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saomah5566's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
reflective
sad
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? It's complicated
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexism, Toxic relationship, Ableism, Misogyny, Stalking, and Acephobia/Arophobia
Moderate: Toxic relationship and Stalking
gillthequill's review against another edition
challenging
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? Yes
5.0
Holy cow, what a read. I picked up this book and was sucked in from the first description of the protagonist's childhood. This story is not just about working at a convenience store: it's a critique of society, how society treats those deemed neurodivergent or outside the norm, how society treats women, and other messy feelings. I was utterly engrossed by Sayaka Murata's writing and couldn't put the book down. Sometimes, life is not about other people's expectations, but finding the place where you belong and that feels true to you... even if that place is a convenience store.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism, Emotional abuse, and Misogyny
klara_alex_117's review against another edition
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Minor: Misogyny, Mental illness, and Sexism
maybreads's review against another edition
challenging
funny
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
4.0
An interesting short book about neurodivergence. I think some of it fell flat. But it was pretty entertaining and I got very involved in the story.
That red-pilled incel man was pissing me off (a great character)
There could have been more of an exploration of the capitalism aspect. But I really enjoyed this as a short audiobook. Highly recommend.
There could have been more of an exploration of the capitalism aspect. But I really enjoyed this as a short audiobook. Highly recommend.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism and Misogyny
anh_read's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
Sharp and witty. The novel invites you to rethink societal norms and pressures.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny and Sexism
Moderate: Ableism, Toxic friendship, and Toxic relationship
Minor: Stalking
bridge_to_narnia's review against another edition
reflective
fast-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
2.5
The first half of the book was very interesting and insightful. Once a certain character became prevalent to the plot, the book was much less enjoyable.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Misogyny and Toxic relationship
Minor: Ableism, Stalking, Animal death, and Toxic relationship
pandaintheshelves's review against another edition
reflective
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
4.0
I gotta start saying this one was hard to read and even more difficult to review, but I'll try my best ๐
๐ What I liked:
โจIt was nice to read a book about a neurodivergent character with a first person POV. We are never told exactly what flavour of neurospicy the protagonist is, but from what is described I'm guessing autism.
โจ I enjoyed the insightful critique of the societal norms and peer pressure to conform. There was a powerful message there, concerning how we're expected to fill a certain mold, to perform at a certain level, at the cost of our mental and physical health sometimes ๐ฅบ
๐ฅน It was heartbreaking to read how she was losing herself in that process ๐ญ Watching her losing perspective of who she really was and what she really wanted was difficult, ngl. And how the world around her became more "accepting" the more she distanced herself from her wants and needs infuriated the heck out of me ๐
๐ What I missed (this is mostly based on my personal preferences, so take it with a grain of sault, please)
๐ซAs a neurodivergent woman myself it's a bit tiring to only see autistic coded characters with an overwhelming lack of empathy when we know this is not (as we thought at some point) an inherent trait. Especially not in AFAB individuals, because most of us are socialized differently (amongst many other factors).
๐คHaving said that, I understand neurodivergency and autism itself is part of a spectrum, and I'm not invalidating the author or anyone else's experience. I'm just saying it's the representation I've seen the most and I think this could have been a great opportunity to go in a different way๐ค
๐ Wrapping up:
๐This book offers an opportunity to learn about how masking works and why is so useful and harmful at the same time when you're a neurodivergent person. It also has very funny moments and a hopeful and powerful message about embracing and loving yourself.
๐ What I liked:
โจIt was nice to read a book about a neurodivergent character with a first person POV. We are never told exactly what flavour of neurospicy the protagonist is, but from what is described I'm guessing autism.
โจ I enjoyed the insightful critique of the societal norms and peer pressure to conform. There was a powerful message there, concerning how we're expected to fill a certain mold, to perform at a certain level, at the cost of our mental and physical health sometimes ๐ฅบ
๐ฅน It was heartbreaking to read how she was losing herself in that process ๐ญ Watching her losing perspective of who she really was and what she really wanted was difficult, ngl. And how the world around her became more "accepting" the more she distanced herself from her wants and needs infuriated the heck out of me ๐
๐ What I missed (this is mostly based on my personal preferences, so take it with a grain of sault, please)
๐ซAs a neurodivergent woman myself it's a bit tiring to only see autistic coded characters with an overwhelming lack of empathy when we know this is not (as we thought at some point) an inherent trait. Especially not in AFAB individuals, because most of us are socialized differently (amongst many other factors).
๐คHaving said that, I understand neurodivergency and autism itself is part of a spectrum, and I'm not invalidating the author or anyone else's experience. I'm just saying it's the representation I've seen the most and I think this could have been a great opportunity to go in a different way๐ค
๐ Wrapping up:
๐This book offers an opportunity to learn about how masking works and why is so useful and harmful at the same time when you're a neurodivergent person. It also has very funny moments and a hopeful and powerful message about embracing and loving yourself.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism
Moderate: Misogyny
Minor: Stalking
xkrille's review
funny
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? Yes
4.0
What a strange book, and I mean that in the best possible way. I enjoyed it from start to finish. It was humorous but also made my tummy ache at times.
Keiko was a great main character. You understand her, her actions, and her thoughts, even though sometimes she can have a not-so-average mindset. Despite her uniqueness, I still found myself sympathizing with her and reflecting on her.
I think it was a great story, but I do not think I fully understand the ending. Not that the ending was not good and fitting. I just do not think I fully understand what the ending is trying to say. That is a me problem and not the book's fault.
Keiko was a great main character. You understand her, her actions, and her thoughts, even though sometimes she can have a not-so-average mindset. Despite her uniqueness, I still found myself sympathizing with her and reflecting on her.
I think it was a great story, but I do not think I fully understand the ending. Not that the ending was not good and fitting. I just do not think I fully understand what the ending is trying to say. That is a me problem and not the book's fault.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny, Ableism, and Sexism
Moderate: Stalking and Toxic relationship
readingwithtemperance's review against another edition
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This book was unputtdownable. I read it in just a few hours. Keiko's inner monolog was just so interesting. I found her work very relaxing and comforting.
This book really sheds a light on how demanding society can be. And how we put ourselves and others under so much pressure.
Shiraha on the other hand was SO annoying. And I really could have gone my whole life without meeting him.
This book really sheds a light on how demanding society can be. And how we put ourselves and others under so much pressure.
Shiraha on the other hand was SO annoying. And I really could have gone my whole life without meeting him.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny and Ableism
Moderate: Stalking and Toxic relationship
calamitywindpetal's review against another edition
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Misogyny and Sexism
Minor: Bullying and Animal death