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4.43 AVERAGE
4.43 AVERAGE
Nao was born in Japan, but she has lived in the USA for so long that she's forgotten her mother tongue. At 19, she takes a year out before college, and stays in Himawari House in Tokyo. She takes Japanese classes and attempts to reconnect with her memories of Japan. She is lucky to find two kind and loving housemates when she arrives: Hyejung, from Korea, and Tina, from Singapore, are also learning Japanese, and have come to Japan to make sense of their own lives. The book is full of Japanese dialogue with English translations, and both Hyejung and Tina bring their own dialects of English. This book gives a real sense of what it's like to learn another language, and of how communication works through different languages. The strongest part of this graphic novel is the emphasis on language learning and friendship. It's lovely to see how the three girls connect with one another and rely on each other. But I found other parts lacklustre: the romances felt tacked-on to a plot that didn't need them, and though we begin the story from Nao's perspective, I didn't feel that she had a proper emotional arc in this story, and I was left feeling like I never really got to know her.
This graphic novel is beautifully crafted. Great characters, a lot of comedy, really pulls at your heart strings. The whole nine yards. I have to admit, I don’t think I’ve think I’ve read a single fiction book with a Singaporean character so this was a fascinating introduction to Singlish and other Singaporean cultural norms.
I was not expecting the emotional gut-punch this book provided. The vignettes from the different characters lend a richness and depth to their different cultural perspectives and internal journeys. Pick this one up if you love graphic novels and learning about different cultures.
emotional
informative
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
I loved the art style and loved the stories and finishing this just led me to want more! This graphic novel was really sweet and comforting to read - the relationships between the characters were excellent, and I loved how they got to know each other and leaned on each other throughout the story. It also had important focuses and conversations about identity, belonging, and language, and I think the author did a really good job of making the characters and their experiences unique and relatable.
medium-paced
I devoured it in one sitting. I measure a good book by the way my body reacts to finishing it. I felt both a heaviness and a lightness in my chest, like I’d been changed by the read. I loved the themes it explored and feels very reminiscent to the manga Honey and Clover. Highly recommend.
I loved how all the different languages (and accents) were represented on the page. I am thinking that this might be a good book to teach to my college freshman!
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
I loved this book sooo much. So heart warming, so funny, I love the use of shape and comedy in the art style.