Reviews

Natsume's Book of Friends, Vol. 17 by Yuki Midorikawa

maryemmasivils's review against another edition

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5.0

Does Natsume's Book of Friends ever fail to give me the warm fuzzies?

So far, no.

I loved the "Nyanko-Sensei rock" moments.

rereader33's review against another edition

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5.0

While I raised a concerned eyebrow over the less than healthy relationship Kaoru and Aoi had, the tag game was really entertaining and I liked the two part side story at the end. It was nice seeing a younger Natori and understanding why he has the feelings and values he has. Matoba, apparently, has always been a giant douchecanoe to the shock and amazement of NO ONE, but it was interesting seeing him at a younger age.

But seriously, the tag game was so fucking entertaining. I loved Natsume's fan club trying to help, but were so unorganized and petty it almost made things worse. Also, I loved how the yokai in charge of the game was generous and held no ill will when Natsume asked to be excused. The balance between the more vengeful yokai (like in the side story) and the more laidback yokai (like in the tag game) is one of the things I appreciate most about this series. Yokai are not all one or the other, just like humans, and that's what makes Natsume's struggles have more depth than if all yokai were evil.

Another fun volume in a fun series, looking forward to more!

haruarus's review

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adventurous lighthearted relaxing medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? N/A
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

4.5

misssusan's review against another edition

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5.0

no commentary: i just really liked both of the primary stories this volume

5 stars

rouge_red's review

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adventurous emotional funny reflective fast-paced

4.0

First story (Ch. 68-69)-- Made me cry because it was so happy and hopeful in a way that Natsume's doesn't always connect. We have a lot of stories that feature humans and yokai, but many end bittersweet with a lot of time passing. There are a lot of missed opportunities, like the yokai not realizing years have passed or the human may not be able to see yokai anymore (or least not out of a very specific reason.) But here we have two fools who want happiness for as long as that lasts, and Natsume was so happy for them! And well, so was I.

Second story (Ch. 70)-- Natsume on his own and playing hide and seek, but we have the help of a few friends. I always love when the yokai crew show up and love on Natsume. Yeah, it might be a little rough going with Nyanko sensei, but Natsume can hold his own. But that little Nyanko Sensei-shaped rock!

Third story (Special ep. 15)-- How Natori and Matoba met. 
  • I'm so happy that Natori hated him too and stuck to his guns. They simply have two different ways of looking at things. I thought I forgot about this episode of the anime, but I remember that Natsume is able to see the patterning on the kimono. I am always curious to see the origins of people and mysteries in this series, and I did like how Natori was at the beginning of his journey- he had to learn a lot on his own, seeing as he was the first in his line to be able to see yokai again. Can't imagine the pressure since his family has fallen in regard. And when you compare him to the Matoba clan who can buy up old properties from other old prestigious, yet not defunct exorcist families, you see how much he's on his own. It does help me see him with more nuance in his intensions towards Natsume.

joanarcherknight's review

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

5.0

kosjatko's review against another edition

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mysterious reflective

5.0

jjamy55's review against another edition

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4.0

I must review this manga series because it is one of my favourite manga series! I've started reading this a long time ago, and I owned a few volumes in the Chinese version because the English version sold in Malaysia is super expensive! Loved the art style, this manga gives off a soft and warm ambience and very touching!! 5 stars for each volume!

1/12/17
Still loving this so far. Natsume is one of the kindest and down-to-earth protagonist I've ever seen. He is adorable and I like the atmospheric art style and narrative too.