Take a photo of a barcode or cover
3.49 AVERAGE
3.49 AVERAGE
I'm giving this one 2.5 stars. It's witty and charming with some literal laugh out loud moments as the author's voice really shines through, and had me waxing nostalgic for the shenanigans I got up to in college. While it reads like an anime, it also unobtrusively writes a love letter about the city of Kyoto which I've been lucky enough to visit.
The only difficult thing for me was how repetitive some parts of the story got, especially on the third and fourth iteration, where paragraphs were copied and pasted over and over. Given the cyclical nature of the universes in which this book took place I'm not sure this could be avoided in any way and still had the same impact, but it was something that did make things drag for me.
The only difficult thing for me was how repetitive some parts of the story got, especially on the third and fourth iteration, where paragraphs were copied and pasted over and over. Given the cyclical nature of the universes in which this book took place I'm not sure this could be avoided in any way and still had the same impact, but it was something that did make things drag for me.
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
I am enjoying a romp through Morimi's Kyoto University interweaving stories. The Tatami Galaxy is a fun alternate timeline novel revolving around the protaganist making a choice that shapes his college life trajectory (or so he thinks). Each section follows him as he joins a different club and the machinations and events that happen or don't happen. Throughout, there is plenty of light-hearted humor and love for the Kyoto college scene. My favorite character is the frenemy and possible yokai Ozu ... whose irrepressible presence across the Morimi novels and anime adaptations add substantial flavor to rival Neko Ramen. 4 stars.
adventurous
lighthearted
medium-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:
No
wow i loved this!! i picked it up because of the cool cover art and ended up getting really into it. the protagonist is sooo greg heffley, and the plot just kept getting more ridiculous. excited to check out the anime! (this is the first time in my life i have said that about a book.)
adventurous
emotional
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I read the 2nd book—The Tatami Time Machine Blues—first and I enjoyed it more, I think it’s a better introduction to the series.
I love the characters Morimi invented and seeing them in different situations is very entertaining. The unnamed MC and Ozu are wonderful parallels to eachother.
My main criticism is as this book was written nearly 20 years earlier, it includes persistent sexism and sexualization of the female protagonists. Tw mention of SA:There is a scene where the MC considers initiating sex with a drunk woman despite acknowledging its wrong but he gets interrupted before trying anything. It was very uncomfortable to read. It’s nice to see in the newer book, TTTMB, the characters Akashi and Hanuki are more 3 dimensional. The main character keeps his characteristics but loses his sexism. That makes the book far more enjoyable to read.
I digress. This book was fun to read. The repetitive passages as a literary tool are very effective and added delightful layers of humor and irony. (Although I did end up skimming them as they got tiring after a bit). The final story really ties this whole narrative together and I really enjoyed the resolution of the plot. I didn’t expect to get a little inspiration with my entertainment and I’m happy for it. I like spending time in this universe where a silly fool of a man tries to get his rose-colored campus life amidst a cast of silly-yet-tender characters.
I love the characters Morimi invented and seeing them in different situations is very entertaining. The unnamed MC and Ozu are wonderful parallels to eachother.
My main criticism is as this book was written nearly 20 years earlier, it includes persistent sexism and sexualization of the female protagonists. Tw mention of SA:
I digress. This book was fun to read. The repetitive passages as a literary tool are very effective and added delightful layers of humor and irony. (Although I did end up skimming them as they got tiring after a bit). The final story really ties this whole narrative together and I really enjoyed the resolution of the plot. I didn’t expect to get a little inspiration with my entertainment and I’m happy for it. I like spending time in this universe where a silly fool of a man tries to get his rose-colored campus life amidst a cast of silly-yet-tender characters.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexism, Stalking, Sexual harassment
Minor: Sexual assault, Sexual content, Alcohol, Injury/Injury detail
In the chapter where the Mc follows the “disciples wanted” flyer TW SA: There is a scene where the MC considers initiating sex with his friend Hanuki, who is very drunk, despite acknowledging it’s wrong. He debates the matter in his head for several pages. He is interrupted before he can harm Hanuki.
adventurous
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I accidentally read this after its sequel, but I still really liked it. The concept is super creative, and the tie-ins between each parallel version of the story were really fun - the bear, the book, the moths, the doll, etc. Really my only complaint is that the main character is a giant loser - quickly approaching incel territory (as are most of his friends), but at least he had a bit of a "wake up" moment in the end. The last quarter of the book was my favorite part, and I wish more of the story had been about the tatami room loop.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Confinement, Misogyny
Minor: Vomit, Stalking, Toxic friendship, Alcohol
medium-paced
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
An intriguing dip into the mind of a pessimistic and unreliable narrator. Just when you think you're imagining things, the story ramps up and confirms your suspicions. Left me with a warm fuzzy feeling at the end and hope for the future.
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes