I Guess I Live Here Now - by Claire Ahn

About the Book

"Melody always wanted to get to know the Korean side of her Korean American heritage better, but not quite like this. Thanks to a tiny transgression after school one day, she's shocked to discover that her parents have decided to move her and her mom out of New York City to join her father in Seoul--immediately! Barely having the chance to say goodbye to her best friend before she's on a plane, Melody is resentful, angry, and homesick. But she soon finds herself settling into their super luxe home, meeting cool friends at school, and discovering the alluring aspects of living in Korea-trendsetting fashion, delectable food, her dad's black card, and a cute boy to hang out with. Life in Seoul is amazing...until cracks begin to form on its shiny surface. Troubling family secrets, broken friendships, and a lost passion are the prices Melody has to pay for her new life, but is it worth it? Claire Ahn's charming debut lets you taste every bite of kalbi, bathe in the glow of Seoul's neon lights, and feel every high and low of Melody's journey across the world and within her heart."--]cProvided by publisher

Book Synopsis

Seoul, Korea.

In this glittering city where the latest trends are born, Melody finds herself swept away by luxury, romance, and family drama... but is this a place she could ever call home?

Thanks to a tiny transgression after school one day, Melody is shocked to discover that her parents have decided to move her and her mom out of New York City to join her father in Seoul--immediately! Barely having had the chance to say goodbye to her best friend before she's on a plane, Melody is resentful and homesick.

But she soon finds herself settling into their super-luxe villa, meeting cool friends at school, and discovering the alluring aspects of living in Korea--trendsetting fashion, delectable food, her dad's black card, and a cute boy to explore the city with. Life in Seoul is amazing, until cracks begin to form on its glittering surface...

Claire Ahn's charming debut lets you hear every beat of a K-pop bop, taste every savory bite of Korean barbecue, bathe in the glow of Seoul's neon lights, and feel every high and low of Melody's emotional journey across the world and within her heart.

Review Quotes

"Juicy, delightful and brimming with cultural specificity, I Guess I Live Here Now is an endlessly charming exploration of what happens when immigrant parents make good on the threat of sending a wayward Americanized kid "home." And what happens when that home features explosively fast internet, shopping trips, transcendent snacks and cute boys galore. A dazzling, utterly swoonful romp that artfully navigates identity and place. This book has all the Korean elements your soul craves and desires. I absolutely devoured this."
--Mary H. K. Choi, New York Times bestselling author of Emergency Contact and Yolk

"I Guess I Live Here Now takes you on a glam romp through Seoul--by way of family secrets, sweet romance, and surprising self-discovery. Like the very best K-drama bottled up in a book."
--Maurene Goo, author of Somewhere Only We Know

"Claire Ahn brings a fresh, charming voice to this enthralling page-turner of a debut. I Guess I Live Here Now absolutely blew me away!"
--Kody Keplinger, New York Times bestselling author of The DUFF and That's Not What Happened

"A vibrant love letter to Seoul and a poignant coming-of-age story. Claire Ahn's writing is fresh, funny, and heartfelt--I adored every page of Melody's (mis)adventures. A new favorite!"
--Rachel Lynn Solomon, author of Today Tonight Tomorrow

"Ahn has transported me completely to a light-filled world full of exciting possibilities. What a perfect joy this book is during a time where most of us aren't able to travel. I did not want to leave Seoul or Melody's delightful company!"
--Jesse Q. Sutanto, bestselling author of The Obsession

"I Guess I Live Here Now is a breath of fresh air that transports readers to the new and lively world Melody finds herself in--figuratively and literally. A sweet exploration of who and what 'home' really is."
--Kelsey Rodkey, author of Last Chance Books

"My new comfort kdrama in book form - it made me feel like I was back in school in Korea again, but with much cooler friends, dilemmas, and misadventures. Immersive, fun, fresh, with a lot of heart."
--Frances Cha, author of If I Had Your Face

"Entertaining; a drama-filled ode to family against a well-developed Seoul backdrop."
--Kirkus Reviews

"Ahn's writing truly shines . . . in the gorgeous descriptions of Seoul and its incredible cuisine. The novel highlights important transcultural themes."
--SLJ

About the Author

Claire Ahn grew up in Seoul, Korea and still considers it her home. She moved to New York to attend university and now lives in Long Island City with her husband, newborn daughter, and their dog, Dante. She writes about transcultural experiences and the traditions, values, and legacies that shape who we are. I Guess I Live Here Now is her debut novel. Follow her on Instagram at @CuhlaireAhn.