BTS by ARMY: 2020

by Wallea Eaglehawk (Editor), Rajitha Sanaka (Contributor)

BTS by ARMY: 2020 shares the journey of Grammy-nominated BTS during the year 2020. From their chart-topping Map of the Soul: 7 to surviving the pandemic together and creating BE featuring Billboard Hot 100 #1s Dynamite and Life Goes On, every moment is compiled to provide an authentic and dynamic profile of the group, and each member throughout the year. A culmination of interviews, lyrical analysis, live performances, and more, these profiles show the journey of RM, Jin, Suga, j-hope, Jimin, V and, Jung Kook from the unique perspective of some of those who walked with them every step of the way: ARMY.


Dear BTS,


Happy 8th birthday. This book was written by ten ARMY from around the world and published by an all-ARMY publishing company. Though we cannot speak with you directly, nor write a book that shares new stories or truths, what we can do is reflect who you showed yourselves to be in 2020 back to you.

While this book is firstly a gift to you, it is a gift to our fellow ARMY who wish to celebrate you on this day, and every other day for that matter. Further, we hope that anyone interested in learning more about who you are and connecting with you on a human level will find this book and find joy, solace, and understanding amongst these pages. We know and trust that the right people will find this book at the right time.

Thank you for all that you do, and all that you are. We know 2020 was a difficult year for you, but we appreciate you for including us in your journey as you always have done. Just as you have seen and heard us, we see you, we hear you, we love you, too.


Love,
ARMY

Genres: Nonfiction

264 pages, Paperback

Published June 13, 2021

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

[Meryl · Rating 1 out of 5]

If you're an avid fan of BTS, have a healthy amount of info from what they've shared with us and have followed their journey in recent years, this book might not live up to expectations. Some parts of the book felt too analytical, like trying to put meaning where there isn't any, or trying put a lens into something they said before, digging too deep into the guys' emotions. It made me feel uncomfortable, I guess? I didn't want to psychoanalyze them. Other times it felt like a rundown of what they've said and done from 2013-2020, acting like a time capsule for the group.

[Rubyshiels · Rating 5 out of 5]

5/5

THE EMOTIONS!! But seriously I absolutely adored seeing my thoughts and feelings on BTS and the members from other armies views, I definitely teared up multiple times through this because it just reenforces what amazing humans these 7 men are.

I'm in this BTS shit for life now

[Naazneen Samsodien · Rating 5 out of 5]

BTS by ARMY is a special book and a rather unique concept. ARMY, BTS’ most ardent supporters, examine each members professional accomplishments throughout 2020, overlaying the global pandemic and using COVID-19 as once of the many lenses with which to analyse their music and message.

I recently reread this book and the final product is a wonderful tapestry - a journey of incredible highs and lows for RM, Jin, SUGA, j-hope, Jimin, V and Jung Kook, told through the words of loving fans. 2020 sucked for all of us, but what BTS by ARMY: 2020 demonstrates is that from devastation, beauty and hope manages to flourish.

A fantastic read.