--- product_id: 144133969 title: "Starfish" brand: "akemi dawn bowman" price: "₩40907" currency: KRW in_stock: true reviews_count: 8 url: https://www.desertcart.kr/products/144133969-starfish store_origin: KR region: South Korea --- # Starfish **Brand:** akemi dawn bowman **Price:** ₩40907 **Availability:** ✅ In Stock ## Quick Answers - **What is this?** Starfish by akemi dawn bowman - **How much does it cost?** ₩40907 with free shipping - **Is it available?** Yes, in stock and ready to ship - **Where can I buy it?** [www.desertcart.kr](https://www.desertcart.kr/products/144133969-starfish) ## Best For - akemi dawn bowman enthusiasts ## Why This Product - Trusted akemi dawn bowman brand quality - Free international shipping included - Worldwide delivery with tracking - 15-day hassle-free returns ## Description Starfish ## Images ![Starfish - Image 1](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81lppxgU8ZL.jpg) ## Customer Reviews ### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5.0 out of 5 stars Starfish has the makings of a bestseller. *by J***L on Reviewed in the United States on October 24, 2017* Huge thanks to Akemi Dawn Bowman and Jennifer Ung from Simon Pulse for sending me an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. This did not, in any way, affect my overall opinion of the book and/or the story.For years, I have been on an undying journey to read relatable stories with topics that are either light and typically romantic, or moving and highly emotional. It’s usually a one-hit knockout for me if books are both. The relatability of the novel that I want to talk about today emanates just that, and it’s everything that I’ve ever wanted a contemporary to be and more. I’m so proud to be able to read and feature Akemi Dawn Bowman’s debut novel, Starfish, here on my site today!One of the many reasons why I was so intrigued to read Starfish is because I wanted to see the author’s take on the abusive parent trope. In this book, the MC’s mother clearly had eyes only for herself and the only thing that seemed to matter to her were her physical appearance, how her actions and character affected how people think of her, and she honestly had little care for her children. I have to admit, however, that I loved reading the confrontation scenes between Kiko and her mom, even if it also broke my heart to see how realistic this instance is for those that come from complicated backgrounds.I love how the author was able to elicit strong emotions from me when I read her book, and I am guessing that this is because of Kiko’s innocent yet passionate voice. The way Akemi wrote Kiko’s perspectives were, at times, extremely heartbreaking (especially during the confrontation scenes), and yet there were also instances when I rejoiced for the happiness that Kiko felt when she met Jamie, his family, and other important characters. The impressive writing style paved the way for a fast-paced reading experience that is guaranteed for readers, especially for those who have hearts for a YA Contemporary.Kiko’s character development all throughout the book is noteworthy too. From being a daughter who had nothing but insecurities, to becoming an artist who loved telling stories through her drawings and paintings, everything was so well-written. The transformation was, for lack of better terms, impressive. I appreciated how Akemi took her precious time letting us see Kiko’s world through her eyes, and walking us through her life filled with familial heartbreaks and disappointment. In the end, Kiko might have not been able to completely overcome her social anxiety, but she did learn to wholeheartedly accept herself and her roots, and that alone made me love this book so much.Lastly, I also think the romance aspect of the story might have been a little too subtle for me, but I know it will be perfect for lots of other readers. I like the roller coaster of a relationship Kiko and Jamie had from the start, and I like the fact that they were able to rekindle their past relationship before engaging in one that was purely romantic. This gave their love story a stronger foundation, and all the more believable. I think it’s also worth noting that Kiko and Jamie have great chemistry together, and they honestly felt like 2 characters that were really made (or written) for each other. Being together turned them into something else entirely, and I love how they both brought out the best in each other.“With characters that are extremely easy to root for, an antagonist that readers will surely love to hate, a romance story that’s healthy in all aspects, and an extra impressive writing style and pacing, Starfish, obviously has the makings of a bestseller. I didn’t expect for this book to make me feel so lovely in my own skin, and I hope everyone gets the opportunity to read this as well. What troubles me now, however, is that this book greatly heightened my expectations for YA Contemporaries, and I only hope to be lucky enough to read a story that’s as good as this one in the future.” ### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing, amazing - everyone NEEDS to read this beautiful story! *by K***A on Reviewed in the United States on September 29, 2017* Starfish is honest, brutal, and so fricken beautiful.Kiko is a half-Japanese/half-white seventeen-year-old living in Midwest suburbia. I can't even find the right words to truly express how much I wish I had this book as a teenager, and how I believe Starfish will help so many teens, especially Asian-Americans, right now. I'm half-Filipino/half-Mexican and I grew up in Midwest suburbia - most of my classmates were white and it was brutal growing up wishing I had blonde hair and blue eyes. It took me over 20 years before I embraced my heritage and reading Kiko's story completely broke me because I was where she was.She's struggling with her self-esteem, identity, and so much more (no spoilers). There are so many factors that go beyond her struggles like her relationships with her friend(s) and especially her family. Everything about Kiko's life was relatable because all of our struggles do stem from different aspects of our lives. School, work, friendships, family - everything. And that's what we get from Kiko's story. We dig into all of her issues with everything in her life and how they have shaped who she is and where she ends up.You'll feel Kiko's loneliness but you'll also feel her hope. I cried on more than one occasion while reading because she's such a real character that you instantly feel connected to her. You want her to find her strength at the end of the story as if she was you.All of the characters bring something to the story - you'll love some and you'll hate others. Jamie + the romance throughout the story was the icing on the cake. It was sweet, romantic, and reminded me of falling in love for the first time. <3I can't believe this is a debut because Akemi Dawn Bowman's writing is stunning. She pulls at your heartstrings but fills you up with so much hope. I'm looking forward to all of her future work!If you're looking for a great diverse, coming-of-age story then I can't recommend Starfish enough. It's absolutely beautiful and everyone needs to read it. ### ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.0 out of 5 stars So relatable for anyone who feels different... *by M***O on Reviewed in the United States on May 16, 2020* This was such a wonderful story of a young Asian/White teen in a small town who always felt different and whose idea of beauty didn’t look like her. There are so many issues within this story that one can relate to. I totally related to Kiko’s social anxiety. The authors description of what Kiko was feeling during social situations was exactly what I’ve felt in similar situations.But there so much else in this book: Divorce, infidelity, sexual abuse, friendship, love. The book is beautifully written and is a must read. --- ## Why Shop on Desertcart? - 🛒 **Trusted by 1.3+ Million Shoppers** — Serving international shoppers since 2016 - 🌍 **Shop Globally** — Access 737+ million products across 21 categories - 💰 **No Hidden Fees** — All customs, duties, and taxes included in the price - 🔄 **15-Day Free Returns** — Hassle-free returns (30 days for PRO members) - 🔒 **Secure Payments** — Trusted payment options with buyer protection - ⭐ **TrustPilot Rated 4.5/5** — Based on 8,000+ happy customer reviews **Shop now:** [https://www.desertcart.kr/products/144133969-starfish](https://www.desertcart.kr/products/144133969-starfish) --- *Product available on Desertcart South Korea* *Store origin: KR* *Last updated: 2026-05-16*