Hey guys how’s it going? This Weekly Check-in has quite a few manga reads this week (with work being crazy plus it is faster to read and fluffy they were fun) Plus I read two books; one fiction and one non-fiction although I learned quite a bit from both. Some of the items I also read are from Netgalley a site that helps people get e-reviews on their books early or right on time in some instances. Onto the Media!
Manga
Standalone
Yuri Life
This week, I decided to read this for some fluff and it was not what I expected at all.
First, this is an all color manga which had so many colorful panels and the formatting was a lot like Wotakoi Love is Hard for an Otaku (thankfully there’s no time confusion but I wouldn’t recommend this format for new manga readers nonetheless).
Second, this is an anthology of short stories with all different kinds of Yuri/Girl’s Love stories and couples that were all so cute and fun.
This is an adult manga so I wouldn’t recommend this for younger readers, However, I think it was a good one for someone like me who is very new to Yuri and Girl’s Love because of all the different couples and unique stories to find out what you like. For instance, there’s a hilarious Grim Reaper and Woman Yuri story that I found so cute and then there was an age gap student teacher romance that was okay but not my favorite.
Overall I loved this and would definitely reread this over and over again if I want some Yuri short stories. However, I am not a fan of the format and if I had to change one thing it was that (although I loved all the color). Because of these points, I have to give this a 4 out of 5 stars or 4 sushi 🍣 🍣🍣🍣.
Series Starters
Sweat and Soap vol 1
After another book I read recently (more on that in a minute), I needed something fluffy and fun. Sweat and Soap filled that void in the best way. I could absolutely relate to the leading lady and the leading man was so adorable trying to make sure the former was happy. This is not for 16+ as the demographic recommends I would definitely make it be more 18+ because of the sexual content presented (although not explicit or else there would have been a warning). For an adult needing to read something fast, fun, and fluffy, I would definitely recommend this manga for a good time. Even after I finished, I wanted to read more. However, I think for me it will be a manga I read when I need a pick-me-up. Because of these points, I have to give this manga a 4 out of 5 stars or 4 sushi 🍣🍣🍣🍣.
Life Lessons with Uramichi Oniisan
I read this to continue on my fluff mood and maybe learn some life lessons. And if you guys want to think about what happened to Steve from Blue’s Clues or the Wiggles outside of the show and how the shows came to be in the most strangest and negative way with dry humor, read this.
I think I wasn’t sure what I was expecting with this slice of life. The artstyle is amazing although I wish it had a bit more direction with the plot and if it didn’t have a direction, I think it would have been easier to navigate as a 4 Koma because of how episodic and isolated the story seemed to be. It also seemed meta in the sense that the characters knew they were in the manga etc.
Overall though, I think I am not going to continue the series and if you’re interested in this check it out. 3 out of 5 stars or 3 sushi 🍣 🍣🍣. This comes out December 8th so check it out then if you are interested.
Series Continuations
The Maid at My House vol 2
I’m so glad I was able to continue on with this manga series.
This is very adorable and fun and the artstyle is very expressive in the best way. This also has a love triangle in it but a very unexpected one. In addition, it has the guy helping the girl feel better which was one of my favorite parts.
My only issue, is the repetitive nature of the beginning of the chapters. I think they are put that way though because the chapters can be bought separately but for people who have the whole manga its a little annoying. Because of these points, I have to give this volume a 4 out of 5 stars or 4 sushi 🍣🍣🍣🍣.
Practice makes Perfect vol 2
This is an adult manga series about two Olympic athletes who have a slowburn adult relationship and this started the more intimate parts of a relationship and I truly appreciated it.
There was also an interloper that came in towards the end, but I appreciated that it was nipped in the bud relatively quickly. In addition, both of these characters are very sweet and adorable as well as relatable. If you are 18+ and enjoy pure relationships with more intimate moments check this out 4.5 out of 5 stars or 5 sushi 🍣 🍣 🍣🍣🍣.
Novel
Choosing Life
Well I accidently read the third book in a series first 🙈…. However, from my experience in reading this whatever I needed to know from the first two books was mentioned and concisely. So I think if you read it as a standalone or first then I think you’ll be ok.
To the content itself, it discusses someone who is recovering from an eating disorder and self harm so know that going in that there may be some restricting of food, suicidal thoughts and overall negativity with bullying involved in this book. There is also grief and cancer triggers as well.
There are however some good points like discussion with a therapist, a lot of fantastic representation on different sexual representation such as someone who is non-binary with also some representation on mental health other than recovery from an eating disorder.
In this particular book, it’s all about recovery and how someone can cope with the past year of their life and how crazy it can be. It truly resonated with me because even though I don’t have an eating disorder, there is something else in my life going on that made me feel for the main character. I think overall though if you don’t feel that way you might find her annoying (but that’s how teens can be you know). I also did appreciate that there was no romance in this novel although I know there were snippets in others.
Overall, enjoying myself would be the wrong thing to say here. Its more like I was enlightened by this book and glad I read it. Because of these points, I have to give this a 4 out of 5 stars or 4 sushi 🍣 🍣🍣🍣. This series is already out on Nov 10th so if you are interested check this out!
Nonfiction
This book is one I feel everyone should read even if you know quite a bit about disabilities you definitely will know even more by the end of this book.
I think though its more of a textbook/coffee table book that you can read more than once with a ton of resources and history when it comes to disabilities. There are also a ton of real life examples incorporated/facts that may not be common knowledge although more for the visually impaired than anything. There’s also a lot of resources from Canada that are helpful for people there who may need them. The illustrations are wonderful addition to the book as well. Because of these points, I have to give this book a 4 out of 5 stars or 4 sushi 🍣🍣🍣🍣🍣.Would definitely recommend but I can see why it wouldn’t be for everyone. This comes out in Early April so check it out when it comes out.
Movie
Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey
I had some expectations coming into this movie and honestly I feel mixed.
The music was gorgeous and as well as the world that was created. The issues I had though were that there were one too many songs put into obscure spots. I also felt that the plot was not explained very well. Theres tons of holes in my opinion and more like a play than anything else.
Overall though, Its an enjoyable movie with a great cast. Because of these points, I have to give this movie a 3 out of 5 stars or 3 sushi 🍣🍣🍣
The Week Ahead
With the weeks being the way they are with the holidays I am not sure how the rest of this month is going to be. I will however, keep reading and watching what I can to the best of my ability. What about you guys? What have you read and watched this week? Let’s talk about it!
Sushirainbow 