of - from love to idolisation. There is some very important messages in this book and I recommend anyone who are fans of BTS, or are interested to explore the relationship between idols and fans in general, to give this one a read. It sparks a lot of thought!
April 22, 2020
Wonderfully written, evocative and meaningful. I didn’t know what to expect, but at the end of the first chapter, my heart beat just a little faster.
An academic dive into BTS and their fandom, while simultaneously crafting a sometimes heartbreaking, but ultimately uplifting love story.
Nicely done.
An academic dive into BTS and their fandom, while simultaneously crafting a sometimes heartbreaking, but ultimately uplifting love story.
Nicely done.
March 31, 2020
I do not say this lightly - this book will change your life.
Discover and understand the term 'limerence' and illuminate the core wounds and misconceptions that were formed in your youth.
Ms. Eaglehawk has a way of writing that separates fact from fiction and reality from fantasy, yet weaves in each thread so effortlessly that you are left feeling hopeful, educated, inspired and aching for more.
A guide to personal healing, a romance novel, an idol dedication, a book filled with references to important psychologists and their ever relevant concepts.
My copy will be well-thumbed.
Discover and understand the term 'limerence' and illuminate the core wounds and misconceptions that were formed in your youth.
Ms. Eaglehawk has a way of writing that separates fact from fiction and reality from fantasy, yet weaves in each thread so effortlessly that you are left feeling hopeful, educated, inspired and aching for more.
A guide to personal healing, a romance novel, an idol dedication, a book filled with references to important psychologists and their ever relevant concepts.
My copy will be well-thumbed.
August 11, 2020
"Idol Limerence" deserves to be acknowledged both for its courage to address the topic of limerence and the relationship between BTS and ARMY, and for the way it does it.
In spite of what media coverage and common prejudices might make it look like, there are many factors that explain why BTS is such an appealing group and interesting phenomena (it's not just the dancing and their physical appeareance - although, yeah, these are quite fantastic too).
Some of these factors are quite easy to understand (if you care to take a deeper, unbiased look), but some are a bit more intricate. This book addresses a bit of the latter.
If you're not familiar with ARMY (the BTS fandom), "Idol Limerence" might seem a somewhat fantastic, mystic read. But it's only because, very often, what goes on once a fan "falls in love" with BTS really defies ordinary beliefs about fandoms and pop culture.
Of course, there is no standard experience of being a fan, and ARMY relate to BTS in different ways.
However, anyone that spends time observing, or being a part of, ARMY, might agree that they share some very particular experiences, too unusual to be just patterns in fandom culture, and too recurrent to be only coincidences.
Fans might recognize themselves in many situations lived by Echo (the central character of "Idol Limerence") as well as in the major lesson she takes from her adventure of "loving BTS".
Even in the most shocking things Echo thinks and does, which fans might find familiar mostly from hearing about than actually living them (or not... who knows who "Idol Limerence" will reach?), there are valuable insights about the lengths one can go once personal features or issues & fandom practices/experiences converge, and the takeways of loving a group whose dynamic is both a product of capitalism and a genuine coping mechanism for people struggling in a capitalistic society.
Convergence is, actually, one of the particularities of ARMY as well -- quoting the author, "alongside (...) meta themes [of persona, shadow, reality and fantasy] are other external factors that impact how the spectrums are experienced on individual and collective levels", and "these spectrums and meta identity themes coexist, within all of ARMY" (p. 166).
It's interesting that the author uses sociological, cultural analysis to make her point, inserting it in a fictional narrative. In that sense, "Idol Limerence" serves as an ethnographic record, a prolific essay about BTS as a cultural phenomena, and possibly the first fiction book in which BTS members are not only muses but also characters.
In spite of what media coverage and common prejudices might make it look like, there are many factors that explain why BTS is such an appealing group and interesting phenomena (it's not just the dancing and their physical appeareance - although, yeah, these are quite fantastic too).
Some of these factors are quite easy to understand (if you care to take a deeper, unbiased look), but some are a bit more intricate. This book addresses a bit of the latter.
If you're not familiar with ARMY (the BTS fandom), "Idol Limerence" might seem a somewhat fantastic, mystic read. But it's only because, very often, what goes on once a fan "falls in love" with BTS really defies ordinary beliefs about fandoms and pop culture.
Of course, there is no standard experience of being a fan, and ARMY relate to BTS in different ways.
However, anyone that spends time observing, or being a part of, ARMY, might agree that they share some very particular experiences, too unusual to be just patterns in fandom culture, and too recurrent to be only coincidences.
Fans might recognize themselves in many situations lived by Echo (the central character of "Idol Limerence") as well as in the major lesson she takes from her adventure of "loving BTS".
Even in the most shocking things Echo thinks and does, which fans might find familiar mostly from hearing about than actually living them (or not... who knows who "Idol Limerence" will reach?), there are valuable insights about the lengths one can go once personal features or issues & fandom practices/experiences converge, and the takeways of loving a group whose dynamic is both a product of capitalism and a genuine coping mechanism for people struggling in a capitalistic society.
Convergence is, actually, one of the particularities of ARMY as well -- quoting the author, "alongside (...) meta themes [of persona, shadow, reality and fantasy] are other external factors that impact how the spectrums are experienced on individual and collective levels", and "these spectrums and meta identity themes coexist, within all of ARMY" (p. 166).
It's interesting that the author uses sociological, cultural analysis to make her point, inserting it in a fictional narrative. In that sense, "Idol Limerence" serves as an ethnographic record, a prolific essay about BTS as a cultural phenomena, and possibly the first fiction book in which BTS members are not only muses but also characters.
July 23, 2023
Combines different styles (academic, fiction, memoir) in a way that makes it very readable and interesting. She develops the idea of "idol limerence" to explain the process of how/why fans fall in a type of love with BTS, how this shapes both ARMY and BTS, and the potential transformative power of this relationship. It's a unique, thought-provoking book, and also a fun read.
June 30, 2020
Idol Limerence was a new experience for me, and yet there's something relatable that can be found with Echo, who is the center of this read. She literally isn't me so I can't say I relate to all of her experiences, but that goes for any individual when comparing themselves to another. People are all unique. Perhaps the culture shock of it was different for Echo and I, and that’s why her journey and her experiences were so interesting, unique, and valuable to me, as they’re so different! Still, there is some larger human factor there that I keep relating to, and I believe that the author did a good job in creating that type of character. Whether it be part of the way Echo thinks or her responses to certain things. I especially related to Echo's strong and passionate feelings towards writing.
A lot of the academic, philosophical facts that are sprawled across the pages of this book (screen for me since I read it on my computer haha) were intriguing and made me forget that the book was addressing something even related to ARMYxBTS because the author's writing style was very immersive. I thought about real life and linked things to my own situations using topics that were brought up. The read allows for anyone and everyone to link to it. And it's so nice because alongside the serious/ academic topics, there are those funny little moments involving Echo, giving the character more depth and allowing readers to relate and connect with her more.
BTS becomes something different for each ARMY, but ARMY is all one and connected. It’s so so interesting and lovely to me and I think I'll be reading Idol Limerence one more time haha.
Big love to the author and the creative team behind the artwork!!! <3
A lot of the academic, philosophical facts that are sprawled across the pages of this book (screen for me since I read it on my computer haha) were intriguing and made me forget that the book was addressing something even related to ARMYxBTS because the author's writing style was very immersive. I thought about real life and linked things to my own situations using topics that were brought up. The read allows for anyone and everyone to link to it. And it's so nice because alongside the serious/ academic topics, there are those funny little moments involving Echo, giving the character more depth and allowing readers to relate and connect with her more.
BTS becomes something different for each ARMY, but ARMY is all one and connected. It’s so so interesting and lovely to me and I think I'll be reading Idol Limerence one more time haha.
Big love to the author and the creative team behind the artwork!!! <3
November 13, 2024
I was extremely excited to read this but as I read, the excitement started tampering off and I ended up being disappointed. This book looks like an amalgamation of a weird delusional point of point but at the same time, dismissive and scrutinizing(?) This doesn't seem well researched or even written by someone who knows or even believe what they are trying to sell to us. Reading this was a waste of my 6 hours. Maybe the author should have actually researched and listened to BTS before she set out to write a book about them to make a profit out of them. I should have just read the BTS Memoir again. Smh.
May 4, 2020
This book had me hooked from beginning to end. I was curious how relatable it would be, not personally being a fan of BTS. But I was surprised to find it struck a lot of chords. It had me thinking even when I wasn't reading. Emotional connection, social concepts, love and revolution; written about in an incredibly provoking way. Eaglehawk lightens the heavy conceptual content by intertwining a fictional narrative to illustrate her points. Highly recommended from me, a truly compelling read.
August 9, 2020
...a destined fate from which a love arose.
This was such a lovely read! A well-written blend of fiction and academia, imparting the vocabulary I didn't realise I was missing to describe this unique experience.... Definitely something I will revist later to pay closer attention to the technical side of the narrative!
This was such a lovely read! A well-written blend of fiction and academia, imparting the vocabulary I didn't realise I was missing to describe this unique experience.... Definitely something I will revist later to pay closer attention to the technical side of the narrative!
January 29, 2024
4 months of reading but i finished it.
i went into this thinking it was going to be purely a fictional account of this girl with namjoon, her idol, but it was more of a sociological text that was trying to envision new ways to look at the relationship between idol and fan. i loved that it was rooted in sociology and cultural psychology.
this is the kind of stuff i want to study and write in the future (i've been planning an osemanverse book in the same vein for the longest time; i need all this unnecessary club and people drama to come to an end so i can start devoting time to things that i genuinely have passion for 😩) .
you can tell this book is a product of immense hard work and pure love for bts and the spirit of fandom, of army. the non-fiction bits were my absolute favourite and i want to go back and annotate so many sections. the chapter on army was my favourite; i related so much to it as an 8-month-long army myself. i have nothing but love, love, and only love for them all.
that being said, it became a bit too heavy to read at times, not because it was triggering but due to the theoretical discussions (my degree is all about that anyway and i'd like a break every now and then). i feel like echo's story started very strong and hooked me right from the get-go but somewhere halfway through, i lost interest because a) the balance between fiction and non-fiction was not right and b) her story didn't feel as developed as the discussion on idol limerence and what eaglehawk calls 'insperence' (a post-limerent stage that focuses on drawing inspiration from your idol while still maintaining limerence that isn't on the level of a sasaeng or obsessive even). the pdf format on scribd also made reading this book a chore most times but i'm glad the content made up for it.
listening to bts is the start of a healing journey, and i couldn't agree more. anyway, i love my boys and i genuinely wouldn't be alive if it weren't for them 💜
i went into this thinking it was going to be purely a fictional account of this girl with namjoon, her idol, but it was more of a sociological text that was trying to envision new ways to look at the relationship between idol and fan. i loved that it was rooted in sociology and cultural psychology.
this is the kind of stuff i want to study and write in the future (i've been planning an osemanverse book in the same vein for the longest time; i need all this unnecessary club and people drama to come to an end so i can start devoting time to things that i genuinely have passion for 😩) .
you can tell this book is a product of immense hard work and pure love for bts and the spirit of fandom, of army. the non-fiction bits were my absolute favourite and i want to go back and annotate so many sections. the chapter on army was my favourite; i related so much to it as an 8-month-long army myself. i have nothing but love, love, and only love for them all.
that being said, it became a bit too heavy to read at times, not because it was triggering but due to the theoretical discussions (my degree is all about that anyway and i'd like a break every now and then). i feel like echo's story started very strong and hooked me right from the get-go but somewhere halfway through, i lost interest because a) the balance between fiction and non-fiction was not right and b) her story didn't feel as developed as the discussion on idol limerence and what eaglehawk calls 'insperence' (a post-limerent stage that focuses on drawing inspiration from your idol while still maintaining limerence that isn't on the level of a sasaeng or obsessive even). the pdf format on scribd also made reading this book a chore most times but i'm glad the content made up for it.
listening to bts is the start of a healing journey, and i couldn't agree more. anyway, i love my boys and i genuinely wouldn't be alive if it weren't for them 💜
Read
March 30, 2024Idol Limerence is the kind of book that readers either love or react to. Not something that any author is surprised by. When I read it I found Echo's story down right heart-breaking and at times totally scary. I so identified with her tangled emotions and thoughts as she grappled with limerence towards RM of BTS. What made the book next level excellent was how the author developed a social theory that carried Echo on her journey and helps the reader understand the theory, and possibly try it on for size. Am I mad of am I experiencing idol limerence? This is ultimately an uplifting book that gives words to experiences many fans have felt. Not having a name for intense emotional pain - in this instance unrequited love of an idol - can be very impacting. With a name we can feel more affirmed and can seek out others who experience the same, to gain comfort and support.
I am an author myself, with a long career in mental health practice and very experienced in reviewing books, doctorates and all sort of other manuscripts. So I say the following with some street cred to back me up. [Feel free to check out my publications - if you have some negative comments about me kindly keep them to yourself. Reviews of my books are welcome]. A couple of things truly bother me re some of the low rated reviews for what I consider to be a pathbreaking book that crosses genres to develop a new social theory for our times. It is not the low rating rather it is some of the negative and attacking commentary being displayed towards the author. As part of this I'm bothered by how people use terms that describe complex mental health experiences in incorrect ways - eg delusional in one of the reviews. Or attack the author for self-publishing - no they are not a self-publisher they are a bone fide publisher who has published more than 15 books and thereby supported more than one hundred authors to get published and for many to start their careers as authors. To call someone predatory for promoting - ie marketing their books - is the wrong use of this word and can cause undue alarm and prejudice. Some of the comments in these same reviews are focused appropriately on the book itself and what the reviewer thinks, much of it positive or fair comment. Some an inaccurate interpretation but that is OK.
That some people go out of their way to be unkind, and attacking is harmful and disrespectful.
To the negative and judgemental people who have reviewed this book, let me know when you have written a book. I'd be pleased to review it and show you respect and encourage you on your way with a considered review of your book.
I am an author myself, with a long career in mental health practice and very experienced in reviewing books, doctorates and all sort of other manuscripts. So I say the following with some street cred to back me up. [Feel free to check out my publications - if you have some negative comments about me kindly keep them to yourself. Reviews of my books are welcome]. A couple of things truly bother me re some of the low rated reviews for what I consider to be a pathbreaking book that crosses genres to develop a new social theory for our times. It is not the low rating rather it is some of the negative and attacking commentary being displayed towards the author. As part of this I'm bothered by how people use terms that describe complex mental health experiences in incorrect ways - eg delusional in one of the reviews. Or attack the author for self-publishing - no they are not a self-publisher they are a bone fide publisher who has published more than 15 books and thereby supported more than one hundred authors to get published and for many to start their careers as authors. To call someone predatory for promoting - ie marketing their books - is the wrong use of this word and can cause undue alarm and prejudice. Some of the comments in these same reviews are focused appropriately on the book itself and what the reviewer thinks, much of it positive or fair comment. Some an inaccurate interpretation but that is OK.
That some people go out of their way to be unkind, and attacking is harmful and disrespectful.
To the negative and judgemental people who have reviewed this book, let me know when you have written a book. I'd be pleased to review it and show you respect and encourage you on your way with a considered review of your book.
October 27, 2024
This book doesn’t just celebrate BTS’s artistry but the ways in which they’ve altered life.
*Idle Limerence* by @walleaeaglehawk highlights the loving relationship BTS shares with its fandom, the ARMY. As a reader and an ARMY, I found the book very relatable especially in the aspects where the author talks about the connection with BTS. This book presents a range of feelings, from love and devotion to fan’s peculiar feeling of ‘ownership’ of the idol. The focus is on the experience of being an idol as well as a fan—the task is to demonstrate that BTS is much more than just show business—they bring faith, fellowship and aspirations to people’s lives.
Eaglehawk elaborately explores the emotional rollercoaster that we, as fans, go through. *Idle Limerence* positively reinforces all those emotions on the axis of pride, consolation, and sometimes sorrow, as they bring watching BTS evolve. But such connections, however, are not solely appreciative of the ‘cheesiness’ of such bonds; it also depicts it as a maturing process, filled with discovery, and empowerment. Besides, these bonds fostered and nurtured in the process are strong enough to even help in endorsement finding one’s path in life and more so one’s self.
Ultimately, *Idle Limerence* shows that while becoming a fan may have its highs and lows, it ultimately offers a sense of agency and direction to its members as they come together for the love of a cause larger than themselves. It is an accurate, almost too accurate, rendering of the feelings of admiration that develop towards a particular artist and the plethora of changes that come with such love.
#bookstagram #bts #btsarmy #bangtansonyeondan #books #readerlife
*Idle Limerence* by @walleaeaglehawk highlights the loving relationship BTS shares with its fandom, the ARMY. As a reader and an ARMY, I found the book very relatable especially in the aspects where the author talks about the connection with BTS. This book presents a range of feelings, from love and devotion to fan’s peculiar feeling of ‘ownership’ of the idol. The focus is on the experience of being an idol as well as a fan—the task is to demonstrate that BTS is much more than just show business—they bring faith, fellowship and aspirations to people’s lives.
Eaglehawk elaborately explores the emotional rollercoaster that we, as fans, go through. *Idle Limerence* positively reinforces all those emotions on the axis of pride, consolation, and sometimes sorrow, as they bring watching BTS evolve. But such connections, however, are not solely appreciative of the ‘cheesiness’ of such bonds; it also depicts it as a maturing process, filled with discovery, and empowerment. Besides, these bonds fostered and nurtured in the process are strong enough to even help in endorsement finding one’s path in life and more so one’s self.
Ultimately, *Idle Limerence* shows that while becoming a fan may have its highs and lows, it ultimately offers a sense of agency and direction to its members as they come together for the love of a cause larger than themselves. It is an accurate, almost too accurate, rendering of the feelings of admiration that develop towards a particular artist and the plethora of changes that come with such love.
#bookstagram #bts #btsarmy #bangtansonyeondan #books #readerlife
December 1, 2022
As both a kpop stan and Psychology major, this book has been on my TBR list for quite some time and I was quite excited when I finally got around to opening it up. I surely wasn't disappointed.
What I found was a poignant commentary filled with the nuance commonly not found surrounding this discourse in neither involved fandom camps nor those outside of the kpop world. That is, the industry and its idols lie in a grey area, they simply 'are'. The perspective of the idol both being product and participant, a free and kept person at the same time was something I highly enjoyed exploring. How they are just as much feeding the system as they are suffering from it and can experience limerence as much as the fan. I think using BTS was a perfect example of this.
I did, however, find Echo's moments a little too on the nose at some points. I think the extreme route her character was written into (borderline psychosis, in my opinion) isn't as representative as the normal stan experience as it was supposed to be. It kind of read like a bad fan-fiction at times to me. Though I may be alone in wanting solely the theory and analytical parts of this book. Except all things Jungian, which I found so dense that it completely lost me at times.
I do think there was a bit of reaching going on, and there were some points that I specifically disagreed with and found contradictory of one another. But ultimately I would definitely recommend this read to those in the same niche interest!
What I found was a poignant commentary filled with the nuance commonly not found surrounding this discourse in neither involved fandom camps nor those outside of the kpop world. That is, the industry and its idols lie in a grey area, they simply 'are'. The perspective of the idol both being product and participant, a free and kept person at the same time was something I highly enjoyed exploring. How they are just as much feeding the system as they are suffering from it and can experience limerence as much as the fan. I think using BTS was a perfect example of this.
I did, however, find Echo's moments a little too on the nose at some points. I think the extreme route her character was written into (borderline psychosis, in my opinion) isn't as representative as the normal stan experience as it was supposed to be. It kind of read like a bad fan-fiction at times to me. Though I may be alone in wanting solely the theory and analytical parts of this book. Except all things Jungian, which I found so dense that it completely lost me at times.
I do think there was a bit of reaching going on, and there were some points that I specifically disagreed with and found contradictory of one another. But ultimately I would definitely recommend this read to those in the same niche interest!
January 26, 2022
Okay. Here me out as to why I rated this a 3. The whole premise of the book and concept of idol limerence was extremely interesting, especially told through Echo’s POV. The writing in and of itself was phenomenal and there was clearly research and thought put into the theory. I was intrigued by the fact Eaglehawk referenced pop culture examples to try and explain different theorists, it made it a bit easier to understand.
With that being said though, this is not the type of book I usually pick up. Even though the pop culture references made it somewhat easier to understand, I still was left with a few big ??? like I didn’t fully quite comprehend and that is why I gave it a 3.
It was interesting though to think about idol limerence and put myself in the shoes of Echo. There were a lot of similarities and difference between my experience as an ARMY and her experiences.
The 3 stars on this book is not due to the writing and writing style, because it was well done. The 3 is simply because at times, I felt myself getting lost in the theories and not understanding it.
If you enjoy reading these types of books and are an ARMY though, then this is the book for you!
With that being said though, this is not the type of book I usually pick up. Even though the pop culture references made it somewhat easier to understand, I still was left with a few big ??? like I didn’t fully quite comprehend and that is why I gave it a 3.
It was interesting though to think about idol limerence and put myself in the shoes of Echo. There were a lot of similarities and difference between my experience as an ARMY and her experiences.
The 3 stars on this book is not due to the writing and writing style, because it was well done. The 3 is simply because at times, I felt myself getting lost in the theories and not understanding it.
If you enjoy reading these types of books and are an ARMY though, then this is the book for you!
January 19, 2021
An amazing read both as ARMY and as a generally curious person.
Echo's story spoke to me as it really felt like I had been through many of the things she did and it was very easy to relate to her. From the millennial references to the way she experienced love and then her ARMY journey I really saw myself there.
The analysis and theory part was also amazing as it helped put into words and analyze all the feelings and experiences I had been having as well as seeing it as something that was not as unique as I had thought. It's not my area of expertise but it was still understandable and it brought up many issues I'd been dealing with.
Highly recommended for anyone who wants to see what the ARMY experience is like and understand it a little bit more deeply
Echo's story spoke to me as it really felt like I had been through many of the things she did and it was very easy to relate to her. From the millennial references to the way she experienced love and then her ARMY journey I really saw myself there.
The analysis and theory part was also amazing as it helped put into words and analyze all the feelings and experiences I had been having as well as seeing it as something that was not as unique as I had thought. It's not my area of expertise but it was still understandable and it brought up many issues I'd been dealing with.
Highly recommended for anyone who wants to see what the ARMY experience is like and understand it a little bit more deeply
September 10, 2021
Idol Limerence is such a fresh view of fandom studies and social theory.
Most academic and theoretic works are dry and stuffed with academic terminology, making them hard to read for broader audiences. Eaglehawk managed to bypass this obstacle by mixing the fiction narrative into it and using very nice, almost colloquial language, while still keeping it acceptable for the academic community.
This work has helped me in shaping my own beliefs and thoughts on fandoms and their relationship with artists on a more emotional level since the book does contain aspects of a memoir and the writer herself is a fan, the ARMY.
I can't wait to read other forks from Wallea and see what she has planned next! The world really needs more fresh works and new perspectives on social studies.
Most academic and theoretic works are dry and stuffed with academic terminology, making them hard to read for broader audiences. Eaglehawk managed to bypass this obstacle by mixing the fiction narrative into it and using very nice, almost colloquial language, while still keeping it acceptable for the academic community.
This work has helped me in shaping my own beliefs and thoughts on fandoms and their relationship with artists on a more emotional level since the book does contain aspects of a memoir and the writer herself is a fan, the ARMY.
I can't wait to read other forks from Wallea and see what she has planned next! The world really needs more fresh works and new perspectives on social studies.
February 11, 2022
I didn’t want this book to end. I’ve never felt so utterly SEEN and UNDERSTOOD. This may be sacrilegious to say, but reading this gave me similar feelings to reading the Bible. Like it all meant something beyond the words on the page. It gave me words for my experiences that I didn’t have.
And sure, it dances a fine line between madness and magic, but if you have an open mind about what magic lies inside the human soul and the human experience, then this book is accessible.
Also the author interacted with me on Twitter. Which I’m turn gave me a sense of limerence with her. Perhaps she is following BTS example of fan interaction. But it made my reading experience even better so I’d like to thank her for that.
And sure, it dances a fine line between madness and magic, but if you have an open mind about what magic lies inside the human soul and the human experience, then this book is accessible.
Also the author interacted with me on Twitter. Which I’m turn gave me a sense of limerence with her. Perhaps she is following BTS example of fan interaction. But it made my reading experience even better so I’d like to thank her for that.
March 8, 2022
Absolutely enjoyed diving into this book! Intellectually stimulating and informative, I believe it is a great way to introduce the divine-feeling connection between BTS and ARMY. As a lesbian, I wished for a bit of more focus in the less heteronormative lens, but it was still an amazing read overall. It was incredible to dive into the mind of a fellow ARMY. I hope the time of insperence arrives for us all.
November 13, 2024
An awful, pretentious book that psychoanalizes BTS and writes whole ass fanfics on them, super disrespectful and exploitative. It is written by an anti who has insulted BTS' music as well. It manages to be both delulu and dismissive.
January 5, 2022
WOW WOW WOW! i have no words on how important this book is to understand bts and the things we feel as army. this should be mandatory reading, really!
December 28, 2024
I adore this book and Wallea Eaglehawk's in-depth look into the phenomenon of idol limerence. She told this story in a creative and brave way, baring her soul as much as she bared the souls of ARMY.
March 22, 2023
OK. I don’t even know from where to start or what to even say that will do enough justice to this book. I guess that the first thing that needs to be known is that this is an investigative-narrative book. The author decided to make a story so that the audience could follow all of the technical information being given. The reader is learning everything alongside Echo, the main character. But it’s not really a novel, it’s more like 80% investigation, 20% narrative; despite this, I absolutely loved it!
I got the book because I wanted to better understand the fandom ARMY and the power that BTS has, but despite it being about BTS, idol limerence is some thing that applies for any fandom of any type. It’s just that the author decided to use BTS as an example.
The book made me realize things about myself that I didn’t even know I did them subconsciously (not even something that has to do with being an ARMY). It made me have a new found appreciation for idols and the power that they have and how so many are using it for the good.
It made me interiorize with myself things that I have been putting off and give me a bigger picture on love and self-love.
Idol Limerence “…spread[s] messages of love, self-love, romantic love; the kind of love that can shape and create universes; the kind of love that can change the world for the better.”
I got the book because I wanted to better understand the fandom ARMY and the power that BTS has, but despite it being about BTS, idol limerence is some thing that applies for any fandom of any type. It’s just that the author decided to use BTS as an example.
The book made me realize things about myself that I didn’t even know I did them subconsciously (not even something that has to do with being an ARMY). It made me have a new found appreciation for idols and the power that they have and how so many are using it for the good.
It made me interiorize with myself things that I have been putting off and give me a bigger picture on love and self-love.
Idol Limerence “…spread[s] messages of love, self-love, romantic love; the kind of love that can shape and create universes; the kind of love that can change the world for the better.”
December 21, 2021
This book is complete garbage. It’s self published by the author because no sane person or publishing company would spend money to produce this. “Idol Limerence” is such a self coined term by a self proclaimed social scientist as she says herself where she writes a fanfic of herself about BTS members. Her cover for her book is just the author and RM. The way she markets this book is predatory telling the readers if you want to know more about this phenomenon read my book! This should have belonged on wattpad. Limerence isn’t HEALTHY (please go read up on academic journals and thesis about this term) and she’s validating the readers who have this. She’s trying to coin this term and it’s so dangerous for someone with a bachelors to claim all this. Be careful about this author. This book is NOT worth the read.
November 2, 2022
Me gustaría que de pronto este libro esté en español, pero me he sentido identificada con el relato, y he aprendido y comprendido mucho con la historia de Eco. 🥺
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews