With the Light: Raising an Autistic Child is the story of the Azuma family. Eldest son Hikaru has autism, and the series chronicles the struggles and satisfactions that his parents and teachers experience as Hikaru gradually learns to function in the world. This chunky volume from Yen Press, equivalent to volumes three and four of the original Japanese release, focuses on … [Read more...] about With the Light 2 by Keiko Tobe: B+
Josei
Suppli 2-3 by Mari Okazaki: A-
Minami Fujii works in the planning department of an advertising agency. At twenty-eight, she’s still trying to make a name for herself and is known for pulling all-nighters and juggling multiple projects. Mostly, this can be attributed to genuine dedication, though Minami also uses work as a distraction from her turbulent romantic life. After her boyfriend of seven years … [Read more...] about Suppli 2-3 by Mari Okazaki: A-
Suppli 1 by Mari Okazaki: A-
From the back cover: The skies are always clearer after a storm... After her boyfriend of seven years dumps her, Minami realizes she's shut out everything else in her life. Now, at twenty-seven years old, ambitious Minami throws herself into her advertising job and experiences life—and love—for the first time. From Mari Okazaki, the edgy, provocative author of Sweat & … [Read more...] about Suppli 1 by Mari Okazaki: A-
With the Light 1 by Keiko Tobe: B+
From the back cover: To new mother Sachiko Azuma, her baby boy is the light of her life. Accordingly, she names him Hikaru, Japanese for "to be bright." Eager to raise her son, Sachiko gradually begins to notice that Hikaru seems a bit different from other children. He is reluctant to be held or hugged, and his growth and development appear slow. Sachiko's suspicions are … [Read more...] about With the Light 1 by Keiko Tobe: B+
Love for Dessert by Hana Aoi: C+
Published under Aurora’s LuvLuv imprint, Love for Dessert is a compilation of six stories, each of which culminates in a steamy situation. The stories range widely in terms of quality, though nearly all start out decently enough. Some even try to incorporate plot elements other than sex, like parental relationship problems or learning not to change oneself just to suit a guy. … [Read more...] about Love for Dessert by Hana Aoi: C+