Inio Asano

Title: What A Wonderful World Series Book 1/

Subarashii Sekai

Author: Inio Asano (duh)

• Paperback: 210 pages
• Publisher: VIZ Media LLC (October 20, 2009)
• Language: English

Summary:

 "Life is never ordinary. The cruelty of childhood. The delusion of adulthood. The endurance of death. Laugh in the face of reality. With this series of intersecting vignettes, Inio Asano explores the ways in which modern life can be ridiculous and sublime, terrible and precious, wasted and celebrated. A dream recaptured. A life on a new track. The absurdity of death. Laughter in the face of reality. With this series of intersecting vignettes, Inio Asano explores the ways in which modern life can be ridiculous and sublime, terrible and precious, wasted and celebrated."
Read Here

About the Author:

Born in Ibaraki, Japan in 1980. He has also done other works such as Uchuu kara Konnichiwa(Hello from Outer-space), Hikari no Machi(City of Light), Mijigahara Holograph, Solanin, and Oyasumi Punpun.

Title: Solanin

# Pages: 432

Release: 21 October, 2008

Summary:

" College graduates struggle to cope with the real world. Music offers refuge in this modern manga with an American attitude.

Meiko Inoue is a recent college grad working as an office lady in a job she hates. Her boyfriend Shigeo is permanently crashing at her apartment because his job as a freelance illustrator doesn't pay enough for rent. And her parents in the country keep sending her boxes of veggies that just rot in her fridge. Straddling the line between her years as a student and the rest of her life, Meiko struggles with the feeling that she's just not cut out to be a part of the real world."

This one is only 1 book long, but one of those that keeps your interest every time you turn the page!
Inio is very talented, and let's you picture the story very well. Can find these at your local book store. Read Here

Christmas Season

So here is the book that I am reading right now.
It's called Witches' Forest by: Mishio Fukazawa.

It's sooooo
addicting!!
I'm still not
done with it,
but now that
I know there
is 3 more books,
I can't wait to
read the other
ones. Now,
I just have to
ask my toshokan
to get the other
ones, that way, I can check them out and read them.
Woho! It's so hard to find books from Tokyopop
PopFiction for some reason....I don't know why.
Either way,
I have other books on my desk, in my room, that are
also fition from tokyopop. And, now that the 1st
semester of college is ending this coming week,
I have more time to read these. ^w^

New Book I Bought

Brave Story
by: Miyuki Miyabe
Release: 2008


This friday,
I went to [Barns
& Nobles].
Their manga
section,
is not that great...
And most of the
time,
there's a lot of
really annoying
people there.
Which by the way,
I couldn't avoid. >_> First there was a group of girls,
that would not stop screaming and running around.
Then there was a group of high schoolers that kept
swearing after every 3 words...and talking REALLY
loud. Ugh! Why do people go to a bookstore if they
do nothing with books, just talk and annoy everyone
else?
Anyways,
with all the noise i was able to find this book. And
another one, but I did not bring that much money
with me...
Here is the summary for the first book:
"Alone after his father his hospitalized and his
mother attempts suicide, Wataru Mitani ventures
from the real world to the land of Vision, where he
seeks five magical gemstones representing the qualities
of charity, bravery, faith, grace, and the power of light
and darkness. With these, perhaps Watari can change
his fate and bring his family together again."


And I just found out that the same author is coming
out with another book on 19 January 2010.!.!.
It's called The Book Of Heroes. Sounds really
interesting too!

Summary:
" When her brother
Hiroki disappears after
a violent altercation
with school bullies,
Yuriko finds a magical
book in his room. The
book leads her to another
world where she learns
that Hiroki has been
possessed by a spirit
from The Book of Heroes,
and that every story
ever told has some truth
to it and some horrible lie.
With the help of the monk
Sky, the dictionary-turned-mouse Aju, and the mysterious
Man of Ash, Yuriko has to piece together the mystery of her
vanished brother and save the world from the evil King in
Yellow. "
I'm really looking forward to seeing this book.


On the other side,
this is the book I did not have enough money to buy.
TT_TT

Battle Royale
by: Koushun
Takami


This one really
interested me
because it
seemed like one
of those survivor
stories that has
some
psychological
stuff to it too.
Plus, now that
I'm reading
[Witches'
Forest by:
Mishio Fukazawa] adventure type things sound
kinda cool. For a long time, I really didn't like reading
those fantasy/adventure books. Mainly because
the movies are so much better, and the books
are WAY to long and describe too many details
that don't have much to do with the story.
Like that Scorpion King book, its really interesting,
but after a point i just felt like ''when is something
going to happen.
So next time I have money, then I'll go buy this book!




If you want to see more details, and maybe
other books that have more or less the same theme
as these, go here.

Urawaza: Secret Everyday Trips and Tricks from Japan

Read Preview Here


I wish one of my parents had written a book
like this one. > 3>
In America, so many people rely on pills for
everything. It get's really irritating.
Last time I had a cold,
my friend told me to take a pill,
but you know
me being "tough and macho",
I said I can handle it, and that my body would
just get weak the next time I have a cold.

Spice and Wolf Vol.1

By: Isuna Hasekura

 "The life of a traveling merchant is a lonely one, a fact with which Kraft Lawrence is well acquainted. Wandering from town to town with just his horse, cart, and whatever wares have come his way, the peddler has pretty well settled into his routine—that is, until the night Lawrence finds a wolf goddess asleep in his cart. Taking the form of a fetching girl with wolf ears and a tail, Holo has wearied of tending to harvests in the countryside and strikes up a bargain with the merchant to lend him the cunning of “Holo the Wisewolf” to increase his profits in exchange for taking her along on his travels. What kind of businessman could turn down such an offer? Lawrence soon learns, though, that having an ancient goddess as a traveling companion can be a bit of a mixed blessing. Will this wolf girl turn out to be too wild to tame?"

I'm actually very excited for when this novel comes out! I already read the 1st chapter that was featured in the YenPluss Magazine.

It will be available around December 2009.  (for the novel. the manga will be out April 2010.)

Although,

it's a bit odd how they have a 'normal' cover for it.

The reason, because they are trying to attract more

readers; mainly those who don't really read light novels because they have anime on the cover.

I guess it's a good strategy, but I still like the original version of the covers.

I always get so excited when the novels come out. For example, when Shojo Beat magazine had advertised some books, I immediately went to Borders Bookstore to get them. I also subscribe to the OtakuUSA magazine, and they had featured a 2 page spread of the book. It was kind of cool, although OtakuUSA tends to be opionated, and spend more time on the anime pictures and graphics than accurately giving a summary on things or saying when these things will be available.

Which one do you like? Do you think it's a good idea to change the covers in order to attract more readers and make more sales?

In continuation of this post, I was thinking of posting about other books that I think are interesting. Does this sound like a good idea?

Viz Signature

I'll Give It My All....Tomorrow
By: Shunju Aono
Release: 7.23.2009


The website does a WAY better job
at describing it, so here goes:


"This is the story of a forty–year–old salary man who quits his job to pursue his dream of
becoming a manga artist—and the family that has to put up with him. While not terribly
unhappy, Shizuo Oguro can't fight the feeling that something in his life just isn't right, so
he walks away from his stable (yet boring) day job to embark on a journey of self–discovery. Unfortunately for his family, this journey also involves playing video games all day while
his teenage daughter and elderly father support him. Will Shizuo succeed in creating a true
manga masterpiece or will he be just another drop–out living a life of slack?"


The artwork is not GREAT, but it doesn't totally suck. Personally,
I barely read manga that doesn't
have good art, because it distracts me from the story.
Instead of thinking "man, this artwork really sucks", I want to think
"wow. he's a total *****".
It's a manga online, and it loads pretty fast.
The story is not slow-pace.
But, I think it is more for older teens....Basically, a 13 year old may
find this boring.


This is new, so the story isn't over, yet.
Please bare with this. ^^''o


Read Here

Walking Your Way To A Better Life by: Kimiko

The cover looks good right? That's what I thought!
After reading the article from Otaku USA Magazine,
it really sounded interesting.
Although, it really doesn't make any sense why they
wouldn't print this on their magazine?!?! Yen Press
promotes books! Why not this one?
But anyways,
the book sounds really interesting. It's about 'literaly'
walking with better posture. It's not for speed walking,
or when you walk in the mall. This is just for doing
little things in your life that add up in the end. And how
to have a better attitude about yourself.
It has simplicity,
and I'm definitely going to run to Border's Store to see
it!
Gyaaaaa!




To see the article, go to:
Talking the Walk with Kimiko Manga

Saikano

Saikano
Release: 2000
Artist/Author: [Kikuchi Naoe]Takahashi Shin
Alternate Title: She, The Ultimate Weapon

I don't know why I did not talk about this
before,
but this is one of my favorite!!!! :3
It's a lovely story about a girl named Chise
who is just like any normal high school senior,
except
she tends to be very clumsy but is great when
it comes to subjects like geography. I guess
that is because she is part robot made to be
part of the armed forces to protect her country.
I guess she is not normal after all...
Meanwhile,
she starts to have a relationship with Shuji
[another high school senior] who is also very
clumsy, especially when it comes to love.
How will he be able to protect his army robot
girlfriend from danger when she is the one
fighting? Will they be able to have a normal
life, even though chaos is about?
The last love song in this little planet.

Its quite lengthy,
so take your time. ^^
There is no rush.

Imadoki

Release: year 2000
Author/Artist: Yuu Watase

So,
Yuu Watase is one of my favorite manga
artists. I love all of her work. Especially
Ayashi No Ceres. (This one you can find in
any library....or you can go to this link provided
below.)My point is,
her stuff is awesome!! :3 I have already read this
manga twice. xD I guess i am a dork?
Only 5 books long. O_O

Imadoki:::--->
Tanpopo Yamazaki moves from Hokkaido to Tokyo
in hopes to go meet new friends in her new school
for the elite.
Imadoki! (Nowadays) follows the trials and
tribulations of a budding horticulturist as she
makes her way down the winding road to friendship.
From Yuu Watase, one of Japan's most beloved
shôjo artists, Imadoki! packs comedic charm and
heartfelt antics into an adorable bouquet of
whimsical fantasy.

And once again,
another work from Yuu Watase.
A much older work,
yet still popular for its artwork and storyline.
Ayashi No Ceres

Release: May 1996 - March 2000
Aya and her twin brother Aki belong to a strange
family, with a strange inheritance in genes.
When Aya and Aki celebrate their 16th birthday,
something isn't right.
Instead, they find themselves to be part of a strange
family ritual.Aya is found to be the reincarnation
of a celestial maiden and upon reaching the age
of sixteen her body is able to bring forth a
powerful, celestial maiden called Ceres.
And her family wants to kill her????

anyways,
i know this one is a little older,
but the artistic value is still good, and the
story will keep you awake!
I really like this manga, and the fact that it
gives odd situations that you probably will not
see everyday.
This one is a LOT longer than Imadoki, so please
be careful. ^^;

READ::
http://boxmanga.com/online_manga/image_1173-1.html?t=83&n=3

Hot Gimmick

Alternative Title: ホットギミック[Hotto Gimikku]
Release:December 2000 - July 2005
Total: 12 Volumes [not that long...]

" Miki Aihara turned the manga
world upside down with her
salacious, outrageous, and funny
hit series. If you think being a teenager
in America is hard, wait until
you read Hot Gimmick. These Tokyo
boys and girls are really messed up! "

" Unlike most shoujo, Hot Gimmick
isn't all sweet boys and rose petals.
It's much more real and complex, and
sometimes even chilling. The artwork
is top-notch, the drama is high-tension,
and I couldn't help but keep on rooting
for hapless heroine, Hatsumi, as she
deals with real life problems: family ties,
blackmail, awkward first kisses, and a
very disapproving landlady. What's not
to love? "
~ Tania del Rio, writer/artist of
Sabrina The Teenage Witch

Personally,
I really like this manga,
that I bought the first 3 books in
a special edition that only cost about
12 - 15 dollars$ !!!!! :3
Like it is written above,
its about basic teenage drama
and it puts you in that mode of,
"I NEED TO KNOW WHAT HAPPENS!!!!!!".
And this site has it completed ^^,
unlike other sites. >_>

Hope you enjoy. ^^v

24 Colors

Title: 24 Colors
Artist: Chiba Kouze
Release: 2008
Genre: Romance/Comedy/School Life
Rate: 13+

I am a artist, myself. And I really
enjoyed reading this manga.
Although, I think it is more about
the relationship in it.
Anyways,
the story is about Nanaka who loves
to paint, and joins the artclub at
her new highschool. However, there are
only 2 members in the club: Chihaya and
Kento. They are both gorgeous upperclassmen.
What will happen with them around??? O.O

It's only 5 chapters long,
so it is not a very long read.
Please enjoy. ^^

READ:: click title
to read next page, click [next] in website.

Sugar and Spice/ Someday's Dreamers

Alternative Title: Fumi Zekka/ふみぜっか
Release: September 2006


Lovely story. Just watched it before I went to Disney World.
Basically this hot guy (Yuuya Yagari) finishes high school but doesn't go to college, and start to work in a gas station. Then he sees a beautiful girl (Mari Natsuki) who has some relationship problems.... And the rest of the story you have to watch. :D
Click title for movie please ^^o.

I thought it was long for me, but good story. ^^
If only i had a boyfriend like that...




Title: Someday's Dreamers

I'm still reading this one ^^. so i wont recommend yet...
so nice, and main girl is cute and simple too ^^o. But my library only has the 1st volume. so sad TT_TT. luckily, i found it online....like any other manga. i wish my life was like hers though.


ごめんなさい。
Sorry I don't have alot to say. I am a little sad right now.
It's so fun talking to people from all over the world, (and japan ^^ because i need to learn more) but still doesn't fill the little emptiness i feel. >_> I hope to make that better soon.
Yo espero para el día cuando puedo buscar un hombre que me puede ser contenta y felíz. ^^

PERO NO LO PUEDO CREER ÉSTAS COSAS!!!!!!! La sangana que vive cerca de mi, esta acusándome que yo tengo mierda entras de la casa. Que mentirósa!!!!!

Do-Re-Mi-Fa-Sol-La-Si-Do

Release: January 2008

Artist/Author: Lee Gyung Ha, Gui Yeoni

When I found this manga(manhwa), I couldn't believe it!!! I saw the movie and it was pretty good. Not too many controversial topics, but it was sweet....and I have to admint, it made me cry.
The story centers around a heroin Jung-won who has a job at an amusement park, wearing a dragon suit. It doesn't take long for her to pour soda on Eun kyoo for taunting her.
A short while later, she learns that Eun kyoo has moved to the house next to hers. He blackmails her that he will tell her parents that she works at an amusement, and makes her carry his guitar for a week. At the same time, both of them are starting to like each other, but another party soon joins them. This really does have the oddest twist and turns, but the ending is great.
The movie is about the same too. I mean there is always that discussion of if the movie is better or the book was better, but in this case both of them are pretty much the same.

You can also find this movie in mysoju.com

Korean Cast: Eun Lee, Geun Seok Jang, Hye Ok Kim, Ju Hwan Im, Min Ji Park, Ui Cheol Jeong, Ye Ryeon Cha

Koi

Release Date: 1993

Artist/Author: Okazaki Takeshi & Ohkawa Ageha (Clamp)

A sweet collection of bittersweet and unrequited love. It brings up questions such as: why do people get rejected? how come it is so hard to confess your feelings? how do you get your revenge?. The first story starts out with no dialogue, and from there it moves from one character to another with each one of them having a relation to the other.

I thought it was pretty good considering the artistic techniques, and typical yet at the same time not so typical events of life. It goes 180 degrees in every aspect.

Click on title for manga.

Turning Japanese

Release Date: April 14, 2009

Author: Cathy Yardley

One of the coolest books that I am reading right now. It's a catcher from the start (atleast for me it was because I really am into Japanese culture and manga), and keeps you going throughout the book. Here is the book description from the back cover=

"Meet Lisa Falloya, an aspiring half-Japanese-,half-Italian-American manga artist who follows her bliss by winning an intership and moving to Tokyo to draw the Japanese-style comics she's been reading for years. Leaving behind the comforts of a humdrum desk job and her workaholic fiance, Lisa has everything planned--right down to living wither a nice Japanese family--but hasn't taken into account that being part-Asian and highly enthusiastic isn't going to cut it. Faced with an exacting boss and a conniving "big fish"manga author, Lisa risks her wedding, her friends, and her fears--al for a shot at making it big."

I've already taken this book from the library and reading myself right now. I'm not providing a link to this because, this really should be promoted more (and if there's a library, you can go there too). I hope you enjoy it! ^_^0

Although......*being mischevious*...if you click on the link, you'll find a surprise if you want to view it before buying it! :D

Totally Captivated

Release Date: 2005

Author/Artist: Yoo Ha Jin

The mafia threatens Ewon into working for a loan shark, where he's forced to run dangerous errands for no pay. The culprit who doomed Ewon to this life is none other than Jiho, Ewon's jealous ex who still burns at Ewon's infidelity. Their gang leader Mookyul, with movie-star good looks and the bizarre, drunken habit of biting people on the neck, takes a keen interest in his attractive new errand boy. Will Ewon be able to survive the violent underworld (not to mention the constant sexual harassment he must endure) as an underling of Mookyul? This funny, hip title by Hajin Yoo will thrill and amuse fans with plenty of intense shounen-ai action.

This series is completed! How amazing is that?!

Source:boxmanga.com

Sugar Pot

Saho works at her parents Cafe and at the same time has fallen in love with a regular customer there named Kagami, who happens to be a writter. While being surrounded by other lovely waitresses there, she is determined to confess her feelings to him and make a working relationship. How will this turn out?
Another manga that I have started reading...it's pretty good for what it has right now, which is the innocent girl fallen over heels with a boy. The site still hasn't posted more, but you shouldn't wait to long.
Release: 2004
Author: Takasuka Yue
Click on the title to read this manga!

Chiyou yo Hana yo

Release: 2006
Author/Artist: Yoshihara Yuki
So this is the manga that I am currently reading right now. It's pretty good, but it is kinda slow since you have to load every page in this website.
It's about this girl that used to be rich but then she looses all that money due to the carelesness of her father, and now she actually has to have a normal life. (Don't worry thou, she's not stuck-up.) So then she applies for a job (since she needs one), and is asked if she is a virgin. ! . ! . Meanwhile, a servant that used to work for her when her family was wealthy is now her uptight boss. And things work themselves out from there.
The manga is farely recent, and the artwork is amazing. The site hasn't finished posting up the whole series, but I wouldn't worry about that unless you're REALLY into it... In that case, I don't know what to tell you. ^_^;

READ! :D
You can access the book by clicking the title.