A review by tui_la_dao
Earthlings by Sayaka Murata

challenging dark emotional mysterious reflective fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

3.25

I need to write a review for this book at this odd hour, because I need it. I just found the first two chapters so emotional and real. I relate to it, and sadly, I guess my sister will, too, if she reads this. It is about kids who can't take refuge at home, who can't depend or trust on who they are supposed to trust, kids who have developed unhealthy coping mechanism to get by, kids who nurture themselves with the thoughts and imagination in their own head. Who read the beginning of this book and doesnt want to hold Natsuki dearly and protect her, it's just extremely sad, being someone who doesn't become what society expects from them. I don't know when I came home and don't see the usual cheerful smile in my sister anymore, or to see that she has lost appetite and weight uncontrolably,to the point that she *BIG SENSITIVE CONTENT WARNING* finally let me know that she has been suicidal so many times, and I understand so well that she was the unlucky one for being kinder and chooses to stay back while I fled home as soon as I could. I just wish we would find a way out soon, one way or another, like the characters in here. "Survive, no matter what". And then you can choose the happiness that you want, hopefully.