I liked this little novella pretty well, but it didn't blow me away like the books did. While reading the series, I had already gotten into the habit of disliking Yesubai, so it took me awhile to warm up to her in this book. The story is so short that there isn't much room for development anyway.

It was heartbreaking to see the cruelty and pain in Yesubai's childhood with her horrible father. I really admired that she was so determined to be a good person, despite her father's terrible influence. To see her mental and physical suffering was awful, but an example of what good writing this author has, since I really felt Yesubai's anguish in her circumstances and her simple pleasure in small things like flowers.

I barely skimmed over the chapter from Yuvakshi's perspective. Her tragic story was just too depressing, so I wanted to get through it and be done.
I loved the chapter from Ren's perspective! It just shows again what a sweet and wonderful guy he is; so full of hope and kindness!

A sweet story about a group of siblings growing up at the turn of the century. They run wild through the country hills, chasing errant cows, and tracking down wayward lost dogs. They hate visiting their aunt and grandfather in the city, and sometimes find trouble at school.

The siblings see the world from their child's point of view, and that gets them into difficulties because they don't really understand how things work in the real world outside their comfortable family home. They are an unusual bunch of hooligans, with their own squabbles and childish secrets, but they all ultimately band together to protect their family.

I love the detailed writing style that puts you in the middle of each story! The characters are funny and sweet, and they are well-developed. I thought the storyline was hilarious and interesting, but somehow this book didn't amuse me like I thought it would. I found the characters annoying sometimes, and a couple of the plot lines were boring, but most of it was good.

I enjoyed it, but I wasn't delighted with every page or anything.

Eleven-year-old Edie is declaring a war on men! Edie is tired of being told to act like a little lady, while her brothers have the freedom to play games and have fun all up and down the countryside. She hears about the suffragettes and tries to join one of their parades, but instead gets into trouble with the police.
Her stepmother entrusts her with the care of the youngest Cares siblings, hoping that it will settle Edie's wild spirit with some responsibility, but Edie tries to train the littlest girls to romp through the fields, climb trees, and explore the streams of the woods.
Edie's rebellious soul is maddened every time someone tells her, "You're only a girl." Edie plans to find the perfect way to prove to everyone, especially her own family, that she is so much more than "just a girl."

I absolutely adore Edie! She has the most disastrous ideas, and she is never boring. She has so much courage and hope in her little heart, and a beautiful capacity for trouble! She starts out with such good intentions, and I loved reading all the hilarious situations she finds herself in.
Her poor family are beside themselves trying to figure her out, because she is so passionate about things and they don't really understand what is going on in her head that causes her to misbehave.

I loved the interesting plot, and the lovely Cares family! I only wish I could find the first book in this series, but it's out of print.

When Tabitha receives a mysterious invitation to visit the reclusive Countess of Windermere, Tabitha leaves her life of isolation behind, and hopes to find new friends among the other five children who have also been summoned. Since her only friend is her pet mouse, Pemberley, Tabitha has difficulty at first keeping up a conversation with other children, but learns to relax and trust her companions as they begin to unravel the mystery of the Countess and her intentions.

Drawing on her literary experiences reading mystery novels, Tabitha leads the children's investigation into the rumors of ghosts at Windermere, the ailing maid who has suffered a stroke, and the odd Countess herself who has many secrets. When things don't add up, Tabitha is the one who discovers the truth that will change all their lives forever.

An exciting plot, wonderful writing style, and a whole cast of interesting characters! I love the humor and little aside comments in the writing. So funny!

Tabitha is an adorable character! She's so lonely and starved for love. How sweet to see her making friends and finding that people like her and care about her. She has a keen mind, and is always quoting advice from mystery novels to herself to guide her through the mazes of social interaction or the mysteries of Windermere. She clings to her mystery novels as a way to make sense of the world.

I was interested to meet each of the other children, and see their varied personalities. Some are decidedly spoiled, bad eggs. Others are somewhat good, but not always exactly nice or polite. And some are nice, but misunderstood. Getting to know each character was half the fun of this book!

The plot had a little bit of a Willie Wonka feel at the beginning, since a group of children are exclusively invited to a mansion full of mystery and riches, but the story quickly became its own thing. This story stands on its own! The plot had me wondering a little bit, and while the plot twists weren't exactly surprising, I enjoyed seeing how the story arrived there.

I was especially impressed at how Tabitha dealt with her feelings about her emotionally abusive parents. An important lesson presented in a healthy way. And still full of fun, and some wonderful insight on the meaning of friendship and family!

I can't wait to read more from this author!

Jane Eyre has always been one of my favorite books, so I had high expectations for this manga adaptation, and I was not disappointed!

Jane is beautifully portrayed, and all the complexity and grace of her character is reflected in her appearance, her facial expressions, and in every bit of dialogue. Simply brilliant! I loved her pretty dresses, and her fierce spirit and sweetness absolutely pours off the page!

Condensing such a complex and deep story into manga form works very well here, and the plot closely follows the original story. I loved the artwork so much! Beautiful panels in every chapter that draw you into the story.

Every character is exactly like I always imagined while reading the original book. Mr. Rochester is a difficult character to pin down, because he's so changeable and enigmatic, but they did a wonderful job portraying his wild nature, both when he wants to be charming and when he's being a manipulative jerk. The only reason I love his character is because he repents and reforms at the end.
Adele is adorable in every way! And even St. John is just the sort of haughty and distant character I always imagined him to be. Both good characters and villains are drawn so uniquely and that makes them all very memorable.

What a delight to revisit this beloved classic in manga form!

Disclaimer: I received an ecopy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for a free and honest review. All the opinions stated here are my own true thoughts, and are not influenced by anyone.

This volume introduces the pianists desperately trying to beat Arima Kousei in a piano competition! The competition is tough, but poor Kousei is dealing with his own problems. There's so much depth to this story!

I have so much love for this series, especially because it is all about musicians, and specifically a pianist. I have played piano and taught piano lessons for more than 20 years, and anything having to do with music is near to my heart. I love how the musicians in this manga are portrayed, full of the love of their artform, full of creativity, and sensitive to beauty in the world around them.

Kaori and Kousei are such wonderful characters! I love the whole gang of friends, and their individual stories. I love how they support and care for one another, always cheering each other on through difficulties.

The art work is completely gorgeous! Sometimes I just stare at a page and drink it in, all the lovely lines. So beautiful, and the art tells the story so powerfully.

Kousei competes in his first solo piano competition since his mother died, and he has some emotional issues to deal with. But it all comes right in the music. Playing the piano can be healing, and a mirror for the soul.

So much sadness! And beauty! and my heart is broken, and I'm inspired to play music, and I want to curl up under the covers and never emerge. All the feels. Feels. Feels!