A review by grayi
Salad Days: Vol. 1 by Via Lactea, 静水边 木更, Jing ShuiBian

5.0

“I hope that in your life, your dreams will grow ever so brightly, and that you will grow wildly, unhindered and unwavering.”

Beautiful. I'm in awe of how a dream can blossom from sheer curiosity: Jiang Shen's chance encounter with a group of girls practicing ballet at the community center set in motion an incredible journey.

This book illustrates how community can uplift you. When the people you love believe in you and your passion, when they trust you, and decide to do whatever they can to support you. Whether their efforts were big or small, the fact that they're there makes all the difference for Jiang Shen. I could cry.

Bai Jinyi and Jiang Shen's puppy love is everything to me. Their playful banter, their shared dreams, and their dedication to working together... Jiang Shen's gradual realization of his feelings, despite his youthful naiveté, is simply heartwarming. They're the epitome of first love.

Dreams are bittersweet. They carry risks, and often, they're a privilege not everyone can afford. And this book perfectly captures that essence. Above all, for me, this is a story about dreams and how, even if not all of us can achieve our picture-perfect life, we don't have to let go of what we love, we can hold on. It's not fruitless to keep dreaming.

5/5