Once again, I find a manga that impresses me so much in the first volume that I want to give it a good rating, but don't want to jinx the series.
After reading Komi Can't Communicate, and am eagerly waiting for volume four, I went through NYPL's Best Books for Teens list for this year, looking for another book to read. I found myself drawn to Our Dreams at Dusk: Shimanami Tasogare because of its serious tone, amazing artwork, and subject matter. When Tasuku Kaname is inadvertently outed at his school, he feels that to only way to deal is to take his own life. Just as he's about to do this unthinkable act, he encounters a mysterious woman named Someone-san. Initially standoff-ish, Someone-san leads Tasuku to a group of people at a drop-in center who are dealing with issues that are similar to his own. There, Tasuku finds people who are just like him while trying to come to terms with who he is. This story is very realistic, powerful, and important for people of all ages. To witness Tasuku reach his breaking point was hard to witness, but this is the reality many people face. To be judged, ridiculed, and even abandoned for being who they are, and to feel so hopeless and alone that you feel that ending your life is the only way is something many deal with, especially in the LGBTQ+ community. Hell, I've been there so it hit very close to home with me. One of the characters Tasuku meets is Haruko, a lesbian who has had to deal with harassment and being outcast not only at work, but in her family is a real deal. While she does reconcile with her family, they still have issues with Haruko's lifestyle. It also takes a toll on Haruko's partner, Saki, who is not out yet because she's seen what had happened to Haruko. While we don't know Someone-san's story yet, I'm sure we will be intrigued by what we discover about her. I can see why it was selected as one of NYPL's Best Books for Teens of 2019. It's a realistic, hard-hitting, and heartfelt depiction of the LGBTQ community, as well as anyone who feels alone in a cruel society. Because it's the first volume, just like Komi Can't Communicate and I don't want to jinx it, I give Our Dreams at Dusk: Shimanami Tasogare a 4.5/5. But if it's just like Komi, this story is going to be a wonderful series that's going to stand out and create an amazing impact.
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Social Anxiety sucks.
For those who are not communicationally challenged (I know, I know. Library Lady, who isn't?!), social anxiety is defined as the fear of social situations that involve interaction with other people. It can be caused by environmental influences and stressful life experiences including trauma. As someone who experiences social anxiety, I found myself relating to Komi on so many levels. The premise of Komi Can't Communicate is that while others consider Komi beautiful and mysterious due to their perception of her aloofness, they fail to see that Komi has trouble talking to other people due to a communication disorder. Komi suffers from social anxiety and is mostly mute. She tries her hardest to talk, but she can't get the words out, which frustrates her. Her classmate, Tadano, notices Komi and tries to become her friend. Discovering her disorder, he allows her to communicate with him in her own way, whether it be through writing down her thoughts, gestures, or over the phone since there's no eye contact or pressure (although she does continue to experience difficulty). Through these methods, Tadano learns that Komi just wants to make friends. He decides to help her with her goal, which is to help Komi make 100 friends and to help her become more comfortable with other people. This series is so cute and endearing, as well as relatable. I've seen teens who have anxiety like Komi, and are afraid to get close to other people due to fear of being judged and/or bullied. Teens like Komi need friends like Tadano, who is understanding, nonjudgmental, and patient. He doesn't rush Komi to get over her condition. He lets her take her time and communicate in ways that are comfortable to her. The story also shows why we shouldn't judge based on face value. While other students become enamored with Komi due to her beauty and quiet nature, they don't really try to get to know the real Komi. Only a select few, with some comedic and sometimes scary results at Tadano's expense, do try to get to know her. Tadano's a great comedic sidekick to the straight girl Komi, which makes this story very special. While we can possibly expect a romantic development within this story, it's refreshing to see Tadano act as a genuine friend to Komi without lusting or expecting something from her. I give Komi Can't Communicate a 4.5/5 because while the series is still ongoing, I just don't want to jinx a great story. |
Who am I?The Library Lady is a Young Adult Librarian and reviewer. She's also a music, anime, and film nerd. Archives
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