I Am ARMY: It's Time to Begin

by Wallea Eaglehawk (Editor), Courtney Lazore (Editor), Naazneen Samsodien (Contributor)

The identity of ARMY, the dynamic global fanbase of Korean music group BTS, is complex and nuanced. I Am ARMY locates, documents and celebrates just some of the unique identities within the diverse fandom. A collection of autoethnographic essays, each chapter in this book contains an ARMY experience which transcends the personal entirely. As such they sit as part of a broader socio-political examination and critique of the world we live in today. I Am ARMY gives the reader a chance to immerse themselves in the world of an ARMY living an entirely different life, and the opportunity to understand just how socially constructed and influenced our lived-experiences truly are.

Co-editor Eaglehawk frames the socio-political stories in I Am ARMY as accounts of ‘practicing revolutionaries’ and introduces BTS as ‘participatory revolutionaries’. Drawing upon universal truths detailed throughout the book, Eaglehawk develops a set of components for what she calls the ‘Love Yourself, Speak Yourself Revolution’ which is currently underway.

Within this book, you will find the answers to questions such as: “why are fandoms devalued?”, “how can I learn to love myself?” and “how can I be a feminist and an ARMY?” Above all else, you will find a little piece of yourself written on the page; for each of us are ARMY, each of us are human. I Am ARMY serves as a reminder that despite how disconnected we may feel from the world, how disheartened or downtrodden, we are not alone; ARMY or not.

Genres: Nonfiction

ebook

Published August 1, 2020

About the author

Wallea 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.

Reviews

[Destiny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow.
This may be the first time I've voluntarily read an anthology of essays like this, and I'm very glad I did. With its release on September 13, I Am ARMY will join a select number of BTS-related publications that I feel could be described as 'serious'- in that the content is of a certain level of quality often missing in other coverage of BTS or ARMY. Many of its literary peers are cited in the essays themselves, and I highly recommend seeking them out afterwards if any strike your interest!

At this stage I would not describe myself as a very articulate reviewer, and rather than critique the actual content of this book I feel I am better suited to attesting to the emotions I felt before and after reading. Prior to receiving this advance copy I was extremely excited to learn of this anthology's impending publication, especially as it offered an opportunity to learn more of the story behind Idol Limerence: The Art of Loving BTS as Phenomena . Although it was sent out shortly before a chaotic series of events unfolded in life, I still found the chance to race through it and devour the stories that lie within. I think that this context certainly intensified the emotions I felt whilst reading.

The eight essays published in this book are all extremely compelling and well-written, each describing the unique stories of various ARMY that help to illustrate the complexity and depth of this fandom. As a reader who is easily immersed in a story, each of the perspectives depicted in these essays were able to stir my empathy in different ways, as well as providing a means of catharsis at several points. It feels slightly embarrassing to say that there were a few times where it brought tears to my eyes, but that perhaps speaks to the power and depth of the writing more than anything else.

I wish I could give a (virtual) hug to each of the ARMY that were involved in the creation of this book, including the three that were unable to finish writing before publication. Thank you for sharing your stories in such an articulate and expressive manner; it is heartwarming to see the common elements that can be found in the ARMY experience, and moreso to see them framed and collated in this way. Additionally, thank you for opening my eyes to the many sources cited throughout your essays - I hope I'll have the time to add them to my academic repertoire.

I already have plans to revisit this in the near future to fully appreciate the stories within and take the time to absorb the messages in Chapter 1 and 10 bookending the eight essays. Wallea Eaglehawk neatly wraps up the eight snapshots of the ARMY experience and uses them to sketch out the scope of the Love Yourself, Speak Yourself Revolution in an extremely inspiring manner.

To finish this review, I think I can only say that I recommend this book to any ARMY, and perhaps moreso recommend it to any non-ARMY interested in learning more about this fandom's diversity. I feel that one of the best ways to understand and empathise with something unfamiliar is to gain access to an insider's perspective, which gives the outside the tools to find commonalities in their experiences and humanise the unknown. I Am ARMY truly demonstrates that ARMY is a microcosm of humankind.

[Jocelyn Breisacher · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I first came across BTS in the beginning of January 2020. I had been going through a difficult time in my life. I found myself having similar struggles when I began reading I AM ARMY in August of 2020 . In the Intro, Wallea Eaglehawk states, “We may start our Army stories where the world moves against us and it feels like all hope is lost. This is where BTS can often find us, at our lowest moments, when we need a sense of hope and purpose” (4). I Am ARMY gave me hope at the moment I most needed it. Above all, reading this book reminded me that I will "never walk alone" in my journey with BTS and in life.

I AM ARMY is a quick and well written read, with captivating autoethnographies from ARMYs about their relationship to BTS. You will be thinking about this book and the stories in it long after you put it down.

I would say that this book is a love letter to BTS and how they have changed ARMYs lives, as well as a love letter to the fandom as a whole. In the sense that ARMYs give back to one another by bringing awareness and sharing their experiences. It is a book geared towards the ARMYs fandom but I think anyone who reads this book will find something they relate to. As I was reading these stories I became more hopeful and sure about the path I was on. I finally realized that I was not the only one to experience feelings of hopelessness and uncertainty in my everyday life.

A big highlight for me when it came to this book is that it really shines a light on what this fanbase is about. For example, there is an autoethnography where a ARMYchallenges the ageism that comes when talking about fandom culture. Each autoethnographic brings awareness to the different struggles ARMY face. As a “Baby ARMY”, I would highly recommend this book to other new ARMYs. I also would call this book an essential read for anyone trying to get insight into one of the biggest fandoms in the world.

[Akhmal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating: 4.5/5 stars

'I Am Army' exquisitely demonstrates how loving, empowered and united the ARMY community is. Their political endeavours are driven by love for love. They are truly revolutionaries.

I appreciate the different and fresh writing styles of all the contributing authors. It's academic and it's reflective - it's autoethnographic. I love the rawness of some of the chapters, especially ANNA SHAFFER's and LILY LOW's. I was close to being emotional. But what stands out to me was KERYN IBRAHIM's... ugh, so mind-blowing!

Overall, an enjoyable read. I swear, BTS would be super proud if they were to read it. Truly brilliant.

[Anastasia Kinderman · Rating 5 out of 5]

One thing I have really enjoyed in the past year is the proliferation of ARMYs speaking themselves and telling their stories through different mediums. This includes podcasts, art, conferences, and writing. There’s always a bit of hesitancy whenever you start reading something else written about BTS, as we’ve been burned so many times by people just using the boys for clout.
Thankfully, this book is not that. Reading it felt like a straightforward heart-to-heart with other fans. It was interesting to see how their different backgrounds influence their view of both the world and the boys. It was touching to see just how much the boys’ music, and even just presence, has helped people in their darkest moments. I could relate on a personal level to several of the writers and it made me feel like, “wow, we really are not walking alone”.
It’s said that you find them (or they find you) when you need them the most. I’ve found this to be the case with every other ARMY I’ve met and it was the case with reading this book as well. There were several times where I had to stop reading and just reflect and wonder how seven men can touch us this deeply and push us to be better versions of ourselves.
With everything going on in the world right now, it’s refreshing to essentially stop and read some good news. Because that’s what this book is. Good news. We are not alone, there are many others like us, and there are seven in Seoul that think of us daily and hope we are doing okay.
Really my only question about the book had to do with essay 8, where the writer seems very torn over her identity as both a feminist and a fan. While I could somewhat(?) understand her quandary, I really couldn’t see how being a feminist and a fan of musicians that have gone out of their way to learn about women’s issues, respect their fans (including many women), buy women-made products, and work with and uplift fellow female artists are antithetical to each other. The essay was very interesting but I couldn’t help thinking that the main tension in it could’ve been eliminated by doing some more research.
Overall, if you are ARMY or simply interested in learning more about the make-up of fans, you will find this a refreshing read. ARMY is not a monolith and I think this book showcases this very well.

Note: I received an ARC in exchange for my honest, purple opinion.

[Yessenia Herrera · Rating 5 out of 5]

I decided to write up a rough draft of my review by the time I was only halfway through this book because I was inspired and so much of what I was feeling had to pour out.

“If you are an established member of ARMY, thank you; I hope you find yourself amongst these pages.” Oh, I did and I’m now even more grateful to be a part of ARMY. In my own humble opinion, what Wallea Eaglehawk sought to accomplish in this publication could not have been better achieved than it was in this first installment of ARMY autoethnographies. I felt seen and I felt empathy, it was crushing and hopeful and comforting to get a peak behind the curtains at the experiences from a handful of incredibly strong, beautiful members that make up this enormous fandom that has made the choice to embark on this life-changing journey alongside 7 Korean men.

The uncertainty of the world’s current circumstance has thrown me into a period of stagnant anxiety. I don’t consider it exclusive to myself as I’m sure many others are feeling this way, but where my identities: queer, nonbinary, person of color struggling with mental illness and trauma intersects with my identity as an ARMY can be difficult to put into words as it is, so in the context of where BTS and ARMY find themselves in current times I seem to find it nearly impossible. But this book certainly provided me a space to smile and cry at all the moments I so excitedly and painfully related to. Reading these stories made me feel a bit foolish that I have allowed myself to somehow believe that my own no longer matters, the catharsis I went through while taking in the words of others I felt connected to by shared experience reminded me why that’s entirely untrue, reminded me why I used to call myself a writer. Words that come from a personal and vulnerable place transcend logical impulse to trivialize them as nothing more than letters strung together to form sentences. After all, BTS has taught ARMY just how powerful giving meaning to words can be through their music, their lyrics, their encouraging sentiments, their own struggles and fears that they share with us that have catapulted many of us in this fandom into making changes in our own lives for the better. It’s in the pages of this book that one can find a diverse set of examples of those meanings BTS gave ARMY reflected back at them.

It can be difficult to explain to non-ARMY the immense and overwhelming transformative power that BTS can have once they have seeped their way into your mind, especially when one could argue that pop culture, no matter where it’s produced, has been watered down to a capitalistic and hyper-consumerist venture of sorts. How could a South Korean boyband from an industry that’s long been deemed a factory of manufactured music be any different? I'm sure it's more than complicated to embrace the multi-faceted nature of what this group and this fandom offers when the capitalist patriarchy sits in the corner taunting you for falling in love with a boyband, right? Enter I Am ARMY to provide deeply personal testimonies as to how BTS disrupts those oppressive systems and encourages ARMY to do the same. This book will give anyone who is open to understanding a chance to bear witness to what makes BTS stand out in today’s celebrity and entertainment landscape—not in the sense of global superstardom, history made and records broken but more specifically what has for the last 7 years made them special in the hearts of ARMY, who BTS consistently express is their beginning and end, and why so many are still walking with them.

[Jordan Clayden-Lewis · Rating 4 out of 5]

As someone who isn’t greatly familiar with BTS, I really enjoyed the premise behind this book and how relatable the themes are to someone like me who isn’t part of the fandom. I Am Army critically analyses BTS’ influence on the adversity overcome by a bunch of very diverse writers. Each story is different and offers a different layer to the overall narrative of the book. Well done, Revolutionaries.

[Gracie26 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading through the pages for some reason gives me relief because finally we have a decent book to read representing the buying/working backbone of ARMYs as well as the true to life experiences of this book’s 9 contributors. Each and every ARMY for sure will be able to relate in a story or two of their journey to becoming a member of ARMY fandom. Personally, I relate to Ms. Tag’s experience of discovering BTS, for her it’s the Blood, Sweat and Tears mv whereas mine is Not Today. The video & the dance is jaw dropping that I think I looped it but the message of the song serves as a catalyst for me to decide to let go of the job that’s destroying myself and what I believe. Ironically, the song is about not giving up, not accepting defeat but I gave up a job in order to save myself and my sanity which for me is more important. It may look like losing but for me I felt like winning a battle and from then on BTS has became like a glue that keeps me whole.
I am ARMY is a must read for all industry insider, curious people, and baby ARMYs who wants to understand the deep connection of BTS and ARMY. The reasons why ARMYs will continue to whether all storms just for BTS.

[heyitslaila · Rating 4 out of 5]

Who is ARMY? I know I am one, but what does that mean?

Going through the pages of this book is like finally putting faces & voices to those avatars I see on stan twitter. Every chapter is a triumphant journey of moving on: pursuing dreams, finding lost passion, redirecting life purpose, or letting go and starting over.

I remember in the beginning of my own journey falling down the BTS rabbit hole, thinking “Wow, what’s with this fandom? It’s like a movement”. There’s some sort of shared energy—massive one—within it; uniting people, breaking barriers, making history. This book indeed sheds some lights. How the 7 men from South Korea who speak and sing in foreign language managed to touch people, ignited a movement within self with their message of Love Yourself, Speak Yourself. To look at these stories is to acknowledge how powerful is a simple message of loving oneself in shaping people’s lives.

When SUGA of BTS said “You’ll like BTS music when you listen without prejudice,” he may not predict that their music will eventually inspire millions in many ways. One found the courage to embrace the shadows within, walk on new path. Others were encouraged to break the status quo, inspired to further spread the message of loving one self.

I then realized being an ARMY means many things and one thing all at once. It affects people differently but all guided within the same language: love. And this book is an important documentation of how love help us grow as an individual and part of community. And yes, it all started from the love for BTS.

Whether you’re a quarantine ARMY, 2013 ARMY, casual fans or even just curious about BTS & ARMY, this book is a story for everyone. A reminder of what love can do.

[Emma Poole · Rating 5 out of 5]

9 ARMY, 5 countries, 1 book.

A book about ARMY written by ARMY. This book was rooted in the beautiful diversity I already knew existed in the ARMY community, but to see it right in front of me, in each chapter, was an experience I will cherish forever. My mind immediately began to wonder about how it’s possible that the ARMY community can be so diverse yet feel like one of the most inclusive, loving and powerful spaces. My answer came in the words of Wallea Eaglehawk: “…a synthesis of the ARMY identities within this book. An identity which first seeks to know and locate itself as part of a community, a fandom. Which is also an identity that seeks to know and locate itself as a reflection of BTS”.

The book itself delves into the balancing of identities, and the pressures and pulls of the world. It was beautiful, honest, encouraging, and understanding. I often found myself smiling while tears made my vision blurry. I kept thinking, “oh goodness…what is happening?” as I giggled to myself slightly. I then realized that this feeling is what the opposite of loneliness feels like. It felt like each page was hugging me and I was hugging each ARMY back with every word they wrote.

I highly recommend it. May you enjoy and cherish each page as I did.

[B Sai Sushma · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am an ARMY, albeit a baby ARMY. But reading through all these chapters of people, people, reliving their fandom experiences, people breaking stereotypes, people feeling the emotions, I seem to have felt merely moths ago, was a roller coaster of chills and goosebumps. It puts into my focus once again, just how big BTS is, and how genuine. The books also bring into life different perspectives from different parts of the world and are able to put to a paper substance I am sure people have found it hard to put into words. It's a glorious record of love, love, love, and a refreshing reminder to how music heals us, how ARMY is deliciously unique as a fandom and how beautiful the experience of being an ARMY is. From organising charity projects to finding ways to love ourselves, from mere existing to real living, I related to various little bits from each chapter. The way we learn from them, the way they seem to understand us and the way pain seems to be universal. It's not just BTS who must be credited, but it is also ARMY because we have found something worth fighting for, just as they found something so sublime. Our love brings us together, though it's something so much greater than love. This book was able to capture all of that, putting through technicolour lenses through the lives of everyone who was in it. I hope I get to write a chapter someday. My chapter of being an ARMY soon.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

As I am reading I Am Army, I am constantly reminded of a phrase that RM had said, “Music transcends languages.” The messages of different Army’s around the world with different backgrounds were portrayed in this book; some of them faced many difficulties and I couldn’t have been more proud of them as they continued to persevere through their life finding their way with BTS. This book goes into depth explaining why and how we feel connected to BTS and continue to follow them throughout their journey. Each chapter constantly describes a moment in life that I can relate too. I felt myself becoming easily entranced and captivated; wanting to read more on the personal stories of each ARMY. I would highly recommend I Am ARMY to any ARMY’s out there or to anyone who wants to dive in deeper into the world of BTS and ARMY.

[Jewelia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I Am ARMY: It’s Time to Begin is a collection of autoethnographic essays, which is a form of qualitative research involving self-reflection through personal experiences to understand wider political, cultural, and social meanings. It contains the stories of nine ARMY, or members of Korean musical group BTS’s global fanbase, that explore how BTS has a transformational role in their lives and how these are part of a larger revolution based on BTS’s Love Yourself/Speak Yourself message.
As an ARMY myself, I can see clear benefits to reading this book. It can be hard to describe why ARMY are so devoted to BTS and why it transcends that classic celebrity/fan relationship, and the introduction describes it succinctly. If you as an ARMY ever wonder what BTS sees when they see ARMY, maybe you’ll find in this book and fall in love with ARMY too. There were parts of the book that moved me to tears, thinking of the bravery and resilience of these stories. This paints a picture of the kind of revolution you and other ARMY might be leading in your daily life in resistance to a painful world, with BTS and ARMY by your side. I hope to see more books like this in the future that detail the journeys of more ARMY on the path to self-discovery and love.

[akira · Rating 5 out of 5]

As an ARMY an avid reader, there is nothing I enjoy more than reading about BTS and ARMY. And while in the current year, finding articles about the fromer has become very common, finding articles about the fans is less so. Any article that does mention the driving force behind BTS, does so briefly and not at all with the curiosity that the fandom deserves.

It makes sense then, that the best place to read about ARMY, is when they're written by ARMY themselves.
I Am ARMY is a delicate collection of essays, detailing in poignant words the journeys of ordinary, wonderful people; and how BTS has fit into their lives.

"They say we find BTS exactly when we need them the most." With only these opening words, I already knew I was in for an experience. That saying has become well known in the ARMY online community, and is a sentiment that many fans, including myself, have come to believe in.
That is not to say that aren't any fans who just enjoy their music and presence; but it is a fact that through their music, their message, their smiles; the band have healed and helped hundreds of people.

I Am ARMY is welcoming in that it tells narratives of fans with different experiences within the fandom and with life in general. "If you are an established member of ARMY, thank you; I hope you find yourself amongst these pages." I did.

This wasn't always an easy read. There were paragraphs that left me choked with too many emotions to process. Its not just stories of journeys with BTS. The writers of these essays broach subjects that many fans often do not feel comfortable talking about.
What happens when the reason you healed also becomes the thing that tears you down? When the community you found a safe place in, suddenly feels suffocating? Because it can happen, it does happen.

But more than that, the stories were comforting. And inspiring, and are unlikely to leave me anytime soon. Its a intimate look into the microcosms that make up this fandom.

A book by ARMY for ARMY.
But I would recommend it to anyone interested in the dynamics of arguably the largest and most diverse fandoms currently active.

~will edit when I've read it for a second time. there is just a bit too much to put into words all at once.~

[Jc Isidro · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve been an ARMY for 4 years and its so amazing to see how the fandom evolve into engaging conversations which is like this book. While reading this piece, I get so overwhelmed that being an ARMY has become a pride and joy not just because we appreciate and love BTS, but because we have collectively realize the importance of our existence and abilities through them and use it into furthering our self improvement.

The stories here are very reflective, each ARMYs journey are so inspiring to read. It’s like every one of us has that beast waiting to be awaken and its all found when we started being an ARMY.
This book perfectly depicts the connection between BTS and ARMY beyond that of fan-idol relationship. It’s a cycle of many things. I can personally relate to Anna’s story as we had the same dream, and through BTS, I took that leap forward and begin.

ARMYs will definitely love this book as the level of engagement the fandom has proved how sophisticated the fan base has become that is more than willing to engage into conversations and releases like this book.

This book is so on point. It will help the general public understand why BTS has so much influence and impact that made them reach the peak of the heights. And why ARMY holds so much power in them that they can break multiple things and reach the impossible.

[Terra Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book. THIS. BOOK.

As a member of the BTS ARMY myself, I did not expect to learn so much. Sure, I know a lot about BTS, but with each new experience told, I learned more about ARMY. Reading each new author's testimony was like another reminder of how beautiful, diverse, and truly deep this fandom is. I couldn’t help but reflect on my own experiences with finding BTS and how they've incited change in my own life. There were times I even reflected on parts of my life that aren't directly related to the group. If someone who wasn't ARMY, or even part of a fandom, were to question whether or not to read this, I would just like to emphasize to that person that this book is not solely about a band and its supporters. Instead, it is about real people who have stories to tell. There is pain, redemption, healing, crisis, plenty food for thought, and so much more. So many topics are touched on, some that I didn't know I needed to hear.

My best friend, Manilyn Gumapas, is one of the authors, so I was already excited to hold this book in my hand before reading it. But now that I've immersed myself into more stories and learned more about the incredible people that I share this fandom with, I am all the more eager to have a space for it in my bookshelf and return to it again and again.

[Mauvee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm really grateful to be part of this beautiful community, getting to know BTS and their healing messages.
This book really open my eyes that I'm not alone, and BTS really is the purest souls of 7 kiddos I've ever known, I cannot thank them enough for everything they gave to me.

*Trigger warning*/suicideattempt/

I cannot stop my tears when reading Anna's part. It's too similar to my own experiences. From 'disliking' idol stuff to obsessed with them, my family only see them as 'pretty boy' with no talent, and how these boys give me strength to keep alive, even just one more day, just one more day, they keep me alive, and remind me every single day, one more day, please keep alive.
Thank you Anna for keeping alive!

[Nikita Elsinga · Rating 5 out of 5]

I never expected myself to read a book like this, but I am so happy that I did! I am usually a little bit hesitant when reading books about BTS, since content like that is often from the weird perspective of a journalist that doesn't get it at all!

But I am happy to say that this book didn't have that at all! This book is really well-written and tells the story about being an ARMY really well.

This book really gives a good insight into how many different "types" or ARMY here are, and how diverse this fandom truly is. And it was really moving to read the stories. Sometimes, I took the time to really 'take a step back' and realize how incredible it was that these seven men touched all these people from around the globe. Truly incredible

[Gustika Jusuf · Rating 5 out of 5]

A truly eartwarming read.

You set aside your prejudice and look at about how different people from different parts of the world reflect on themselves and find comfort through more than just music, but a community. From the individual experiences of the writers you learn how diverse the fandom is.

The stories written in these book tells more than just about the person, but also about the societies they live in.

Through this book, you realise that ARMY is more than just a fandom, but a collective movement that brings different missions under one umbrella.

[Aiman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book came at the right time for me. Reading it was so heartwarming and I appreciated seeing the varying and unique backgrounds of ARMY, all somehow holding onto and emitting a similar message. Love, hope, and carrying on through the many hurdles of life that humanity is destined to face. Reading the writing of these people I absolutely didn't know at all, I learned that there was always at least one thing that I could pick out and connect to! Humans naturally come across dark moments, dips in life. They could be bold and dark, haunting us till this day, or shadowy and almost unrecognizable. Maybe we don't want to face those bad things and deliberately ignore them. IAA opened up how these beautiful ARMY found BTS at what seems like just the right time. Almost like frustratedly attempting at lighting a match; finding BTS was the illuminating glow and warmth that many needed when the flame is finally set, and I can confirm that by reading I Am ARMY. Thank you author Wallea Eaglehawk for allowing ARMY to share their stories! I look forward to more of your work <3

love yourself, love myself, peace 💜

[Hidayatul Husna · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book can be a bit overwhelming. It’s an autoethnography; a compilation of personal stories written academically, in my understanding that is.

💜

This book is not about BTS, it’s about ARMYs sharing their deep, personal stories about their journey in discovering the 7 amazing human and understanding themselves along the way.

I can relate to certain parts of the story, me being an ARMY during HYYH era before the explosive fame around them and there are also some parts that furrowed my brows.

💜

This book is definitely not for all😅 Even as a fan, I had difficulties comprehending some of the chapters but again, this is not my story. To the ARMYs brave enough to share them in here, I thank you and praise you. Stay well.

[Meg · Rating 3 out of 5]

I give it 3.5 stars because while I enjoyed reading stories from ARMYs, at times, the essays felt too scholarly. Sometimes, the scholarly parts took away some of the emotional pull I was getting from reading the stories. Maybe that's my fault because I didn't do proper research before buying this book (although it does say "essays"). I don't regret reading this, in fact it was nice to have ARMY stories in serious publication because boy oh boy, the ARMY fandom deserves to be recognized for all the amazing things they have done. You wonder, what drives these fans to be THIS passionate about a music group? Turns out, BTS' music resonates within the core values of their fans.

[thebookishwoman · Rating 4 out of 5]

*I Am Army, It's Time to Begin* by Wallea Eaglehawk is a touching collection of personal stories from ARMYs worldwide, celebrating the deep sense of community and belonging that BTS fans share. Through heartfelt narratives, the book captures the joy of discovering BTS's music, the comfort it provides during tough times, and the unique camaraderie that defines the ARMY fandom. Each story feels like a conversation with old friends, reflecting the shared emotions, struggles, and triumphs that make being part of ARMY feel like being part of a global family. This book is a beautiful tribute to the transformative power of BTS's music and the strong, unifying bond among their fans.

[Hannah Jørgensen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is about ARMY and conveys perfectly the wonderful and diverse community supporting BTS.

I enjoyed learning about different ARMY’s stories on how they found BTS as well as how BTS has affected their lives. I could see a little part of myself in almost all of the stories - the feelings of community, belonging to something, believing in something, believing in yourself are woven into all the stories, which just shows that these are feelings universally and deeply connected with being an ARMY.

I recieved an advanced copy of this book, which I enjoyed reading so much that I decided to buy a physical copy as well as another one of Wallea Eaglehawk’s works; "Idol Limerence".

[Luknė Vasilevičiūtė · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got chills reading the chapters in this book as they all felt so familiar and near to my own fandom experience even though the identities presented in the book are diverse and far from my own. The book picks up on people reasons on becoming ARMY but also tells their life stories in relation to being part of a global fandom realized in digital imagination. The book also feels important because personal stories become topical and reveal new ideas about the world and humans in it. Like the editor in the first chapter states ‘personal is political’ (Wright Mills’ idea).

[Catherine T · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great book for ARMY (fans of BTS) and general readers alike. Each chapter tells the ARMY experience through both an anecdotal and academic lens, the writers spanning from around the globe to tell their story of how they came to know BTS. I loved reading from each writer, as all of their experiences are so different and yet connected by the same thread. Can't wait for the next book in the series!

[Pamela · Rating 4 out of 5]

Are you wondering how people become ARMY that love BTS? This is the book for you.
A mix of personal account and social theory, this book made me reflect on my own journey, who I am, and how I am(not) speaking myself.

[La Viajera · Rating 5 out of 5]

My ARMY identity captured in the pages of this book. This book is written for ARMY by ARMY.