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4.09 AVERAGE
4.09 AVERAGE
adventurous
lighthearted
relaxing
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
adventurous
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-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
lighthearted
adventurous
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
N/A
adventurous
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
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 saw the movie first, and it was hard not to picture that version as I was reading this. But there were enough differences that I eventually separated them in my head. This felt a lot more episodic, each chapter like a vignette that sometimes was alluded to later but often didn't really feel connected. I was personally okay with that style of writing. It made the book feel a lot more laid back.
I don't know whether to call this a positive or negative, but I was dearly wishing to read through the manga version. Nothing against the author's descriptions, but there were so many moments that I could picture looking better with manga visuals. The art that was included was lovely, so maybe that's just me being greedy and wanting more of it.
Something about this book reminded me of my childhood. There were some things that were just silly or nonsensical, like that girl who made a big thing about giving her crush a pen, or the old woman who wanted to give everyone "belly belts." It was just so charming and fun. I don't know if I can explain why, but those silly moments made the book feel more whimsical and magical for me. As I said, it could just be that it gave a nostalgic feeling.
It was just a nice, sweet story. I'll always like the movie, too, but this book is great all on its own.
I don't know whether to call this a positive or negative, but I was dearly wishing to read through the manga version. Nothing against the author's descriptions, but there were so many moments that I could picture looking better with manga visuals. The art that was included was lovely, so maybe that's just me being greedy and wanting more of it.
Something about this book reminded me of my childhood. There were some things that were just silly or nonsensical, like that girl who made a big thing about giving her crush a pen, or the old woman who wanted to give everyone "belly belts." It was just so charming and fun. I don't know if I can explain why, but those silly moments made the book feel more whimsical and magical for me. As I said, it could just be that it gave a nostalgic feeling.
It was just a nice, sweet story. I'll always like the movie, too, but this book is great all on its own.
adventurous
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I’ve been planning to pick this up for a while and I’m so glad I did! Unlike with Howl’s Moving Castle, the Ghibli movie is actually almost the same. The book did provide some lore context, and it doesn’t perfectly follow the three-act structure. It reminded me of Yuuko Tsushima’s Territory of Light in that way. It’s more of a collection of moments.
Plot: ★★★★★
Prose: ★★★★★
Pacing: ★★★★★
Characters: ★★★★★
World: ★★★★★
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Final Rating: ★★★★★
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes