I don’t know. Philosophy and vignettes of life’s ups and downs are presented through unsettling artwork. I’m sure others will find this magical and whimsical, but I found it draining. A kid gets brutally mangled at the end, and there’s a running sense of peril throughout the story. Everyone just seems angry at the kid all the time, and the last-minute conclusion didn’t feel fitting.

so all this time the boy was running from the truth of accepting his father’s death…

 

Also, since when is Michael Jackson Hip-hop? Like, I was reading that reference like what??? King of Pop, hello… 

 What a ride! Make this a movie (either animated or live action is fine)! I loved the strong sense of community Rue’s (neighbor)hood had and all the soul food references. Collard greens and neckbones and thick, lemony slices of pound cake? Yum! 

I enjoyed Rue’s narrative. Girl got some spunk. She’s not just this magical brick wall of a girl who pushes everything down inside; she had vulnerability too. It was a great and needed balance. 

Wings of Ebony was a breeze to read. The chapters passed by quickly and kept my interest. Shoutout to Ms. Leola you the real MVP! 

I’ll read a book two for sure!

we’re going to get that Jhamal vs. Julius love triangle, right? I don’t care if it’s a YA cliché. I WANT IT!

 

4.5 

Ending thoughts: 

the dad dying was a lil’ cliché. Yeah, Jhamal and Rue has those insta-lovey teas, but crushes don’t have rhyme or reason. I’m not like Rue I don’t need any explanations or apologies from racists. I just need their power taken away from them. But in the context of the story, yeah, the full confession was needed to help throw the book at him.

 

Still very cute, emotional, and informative! This series plays heavy ailments of dogs straight. I had no clue dogs could get dementia, bunnies gnash/grind their teeth when happy, or the right way to ease in a second dog.

One of the stories deals with a grumpy, old man Mr. Hori who hates therapy dogs. I thought it was very touching! 

 Look at these dogs out here saving marriages! Another cute volume with some emotional moments. 

 This series is certainly for kiddies, but the emotional moments are good and hold weight for such a light-hearted series. Of course, the animals are cute as can be. 

 Listen. This had all the makings of stories I usually love: You got a surly MC who has to protect someone/thing cute and innocent, a super adorable art style, and a family-friendly story with none of the usual ills of manga. But this just wasn’t hitting for me. 

If the library orders volume 2, I’ll probably take a look, but on my own, I’m not too interested in reading more.

[rating from enjoyment, not content] 

 A little too much Dylan but an ultimately charming story! I can't wait for the movie version Marsai Martin's production company is working on. 

 A 26-year-old should not be romantically interested in a high schooler. I hate when shoujo(s) have these weird-behind age differences. I can't root for y'all if it's gross.

The author constantly brings up the obvious age gap, and Hana isn't impressed by Takane's age or money. I'm conflicted with this story because I like the cheesy humor. I love arrogant, cocky (and smug!) characters that aren't as cool as they think they are with hearts of gold. I also love a shoujo lead that isn't a total ditz who is quick with the comebacks. I like Takane and Hana so much. ;__; And them one-upping each other is fun.

I can't stand this manga for making me love these two characters. Lowkey/highkey it would be just as good without the age difference. Takane could've just been a young prodigy trying to take over the company *shrug* Yes, I'm aware age of consent/respectable dating age differs from different countries and cultures, but from a Western view, it's still a bit uncomfortable.

Still, I already got the first 8 volumes from the library, so I guess I will be reading it.