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Reviews tagging 'Panic attacks/disorders'
Lonely Castle in the Mirror by Mizuki Tsujimura
76 reviews
77mimi's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
Graphic: Bullying, Mental illness, and Panic attacks/disorders
Moderate: Death
nalakoala's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Graphic: Bullying and Toxic friendship
Moderate: Panic attacks/disorders and Stalking
blau_elmo's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
A story that centers around children who don't fit in, it is a coming-of-age story chock full of drama, twists and turns, and a premise that is infinitely appealing to the more dreamy/escapist sides of us.
The revelations are so clever, and the characters are also just so loveable. Each of them played an important role in the story, and the way they showed support to each other throughout the book, the way they reconciled when they had their differences, and that climatic final scene - that tension was palpable.
I only wish that the film will be shown in Singapore.
Moderate: Bullying
Minor: Panic attacks/disorders
defenders_iris's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Having prior knowledge of Japanese social mores really helps with this book, as well.
Moderate: Child death, Panic attacks/disorders, and Sexual assault
sophiesmallhands's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Graphic: Bullying
Moderate: Death, Panic attacks/disorders, Terminal illness, Grief, and Toxic friendship
Minor: Child death, Emotional abuse, Sexual assault, Suicidal thoughts, and Abandonment
sakurachiyou's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Graphic: Bullying, Mental illness, and Panic attacks/disorders
Moderate: Sexual harassment
kelly_e's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Author: Mizuki Tsujimura
Genre: Fantasy
Rating: 4.25
Pub Date: May 1, 2017
T H R E E β’ W O R D S
Vivid β’ Playful β’ Heartwarming
π S Y N O P S I S
Bullied to the point of dropping out of school, Kokoro's days blur together as she hides in her bedroom, unable to face her family or friends. As she spirals into despair, her mirror begins to shine; with a touch, Kokoro is pulled from her lonely life into a resplendent, bizarre fairytale castle guarded by a strange girl in a wolf mask. Six other students have been brought to the castle, and soon this marvelous refuge becomes their playground.
The castle has a hidden room that can grant a single wish, but there are rules to be followed, and breaking them will have dire consequences. As Kokoro and her new acquaintances spend more time in their new sanctuary, they begin to unlock the castle's secrets and, tentatively, each other's.
π T H O U G H T S
Lonely Castle in the Mirror is a book I'd likely never have stumbled upon if not for an online event in my book club. Yet it was also the type of book that reminded me of the importance of stepping outside of your comfort zone every now and then. It was one of those books that reminded me of what it means to be human, and that's not something I get everyday.
Written from the perspective of Kokoro, a young girl living with the anxieties of returning to school and dealing with the kids at school, this novel is definitely on the lighter side of the fantasy genre. In my opinion, it veers more in the direction of magical realism, where the reader isn't required to suspend all belief, yet does need to suspend some. It evoked feelings of empathy and compassion for each of the students. I thought the portrayals of the struggles of coming-of-age were very well crafted.
Additionally, I absolutely loved the concept behind this novel. As an avid puzzler, the inclusion of a puzzle aspect was so much fun. This is a story filled with connection, kindness and tackling teenage mental health. I don't think I have ever read something quite like it, but it definitely left me with the comforting feelings similar to The House in the Cerulean Sea.
Overall, I there was definitely a little something that was lost in translation. I can imagine the original Japanese version to be just that extra little bit more powerful. Yet this story really drove home the importance of community and reaching out for help. It would be the type of book I'd recommend to anyone who has ever felt left out and/or alone.
π R E C O M M E N D β’ T O
β’ readers who like puzzles
β’ T.J. Klune fans
β’ younger readers
π F A V O U R I T E β’ Q U O T E S
"If you try hard, you will always see results, and it will never be wasted no matter what you end up doing in life."
"She understood the fear. Not knowing what the future would be for her, not knowing how long sheβd be like this. Seeing people who were moving on was enough to make her feel an excruciating pain in her chest."
Graphic: Bullying, Child death, Death, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Toxic relationship, Grief, and Toxic friendship
Moderate: Adult/minor relationship, Child abuse, Emotional abuse, Sexual assault, Suicidal thoughts, Violence, Suicide attempt, and Sexual harassment
Minor: Cancer, Domestic abuse, and Terminal illness
talonsontypewriters's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Graphic: Bullying and Panic attacks/disorders
Moderate: Adult/minor relationship, Child abuse, Child death, Death, Pedophilia, Sexual assault, Violence, Grief, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Cancer, Terminal illness, and Medical content
laffi's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Body shaming, Bullying, Cancer, Child death, Death, Panic attacks/disorders, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Terminal illness, Toxic relationship, Violence, Grief, Car accident, Suicide attempt, Gaslighting, Toxic friendship, and Abandonment
Moderate: Alcoholism and Alcohol
errie's review against another edition
4.5
Graphic: Bullying, Confinement, Mental illness, and Panic attacks/disorders
Moderate: Sexual assault, Suicide attempt, and Toxic friendship