Reviews

Ok, so this was very interesting. I still don't know how I feel about it, other than I liked what I was reading a lot. I got to reading this thanks to Namjoon, and it felt like exactly the kind of book he would read. I don't know yet what I took away from this book, you know what I mean? I feel like many people would argue that Yunjae starting to recover because of love and friendship might be cliché, but I don't think of it like that at all. I do believe that those two things, and love in general, can help us overcome many things. It doesn't have to be grand. Easy love will do. That scene with Yunjae just watching his mom and granny die without being able to do anything really hit me. It was just so sad, like ugh. I really enjoyed this, nonetheless.

rainee_deverell's review against another edition

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emotional 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? It's complicated

4.75

I really liked this book, the themes and the writing/translation were digestible but poignant. I particularly enjoyed the main characters growing self-analysis and acceptance of his “flaws”. Acceptance, rather than overcoming. And that this concept (presented within such a specific context) was very relatable and came at the right time for me to hear it. Further, I liked how the end didn’t finish as so many books do, with a “monster overcomes his flaws and life is perfect after this” message. Finally I may be reading too much into this, but the concept of nature versus nurture was explored extremely well in relation to this concept of flaws and how we learn to live with or become victim to them (in this case, the main characters difficulties and the acceptance and support of his home environment, versus the character Gon and his own experience in an unsupported environment). I really enjoyed this book, and what it left me thinking about afterwards.

xtinaji's review against another edition

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3.0

I picked up this book because I needed something to follow up my playthrough of Omori - and Almond did deliver on that thematic need. I really enjoy these type of stories, in which characters grapple with emotional nuances, particularly through the lens of grief. Still, I think this book suffers a bit from pacing, and the promised friendship between Yungjae & Gon doesn't feel as profound/important as I had expected it to be based off the premise. At the same time, I liked the book's themes on the fleeting nature of emotion, and how even when stripped of attributed meanings or sensations, life is still precious and purposeful. While I do wish that the author went deeper in on these messages, I can also respect the intended ambiguity of said themes.

Spoiler

One thing to note is that I really found Dora's character to be absolutely meaningless. I'm not too sure why the sudden introduction of a romance was necessary since it was shoe-horned in without much depth to the relationship or Dora herself. The overall treatment of female characters as emotional set pieces for the male characters is one I take issue with as well.

btnsnts's review against another edition

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emotional inspiring reflective fast-paced

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

4.5

reemkh44's review against another edition

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5.0

“ I’ve decided to confront it. Confront wherever life throws at me, as I always have. And however much I can feel, nothing more, nothing less “

I devoured this book like I would eat an almond. While reading it, I was diagnosed with ADHD. Receiving such news wasn’t easy for me. I had mixed feelings. on one hand I could understand myself, on the other hand, knowing that things wouldn’t be easy for me. This book gave me hope, a push, and acceptance.
The journey of both Yunjea and Gon taught me so much about the human race, and took me to an extraordinary level of emotional maturity .
Easily a favorite of mine .

lilysgf's review against another edition

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emotional inspiring reflective sad fast-paced

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

4.75

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