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lcplynn's review against another edition
- 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
4.75
Moderate: Sexism, Misogyny, and Sexual harassment
sarah_thebooknerd's review against another edition
- 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
4.0
This is a short book about a woman who begins working at a Convenience Store when she is 18 years old and continues to work there and finds it to be a place of refuge. It is never stated that the FMC is neurodivergent but based on the masking, social que needs and having a hard time navigating friendships and relationships because everyone continues to think that she is "odd" or "not right" makes me think that she definitely is and the convenience store allows her the space to find her masks to be able to participate in society the way that works for her. She is faced with pressure to get married, find a partner or find a more successful job and is even faced with someone who is trying to take advantage of her situation and desperation for that. Its a very character driven book and may not be for everyone.
Graphic: Ableism, Sexual harassment, and Bullying
uparrowhead's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
This isn't the kind of book that I tend to find myself reading, but it was very enjoyable while also being simple. There were times where I found the protagonist, Keiko, being very relatable in the ways in which she strays from what is considered normal in humans.
The overall message of the story, despite the hardships that lead up to it, is just a classic tale of "Be yourself, even in a society that opposes you." The story wasn't exactly ground breakingly major, but I feel like it carried it's message really well and proved to be an entertaining read. Definitely recommend to people who might feel outcasted in this world, one way or another.
Graphic: Acephobia/Arophobia, Sexual harassment, Misogyny, Sexism, and Toxic relationship
dillsbookdiary's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
Graphic: Sexism, Misogyny, and Toxic relationship
Moderate: Ableism, Stalking, and Sexual harassment
Minor: Body shaming
luckyonesoph's review against another edition
- 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? It's complicated
3.0
Graphic: Misogyny
Moderate: Sexual harassment
Minor: Sexual violence, Violence, and Rape
spineofthesaurus's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
Graphic: Toxic relationship, Misogyny, Ableism, Gaslighting, Sexism, Sexual harassment, Classism, and Emotional abuse
Moderate: Body shaming, Child death, Domestic abuse, Stalking, Murder, Acephobia/Arophobia, Sexual violence, Fatphobia, and Pregnancy
Minor: Medical trauma, Injury/Injury detail, Alcohol, and Fire/Fire injury
violettiaras's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Graphic: Misogyny
Minor: Stalking, Sexual harassment, Rape, and Sexual assault
bunny18's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Graphic: Misogyny
Moderate: Sexual harassment
gardens_and_dragons's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
2.0
Moderate: Classism, Sexism, and Sexual harassment
mayaism_01's review against another edition
- 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
5.0
I also enjoyed the introduction of Shiraha as a foil to Keiko, while Keiko is happy with her life and doesn't understand why everyone wants her to be 'normal', Shiraha desperately wants to be 'normal' but feels so far from it that he warps his desperation to hatred and resentment of anyone and everyone he perceives benefits from the way society is structured. Though both characters could be categorized as 'different', why they choose to live the way they do are incredibly different.
The autistic/neurodivergent rep in this is really special and the way Murata injects witty humor and uses an absurdist tone makes the writing both intelligent and genuinely funny. I think this story will really stick with me for the way Keiko represents a version of myself I aspire to be, Keiko doesn't fit in and she doesn't want to!
And here's a quote that really stuck with me:
“She’s far happier thinking her sister is normal, even if she has a lot of problems, than she is having an abnormal sister for whom everything is fine.”
Graphic: Ableism, Toxic relationship, Sexism, and Misogyny
Minor: Stalking and Sexual harassment