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hooliagoolia197's review against another edition
dark
emotional
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Violence, and Suicidal thoughts
Minor: Injury/Injury detail and Blood
elyken's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
PHEW. what a beautiful and absolutely loaded book. part of me is in awe and part of me wants to shrivel up and scream — the book has so many different interpretations of what bullying is and why it happens, i love kojimas mindset even if she’s a little ignorant about the truth of it all, her character was perfectly written <3 the topics in this book are fairly heavy but mieko kawakami’s writing makes it feel so light? it was definitely a reflective read despite it being tense and aaaaaaaa!! excited to read other kawakami books soon!!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Injury/Injury detail and Bullying
Minor: Sexual harassment and Suicidal thoughts
bethwynne's review against another edition
dark
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Though not the central focus of the story, this book is a telling portrait of childhood neglect.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying
Moderate: Sexual harassment, Suicidal thoughts, and Injury/Injury detail
nathiddles_106's review against another edition
dark
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
4.25
I hate to think that, realistically, the bullies will probably wouldn't received retribution for their acts.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Violence, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Suicidal thoughts and Eating disorder
reyyreads's review against another edition
challenging
dark
hopeful
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicidal thoughts, Violence, Bullying, and Sexual content
waiyeed's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying
Minor: Suicidal thoughts
alistofbirds's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Suicidal thoughts
zuzannaxwera's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying and Violence
Minor: Suicidal thoughts
diaadiary's review against another edition
dark
emotional
lighthearted
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
There is a special kind of power and skill that comes from writing a wonderful, meaningful story in under 150-200 pages. Kawakami has written a masterpiece and I will stand by that opinion forever. While reading this book I felt a kaleidoscope of feelings; this is the kind of book that will take you on a fucking ride.
The writing made my brain twisty and turny. The story begins with a creation of a wholesome and lighthearted friendship, including breezy and simple dialogues of youth that embody innocence. Kawakami makes the beginning so desirable and nostalgic, that you can’t help wanting to stay there forever. At times I did feel bored, but I cannot help appreciating those mundane parts of daily life.
However, amidst the youthful joy, there is an underlying threatening mood. The reader quickly realizes that there is an impending doom on the horizon. Kawakami perfectly displays the complexity of the human condition, all inclusive of its horrors, delights, wants, or needs. She executes this through conversations and monologues. Her characters not only discuss innocent themes of life, but fervently talk about the existential, philosophical, and confusing parts. It was interesting to experience each character’s values on love, loss, guilt etc. These middle schoolers challenged what it means to be hurt/to hurt, how/why people inadvertently hurt their loved ones, and the meaning of death.
Kawakami’s prose is effortless yet profound. The split between carefree living and existential dread was craaaaaazy ok. This book was bittersweet, disturbing, and reflective. Not to be dramatic, but I will proceed to curl up under the covers in the fetal position and stare at the wall.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Physical abuse, Bullying, Sexual content, and Suicidal thoughts
nlh_tnr's review against another edition
dark
emotional
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Violence, and Self harm
Moderate: Suicide, Rape, and Suicidal thoughts