Love the World of Writing and Beautiful Stories? Watch “Romance Is a Bonus Book”

One of the inspirations for how I approach my current novel is Romance Is a Bonus Book, now streaming on Netflix.  The 2019 Korean series stars several excellent actors and actresses, led by Lee Jong Suk and Lee Na Young, who play the primary couple, Eun ho and Dani.

Set around a lifelong friendship and an eclectic publishing house, the talented ensemble cast brings to life several stories of love, lost love, surviving life with dignity, and all the times it’s hard to do that last thing.  The satisfaction I feel from the secondary couples is similar to my affection for the second couple in Business Proposal (also on Netflix). And the stories of love encompass romance, friendship, the family you choose, and communities of support.

The really beautiful touches are the reflections from the main characters at the end of each episode.  You have to watch the closing credits each time because there are touching observations about why the main characters love and admire each other.  These reflections illustrate the depth of their love, care and respect.

And, last but not least, Romance Is a Bonus Book is a love letter to authors, poets, editors and everyone involved in the passionate pursuit of publishing.  Characters talk about their deep affection for bringing words to life, the heartbreak of unsuccessful books, deeply held beliefs about design, and the creative work of branding and marketing books.

Keywords: Romance Is a Bonus Book, K-drama, Lee Jong Suk, Lee Na Young, Korean drama, book lovers, publishing, friendship, love stories, ensemble cast, storytelling