Take a photo of a barcode or cover
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Thanks to NetGalley, the Author and the Publisher for this ARC!
I really enjoyed this one.
At first I foolishly thought this was a "romance" but it quickly became clear that it's ore of a "finding yourself" or "coming to terms with yourself" kind of story.
It is clear that this isn't the end and because this was so cute and informative at the same time, I really want to read the next volume!
It's soft and sweet and chaotic and just a perfect feel good kind of manga.
I really enjoyed this one.
At first I foolishly thought this was a "romance" but it quickly became clear that it's ore of a "finding yourself" or "coming to terms with yourself" kind of story.
It is clear that this isn't the end and because this was so cute and informative at the same time, I really want to read the next volume!
It's soft and sweet and chaotic and just a perfect feel good kind of manga.
While I thought this was a good book, the plot definitely feels like it only exists to info-dump about ace/aro identities. Still a worthy pursuit, but not much of a storyline here really.
⭐️ 3.5 stars ⭐️
Is Love The Answer? was an exemplary reflection on what society oftentimes deems as ‘normal’, a depiction of the difficulties many face when feeling like they don’t fit into these perfect little boxes we’ve created.
Chika represents all new adults who, as they grow, try to find their place among others, try to find themselves in this ever-changing world.
I might not resonate with Chika’s story, I don’t identify as either asexual or aromantic, but I can empathize with her internal struggles, with her feelings of alienation from her peers, with trying to just fit in and be ‘normal’.
Although the subject of this visually gorgeous manga is important and relevant, the execution lost me a little. It was very informative, but almost too much so. Chika’s journey of self-discovery gets lost among the plethora of definitions and explanations. As necessary as it is to inform of all the possible sexualities and genders, I came here for Chika’s story.
The moral of this story, the lovely final message this leaves you with, is one I deeply agree with, and for that alone this deserves four stars. The message is one of self-love, normalizing not being normal, putting value in our differences, that there is no right answer, and no one can tell you who you are except you.
I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley, and am leaving this honest review voluntarily.
CW and tropes (spoilers):
- Depiction of sexual violence (non graphic)
- Aromantic asexual MC
- College setting
- New adult
There’s an infinite expansion of star-light.
I just couldn’t see it before.
Is Love The Answer? was an exemplary reflection on what society oftentimes deems as ‘normal’, a depiction of the difficulties many face when feeling like they don’t fit into these perfect little boxes we’ve created.
Chika represents all new adults who, as they grow, try to find their place among others, try to find themselves in this ever-changing world.
I might not resonate with Chika’s story, I don’t identify as either asexual or aromantic, but I can empathize with her internal struggles, with her feelings of alienation from her peers, with trying to just fit in and be ‘normal’.
Although the subject of this visually gorgeous manga is important and relevant, the execution lost me a little. It was very informative, but almost too much so. Chika’s journey of self-discovery gets lost among the plethora of definitions and explanations. As necessary as it is to inform of all the possible sexualities and genders, I came here for Chika’s story.
The moral of this story, the lovely final message this leaves you with, is one I deeply agree with, and for that alone this deserves four stars. The message is one of self-love, normalizing not being normal, putting value in our differences, that there is no right answer, and no one can tell you who you are except you.
Everyone lives life carrying something different from the norm.
I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley, and am leaving this honest review voluntarily.
CW and tropes (spoilers):
- Depiction of sexual violence (non graphic)
- Aromantic asexual MC
- College setting
- New adult
I absolutely loved this. I love how it delves into the topic of romance from different perspectives and not just what is like to be asexual and aromantic.
This manga follows Chika as she discovers herself and realises how romance is different for everyone. There is no normal as all of it is subjective in the end and everyone's experiences are completely different. While in highschool everyone kept telling her that she just "hasn't found the right person", but in college she finally finds the people that help her understand herself and support her.
I won't lie, this hit HARD. There were so many moments that just resonated with me and all through out I just felt giddy because I felt seen.
The relationship being Chika and Ume-chan was also so freaking cute!! I loved seeing them together and how they interacted. They both understood eachother and because of that both of them cared for the other. They aren't exactly friends like Chika said, but they are something more, something even more meaningful and they are lucky to have met eachother.
I'm honestly so sad that this wasn't longer since I loved it so much, but all good things must come to an end. If we ever get a sequel though, I won't complain.
This manga follows Chika as she discovers herself and realises how romance is different for everyone. There is no normal as all of it is subjective in the end and everyone's experiences are completely different. While in highschool everyone kept telling her that she just "hasn't found the right person", but in college she finally finds the people that help her understand herself and support her.
I won't lie, this hit HARD. There were so many moments that just resonated with me and all through out I just felt giddy because I felt seen.
The relationship being Chika and Ume-chan was also so freaking cute!! I loved seeing them together and how they interacted. They both understood eachother and because of that both of them cared for the other. They aren't exactly friends like Chika said, but they are something more, something even more meaningful and they are lucky to have met eachother.
I'm honestly so sad that this wasn't longer since I loved it so much, but all good things must come to an end. If we ever get a sequel though, I won't complain.
emotional
informative
lighthearted
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
I’m happy to report that this is a great read! It features a variety of characters, a fairly in-depth look at asexuality, and found family vibes.
Read my full review on my blog at slantedspines.com
Read my full review on my blog at slantedspines.com
I was overjoyed when I found out there was a manga that focuses on Asexuality. I also loved all the discussions and explanations about being Asexual and Aromantic throughout the story. It's a good start for people who are still trying to understand themselves if they have never known about the Ace spectrum. I do think that the pacing was too fast so some relationships felt kind of forced and rushed. Overall, it was an enjoyable read and I would recommend it to anyone so that Asexual community could be more understood.
challenging
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
emotional
funny
lighthearted
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:
No