A review by misssusan
Natsume's Book of Friends, Volume 8 by Yuki Midorikawa

3.0

I really love this series because it's one of the few shoujo I can think that's so strongly thematically structured around friendship. Romance is barely a presence; it's a bit like Diana Wynne Jones that way. And while I have nothing against romance (a comment oft heard from me on anime: great but they should've kissed) getting to see friendship so emphasized is a really lovely change. I have a lot of feelings about Natsume building connections with people! And this entire volume is about that, Natsume and the previously unnamed classmates he hangs out with, Natsume and Tanuma, Natsume and his aunt and uncle. I love how often he feels completely awkward about it; of course he would. Getting close to friends when you haven't before is a skill, it definitely took me awhile to learn it. Still learning it to be honest. 3.5 stars