Yuta Takemoto, the nominal protagonist of Honey and Clover, has been battling feelings of insecurity and inferiority for some time. When he finally gets a job offer, only to receive news of the company’s sudden bankruptcy during his celebration party, it suddenly becomes too much and he takes off on a bicycle journey to find himself. Meanwhile, Yamada starts forming a bond with … [Read more...] about Honey and Clover 6 by Chica Umino: A-
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Honey and Clover 5 by Chica Umino: B+
From the back cover: Takemoto is nearing graduation, but he doesn't have a job lined up—he doesn't even know what he wants to do with his life. His friends try to be supportive, but they have their own dramas to act out. With his health failing and his heart in turmoil, how will Takemoto find the strength to carry on? Review: I unreservedly adore the cover of this volume. … [Read more...] about Honey and Clover 5 by Chica Umino: B+
Honey and Clover 4 by Chica Umino: A-
From the back cover: Morita has disappeared, leaving his friends bereft and confused. Hagu and Takemoto turn to their art, while Mayama and Yamada cling to their unrequited loves. When his coworker begins to romance Yamada, Mayama can't help interfering. But what does he care, when he's nursing a flame for a woman he hasn't seen in a year? Review: After a chapter in which the … [Read more...] about Honey and Clover 4 by Chica Umino: A-
Honey and Clover 3 by Chica Umino: A-
From the back cover: Professor Hanamoto is off in Mongolia on a research trip and Hagu is having a hard time coping. The gang do their best to help her out, especially Takemoto. But as graduation threatens to alter their friendships forever, Hagu begins to turn toward Morita... Review: Time moves very quickly in Honey and Clover—already two years have passed since Takemoto met … [Read more...] about Honey and Clover 3 by Chica Umino: A-
The Gentleman and the Lady by Kazumi Tohno: B+
Book description: The six romantic, sensual shorts in The Gentleman and the Lady reveal that love is often surprising and always unavoidable. There may be more to a friendship than meets the eye, as true love is sometimes hidden where a girl least expects it. This endearing collection by Kazumi Tohno opens with the title story, introducing the "chummy threesome": Kotoko, … [Read more...] about The Gentleman and the Lady by Kazumi Tohno: B+