Take a photo of a barcode or cover
reflective
relaxing
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Picked this up simply because it’s short and I’ve been reading a lot of longer novels. I was pleasantly surprised.
This novel is a critique of conformist society, and though this issue is much more prevalent in Japan than where I come from, I understand and sympathize with the constant scrutiny from her peers that Keiko undergoes. The notion that people would rather you be “normal” than genuinely happy by way of being true to yourself… As a queer person, it’s absolutely true. Especially as an aroace person, which is a major theme of this novel.
I didn’t expect the novel to be so bold with the themes it tread, but I enjoyed it. Shiraha’s way of thinking is bigoted, but the truth behind his words are undeniable. It’s uncomfortable to read at times, but that’s the reality of this world. Still, you can acknowledge it without giving way to cynicism. You can choose your own path in life.
This novel is a critique of conformist society, and though this issue is much more prevalent in Japan than where I come from, I understand and sympathize with the constant scrutiny from her peers that Keiko undergoes. The notion that people would rather you be “normal” than genuinely happy by way of being true to yourself… As a queer person, it’s absolutely true. Especially as an aroace person, which is a major theme of this novel.
I didn’t expect the novel to be so bold with the themes it tread, but I enjoyed it. Shiraha’s way of thinking is bigoted, but the truth behind his words are undeniable. It’s uncomfortable to read at times, but that’s the reality of this world. Still, you can acknowledge it without giving way to cynicism. You can choose your own path in life.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism, Misogyny, Sexism, Acephobia/Arophobia
Moderate: Toxic relationship, Stalking, Sexual harassment
Minor: Rape
dark
funny
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
A darkly funny novel about a woman who is born to be a convenience worker!
I really liked the perspective on what it means to be a "human" and society's harsh views on anything outside the norm. Keiko read extremely autistic-coded to me, using the "convenience store worker" mask to go about her everyday life. I enjoyed reading her perspective and liked her character.
There were other characters I liked a lot less, and the author did a good job of putting them up against Keiko so that their ideas were an annoyance. It made me think more about the forced "normality" in our society. I've always disliked this idea and gone my own way, but in some circumstances and cultures, this is not possible for everyone.
I genuinely hated Shiraha, although he was similar to Keiko in the regard of being an outsider, he used this to manipulate others and basically act like an incel. I found myself very frustrated when Keiko actually listened to him.
I feel like I learned a lot about Convenience Stores and Japanese culture through that novel, and I liked reading from Keiko's perspective. However, I enjoyed the second half with lots of Shiraha in it, a lot less, up until the ending, which I found fulfilling.
All in all, an amusing and dark read, for those who want to ponder on societal norms.
I really liked the perspective on what it means to be a "human" and society's harsh views on anything outside the norm. Keiko read extremely autistic-coded to me, using the "convenience store worker" mask to go about her everyday life. I enjoyed reading her perspective and liked her character.
There were other characters I liked a lot less, and the author did a good job of putting them up against Keiko so that their ideas were an annoyance. It made me think more about the forced "normality" in our society. I've always disliked this idea and gone my own way, but in some circumstances and cultures, this is not possible for everyone.
I genuinely hated Shiraha, although he was similar to Keiko in the regard of being an outsider, he used this to manipulate others and basically act like an incel. I found myself very frustrated when Keiko actually listened to him.
I feel like I learned a lot about Convenience Stores and Japanese culture through that novel, and I liked reading from Keiko's perspective. However, I enjoyed the second half with lots of Shiraha in it, a lot less, up until the ending, which I found fulfilling.
All in all, an amusing and dark read, for those who want to ponder on societal norms.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Ableism, Sexism, Toxic relationship
Minor: Animal death, Stalking
challenging
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
[Free association](https://www.connexions.org/CxLibrary/Docs/CxP-Free_association_Communism_Anarchism.htm), dog.
Content Warnings
Minor: Animal death, Cancer, Rape, Sexism, Sexual assault, Toxic relationship, Stalking, Pregnancy, Alcohol, Sexual harassment, Classism
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
one of the strangest books i've read in the most positive way ever, and i literally finished it in one sitting. i loved how detailed the description of keiko's job was and it really conveyed how important it was to her. definitely a message i strongly related to.
while i can acknowledge the purpose that one of the characters served for the narrative, i still couldn't help but be put off by him/his prominence in the second half, which is what brings my rating slightly down.
while i can acknowledge the purpose that one of the characters served for the narrative, i still couldn't help but be put off by him/his prominence in the second half, which is what brings my rating slightly down.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism, Misogyny, Sexism
Moderate: Toxic relationship, Stalking, Sexual harassment
Minor: Animal death, Rape, Violence
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism
Moderate: Bullying
Minor: Toxic relationship, Toxic friendship
challenging
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This book is an odd, unsettling, absurd read. And I cannot wait to read her other work. You have to stick around to the ending
I cannot say I loved the main characters, I don’t know that they are meant to be lovable, but the story kept me interested the entire time.
I cannot say I loved the main characters, I don’t know that they are meant to be lovable, but the story kept me interested the entire time.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexism, Stalking
Minor: Toxic relationship, Classism
Includes themes of social manipulation and exploitation in relationships. Minor classism towards career aspirations of the main character.
Moderate TWs pertain to actions committed by a side character about halfway through the story. The details and duration are brief.
dark
funny
fast-paced
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny, Toxic relationship
Moderate: Sexual harassment
Minor: Stalking, Pregnancy, Toxic friendship
dark
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
What an absolutely bizarre book but in the best way. So much happens within the span of its 170-ish short pages, and the range of emotions I felt towards the main two characters was vast. It’s funny, weird, unpredictable, and at times creepily accurate in its social commentary. I finished it in 1.5 hours, I couldn’t put it down!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny, Sexism, Classism
Moderate: Emotional abuse, Toxic relationship, Stalking
Minor: Chronic illness, Infidelity, Pregnancy
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Delightfully strange!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny, Sexism
Moderate: Toxic relationship, Sexual harassment
Minor: Animal death
funny
hopeful
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism, Misogyny, Toxic relationship, Stalking
Moderate: Animal death