Scan barcode
jakinabook's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
melitaylor's review
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75
kobooks's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Acephobia/Arophobia and Homophobia
xeaxelli's review
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
5.0
I love this manga so much, they're so cute, I love the characters, and I'm so happy we got aroace rep <3
pastryghost's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
I absolutely adored this book, what a beautiful end to the series ❤️
koplomps's review
hopeful
informative
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
livlamentloathe's review
5.0
This series isn’t perfect (is any?) but I thoroughly enjoyed it. Okura says in the afterword that they want this story “to be something that could only have been written right now. And in the future, I want people to think…[quote bubble from fictional audience: “why is he so desperate to hide his gayness? It’s not like it’s weird or anything!”] when they read it.” And that’s it exactly. That’s the message of the story.
I was sad not to see more of Hiroki and Yuri’s stories but they weren’t the main character, Tomoko was. She was always openhearted and open-minded, but she needed to figure things out to get it. I loved that she dealt with a lot of homophobia and questions and awfulness but she shielded her kids from it. And she wasn’t pushy or entitled about it. Whenever Hiroki accidentally almost outed himself, she was calm and told him she loved him regardless. Or she helped him find the words to safely guard his secret.
She allowed Hiroki to grow up loved and protected while learning from him just as he did from her. Her questions about queerness may seem homophobic at times but she really was trying to piece the whole picture together without forcing her son to do it for her. She could’ve waited and ignored things, but instead she was patient and let him blossom at his own pace.
The final volume is the most focused on Tomo, with Akiyoshi finally home to help her work through things. This series made me tear up many times. I wish every parent of a queer teenager (every parent period tbh) questioned things as Tomo did. Akiyoshi was much worse, but her gentle corrections helped him change as well. I wish every queer child had a parent like Tomo working alongside them to support, protect, and understand them.
I was sad not to see more of Hiroki and Yuri’s stories but they weren’t the main character, Tomoko was. She was always openhearted and open-minded, but she needed to figure things out to get it. I loved that she dealt with a lot of homophobia and questions and awfulness but she shielded her kids from it. And she wasn’t pushy or entitled about it. Whenever Hiroki accidentally almost outed himself, she was calm and told him she loved him regardless. Or she helped him find the words to safely guard his secret.
She allowed Hiroki to grow up loved and protected while learning from him just as he did from her. Her questions about queerness may seem homophobic at times but she really was trying to piece the whole picture together without forcing her son to do it for her. She could’ve waited and ignored things, but instead she was patient and let him blossom at his own pace.
The final volume is the most focused on Tomo, with Akiyoshi finally home to help her work through things. This series made me tear up many times. I wish every parent of a queer teenager (every parent period tbh) questioned things as Tomo did. Akiyoshi was much worse, but her gentle corrections helped him change as well. I wish every queer child had a parent like Tomo working alongside them to support, protect, and understand them.
raix's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
A very sweet ending to the series. I was glad to see the characters growing, especially with the father learning to be less homophobic. I was really happy to see the younger brother looking into asexuality too-it's not a "resolution", but I think just addressing it brings the storyline to good closure. I was really happy to see the parents united in their support at the end. I hope the author's wish that one day, people will question why anyone would've had to hide being gay, will come true.