I love this book. I was gobsmacked from seeing it in my local Barnes and Noble to reading the last page because Mari's journey is so ridiculously similar to my own. I think my mind exploded a bit. I couldn't believe it. I thought I'd read a lot of queer stories, but Mari's journey of discovery and mine are twins. There are differences, sure, but I was constantly wanting to reach into the pages, take Mari's hand, and say, "I know your pain. I was here too."

Also, this was in Barnes and Noble??? Like, CITRUS, which according to the back blurb is similar to GIRLFRIENDS, was on the featured manga shelf. I'm not saying I cried in the middle of Barnes and Noble, but I teared up. You know what was on the featured shelf when I was a kid? Male protags with male-heavy casts punching each other. There's nothing wrong with reading shonen manga: in fact, some of my favorites are in that genre. But girls liking girls. That is what I want to be featured in the world.

Just....ahhhhhh, go to your local bookstore and buy the two complete collections of GIRL FRIENDS because there will be no regrets and also kissing.