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kaneebli's review against another edition
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism, Misogyny, Sexism, and Acephobia/Arophobia
Moderate: Toxic relationship and Sexual harassment
Minor: Animal death, Rape, Violence, Stalking, and Pregnancy
okaychanly's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
Before I get into it, I just want to say that I hope that the translation of this book isn't the reason why I wasn't a huge fan. I've seen some comments online that the translation wasn't great so hopefully that isn't the root cause. Moving on though, I read this book at a time in my life where I was (and still am) questioning my purpose and ambitions. So I was hopeful that this book would be as inspiring as many online reviews claimed. Unfortunately, it missed the mark on several occasions for me such as with the "humor." I admire the protagonist for standing firm in the way she wants to live her life, and it's implied that she may be autistic. But the whole subplot where that random man was staying RENT FREE in her apartment? BOTH UNEMPLOYED AND DISRESPECTFUL TOWARDS HER? No to mention her family and "friends" (really just former classmates) are just so unsupportive. I wanted to throw the book. There are elements of a good, inspiring story about the joys of the mundane, but so many of the supporting characters and just plot in general were unlikable.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism, Misogyny, and Sexism
Moderate: Toxic relationship and Stalking
Minor: Animal death, Rape, and Sexual harassment
elderwoodreads's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
To put it lightly this translation was rough. I think this could have has the potential to be rated higher if the translation had been done better. Be prepared to be taken out of the story several times by weird translation choices. Overall though a very nice character study and story about belonging.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Ableism and Misogyny
Minor: Sexual content, Pregnancy, and Alcohol
leonkoenig's review against another edition
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
girl choose the bear
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny
elliebasta's review against another edition
dark
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism, Misogyny, Rape, and Sexism
Moderate: Animal death, Body shaming, Racial slurs, Racism, Toxic relationship, Stalking, and Sexual harassment
tianaaaa's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75
A very easy read with the continues topic of societal expectations and people who aren't "normal". It was an enjoyable book however due to the simplicity, I didn't find it to be an amazing piece of literature(maybe it was too simple) which is why I wish I could be voting in decimals - maybe 4.6? . However, from this book, I discovered that I love Sayaka Murata's writing style <3
A woman called Keiko Furukura is a convivence store worker and has been for 18 years. She is 36 years old and eventually it is pointed out to her that a "normal" women wouldn't be living the life she is living. Keiko wasn't a character with an eventful backstory yet her thoughts and her outlook of life, in my opinion, make her an interesting character. Shes very good at understanding the needs and wants of the convince store despite there being points in the book where it suggests that she might be mentally challenged. Slowly throughout the book, people are more vocal about what is wrong with her but it's ending is satisfying as it basically tells the reader to accept their true self rather than to suffocate from the demands of society.
She makes a deal with a former male employee(Shiraha) - he talks her into letting him live with with her, providing him with food etc. It isn't a romance and I'm so grateful for this, because the man is very insufferable, hypocritical and sexist. Like her, he is also judged my society so he proposes this idea as it will benefit them both - society will see them as 'normal' and their friends/family will think that they are 'cured'. Shiraha talks Keiko into quitting her job to find a better one that will provide for the both of them - Keiko is lost as her entire life has been devoted to and evolved around a convivence store. At the end of the book, Shiraha travels with Keiko for her job interview but they stop at a convivence store. Keiko can't help herself but to help out in the and finally realizes that she doesn't care what other people think and that she is meant to be a convivence store worker. She tells Shiraha this and he isn't happy and they both part ways.
A woman called Keiko Furukura is a convivence store worker and has been for 18 years. She is 36 years old and eventually it is pointed out to her that a "normal" women wouldn't be living the life she is living. Keiko wasn't a character with an eventful backstory yet her thoughts and her outlook of life, in my opinion, make her an interesting character. Shes very good at understanding the needs and wants of the convince store despite there being points in the book where it suggests that she might be mentally challenged. Slowly throughout the book, people are more vocal about what is wrong with her but it's ending is satisfying as it basically tells the reader to accept their true self rather than to suffocate from the demands of society.
She makes a deal with a former male employee(Shiraha) - he talks her into letting him live with with her, providing him with food etc. It isn't a romance and I'm so grateful for this, because the man is very insufferable, hypocritical and sexist. Like her, he is also judged my society so he proposes this idea as it will benefit them both - society will see them as 'normal' and their friends/family will think that they are 'cured'. Shiraha talks Keiko into quitting her job to find a better one that will provide for the both of them - Keiko is lost as her entire life has been devoted to and evolved around a convivence store. At the end of the book, Shiraha travels with Keiko for her job interview but they stop at a convivence store. Keiko can't help herself but to help out in the and finally realizes that she doesn't care what other people think and that she is meant to be a convivence store worker. She tells Shiraha this and he isn't happy and they both part ways.
Content Warnings
Minor: Misogyny and Sexism
oatmilktea's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Misogyny
idesofmarch's review against another edition
dark
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism, Misogyny, and Sexism
Moderate: Stalking
Minor: Rape
fluture's review against another edition
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
A heart warming novel which shows just how much the double standard in society for woman (and also man) can affect human's life decisions. I love how the character knows what she wants to do and stick to her choice. Although some characters are annoying, I would like to emphasize and appreciate this novel and story for showing the struggle a human can go thorugh for choosing the way of living that's different from how the society expects us to live.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny and Sexism
Moderate: Forced institutionalization and Gaslighting
Minor: Stalking
pyreghost's review against another edition
lighthearted
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism and Misogyny
Minor: Stalking