Reviews

Boys Run the Riot 3 by Keito Gaku

bookph1le's review against another edition

4.0

I thought this book had some important things to say about the ways in which companies sometimes make a mockery of important causes by turning them into commodities for the purpose of selling more stuff.

There's also a thoughtful analysis in here of how society at large and even marginalized groups can often demand that people identify themselves in easy-to-digest ways, as well as an examination of the harms this simplification can cause. It makes perfect sense to me that marginalized groups can become very insular as a means of protecting themselves against a larger culture that oppresses them, and I appreciated the nuance this book injected into that discussion by pointing out how this can cause groups to sometimes act like the very people oppressing them.

Lastly, I really like that the group rejects the idea of doing things differently because it would compromise their passion for what they're doing. There's a lot of tension in these books between them wanting to create their own brand while outside forces are pressuring them to focus more on profit and less on passion. Sure, everyone has to pay the bills, but I think it would do many societies a lot of good to focus less on materialism.

hobbitfreddie's review against another edition

5.0

PLEASE READ BOYS RUN THE RIOT. This series is just amazing. Even though this volume might not have been my favorite, it's still 5 stars.

There are some very high highs in this volume. No spoilers but this is a very amazing two page spread, that made my trans boy heart scream. This book is just a very good representation of LGBT themes.

There's a good balance of the LGBT themes and the fashion brand story. They work off each other to build the character arcs. The trio's characters reflect in their work, it's very nice. While at first I wasn't too interested in the side plot, just seeing the characters journey with it, makes me appreciate it. You really root for the group.

Oddly this volume was split into delving into Ryo and Tsubasa's arcs. Admitingly I wanted to focus more on Ryo or the other characters. But I think including Tsubasa's arc is alright, it gives another LGBT experience, making the world feel more alive. I think also it sets up some more conflict in the story.

So yeah, this book is great!

ellie_pan's review against another edition

4.0

3.5

dhatislandbookworm's review against another edition

emotional inspiring lighthearted fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.5

saramdeuri's review against another edition

3.5

always interesting to see gender discussion from east asia! 

glitterbomb47's review against another edition

emotional hopeful reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

sampauwels's review against another edition

emotional hopeful informative inspiring fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

oh_rachel's review against another edition

4.5

this was the best volume in the series so far. there were some really powerful conversations about identity and the responsibility we have for our own happiness to a degree.

tsubasa’s storyline here was so unexpected and i DID burst into tears.

madam_librarian's review against another edition

3.0

I DO NOT like the way this book handled Ryo being outed. It seemed to acknowledge that it was a shitty thing to do while simultaneously putting the onus on Ryo himself to handle it and be fine with it. It is COMPLETELY VALID for Ryo to very much NOT be fine with it. Outing someone can be EXTREMELY DANGEROUS, especially when that someone is a minor. You can’t possibly know their situation. If his parents were to find out, who’s to say he wouldn’t be disowned, kicked out of the house, even abused? His school could’ve taken measures against him. More of his classmates could’ve chosen to side against him, even acted violently towards him. So what Tsubasa did was extremely effed up, and the fact that the story let them off the hook for it so easily is very not cool.

bwandering's review against another edition

emotional hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective fast-paced

4.75