From the back cover: Love is never easy for our heroes. Takemoto is forced to confront his resentment of his stepfather and his own feelings of being cast adrift, while Mayama and Ayu flounder in their unrequited loves and Morita faces the prospect of being held back another year. Review: Reading Honey and Clover for me is similar to reading Sand Chronicles in that it induces … [Read more...] about Honey and Clover 2 by Chica Umino: A
Skip Beat! 13 by Yoshiki Nakamura: B+
From the back cover: Ren's acting test is about to begin, with his entire future hanging in the balance, and he's managed to make his leading lady Itsumi mad at him. Rather than confront him directly, Itsumi decides to hit him where it hurts. Will she sabotage his test, or will Ren be able to get it together and use his legendary acting ability to lead her through the … [Read more...] about Skip Beat! 13 by Yoshiki Nakamura: B+
Fruits Basket 20 by Natsuki Takaya: A
From the back cover: Kagura and Kazuma hotly discuss Tohru liking Kyou. With Kagura's forceful encouragement, will Tohru be able to muster up the courage to tell Kyou how she feels? Meanwhile, Ren is determined to get her hands on Akito's mystery box—even if it means killing for it! Review: I got a pleasant surprise on Wednesday when I discovered this had been released on … [Read more...] about Fruits Basket 20 by Natsuki Takaya: A
Under the Banner of Heaven by Jon Krakauer: B
From the back cover: In Under the Banner of Heaven, John Krakauer shift his focus from extremes of physical adventure to extremes of religious belief within our own borders. At the core of his book is an appalling double murder committed by a pair of brothers, Ron and Dan Lafferty, who insist they were commanded to kill by God. Beginning with a meticulously researched account … [Read more...] about Under the Banner of Heaven by Jon Krakauer: B
Dororo 2 by Osamu Tezuka: A-
Book description: Hyakkimaru and Dororo continue to travel the land, protecting ungrateful villagers from demons and collecting missing body parts along the way. An encounter with a former mentor causes Hyakkimaru to reexamine his goals, however, and start considering what he wants to do with his life after the last of the demons has been defeated. Review: I really liked this … [Read more...] about Dororo 2 by Osamu Tezuka: A-