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sprucewillow's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.75
I think a lot of people in this review section are misguided as to what this book is. This book is not a travel guide for Japan, a resource to learn realistic Japanese culture, or an accurate depiction of living in Japan as a foreigner. It is a YA rags-to-sudden-riches plot of a teenage girl forging relationships with new friends and new family in a new environment.
That being said, this book still wasn't written well. Don't get me wrong, I had fun reading it. The moving to Japan and meeting of new friends felt very adventurous. The protagonist's voice was witty and more often than not realistic to the age of the character (hard to find sometimes!). A tween or teen could easily connect with the book in this way, reaching the target audience.
I was disappointed in how the story panned out overall. The first half was on a roll. Good pacing, nice and intriguing characterization. I was invested in how these new relationships were going to work out. Perhaps it was just me, but I lost interest around the halfway point. This was when Nick? kissed Elle. According to the back cover, the main love interest was supposed to be Ryuu, but not much development happened until far beyond this? The blossomed "romance" was so quickly developed and subsequently forbidden I didn't care about their relationship.
The ending overall was a bummer. Two chapters max of "resolutions", still leaving so many loose ends. What about Elle's mom? Reggie?? I thought they said addiction treatment didn't really exist in Japan, but all of a sudden her dad has gotten over the stigma and is seeking a doctor? Left me feeling sour.
This book is good if you're looking for a lighthearted, no-stakes read about friends and family through the eyes of a teen, just don't be blindsided by the cringe near the end.
That being said, this book still wasn't written well. Don't get me wrong, I had fun reading it. The moving to Japan and meeting of new friends felt very adventurous. The protagonist's voice was witty and more often than not realistic to the age of the character (hard to find sometimes!). A tween or teen could easily connect with the book in this way, reaching the target audience.
I was disappointed in how the story panned out overall. The first half was on a roll. Good pacing, nice and intriguing characterization. I was invested in how these new relationships were going to work out. Perhaps it was just me, but I lost interest around the halfway point.
The ending overall was a bummer. Two chapters max of "resolutions", still leaving so many loose ends.
This book is good if you're looking for a lighthearted, no-stakes read about friends and family through the eyes of a teen, just don't be blindsided by the cringe near the end.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcohol, Alcoholism, and Drug abuse
Moderate: Animal death and Toxic friendship
Minor: Pregnancy and Rape
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