*Thank you to Net galley for allowing me to read this book. In exchange for a honest and unbiased review*
Hello Fellow Readers,

Today I have a graphic novel that I am so excited to share with you all. Ao Haru Ride, is about "Unfeminine" Futaba is reunited with First love Kou. Kou moved away years ago, before Futaba was able to confess her feelings, but now he's back. But the kind boy from middle school is no longer, in his place is a uncaring, cold boy. Can Futaba change Kou or will this love never blossom?

This was really cute story, Sakisaka did a really good job setting up the first volume and it's main characters. The writing is very sweet and felt so Innocent, painting high school as a place that I would have actually liked to be at. Before we get started one thing I really enjoyed were the little notes that the author sprinkled in. It made me feel as if it was developing a connection with the author and it gave me a bit of insight into what they were thinking as the writing was taking place something you don’t really see with other mangas. At first, I was not sure if I was going to like this. The Romance couple trope of Asshole and shy naive girl typically isn't my thing and is a bit played out but it turns out I was wrong.

While Kou is somewhat mean (but it seems mostly in a really innocent way and not a complete assholish way) there are plenty of glimpses of his more warm-hearted side. Futaba isn't just a naive girl either but as the first volume progresses we see that she Is someone who can speak her mind and do what's right when needed. There are a couple of side characters but you don't really get to know them well enough to really form a opinion. the ending really sets it up for the next Volume which I can't wait to read. Overall, this innocent little tale is exactly what I needed. ( )

Meh.
( )

This is melodramatic teen drama on steroids after doing a line of sparkles and unicorns. Futaba is way too torn up over a boy she barely knew, to the point of full-on bawling. Maybe that’s the power of young love. I enjoyed the exploration of fake friends and how the fear of loneliness can lead people to having surface-level connections.

But when he shielded Futaba so no one would see her crying? That’s some good stuff right there. If they ever sell a 6-pack of shoujo, I would definitely buy it. Girlish squeals and fuzzy feelings in every can.

I can tell this is going to be a drawn out series probably with a bunch of miscommunication and missed chances. But I kind of find Tanaka/Kou’s coolheaded act interesting. Acting like he got it all together, but he has an undeniable soft spot for the main character.

I’ve the first few volumes from the library already, but I’ll probably finish out this series with the anime.

3.5
( )

*Thank you to Net galley for allowing me to read this book. In exchange for a honest and unbiased review*
Hello Fellow Readers,

Today I have a graphic novel that I am so excited to share with you all. Ao Haru Ride, is about "Unfeminine" Futaba is reunited with First love Kou. Kou moved away years ago, before Futaba was able to confess her feelings, but now he's back. But the kind boy from middle school is no longer, in his place is a uncaring, cold boy. Can Futaba change Kou or will this love never blossom?

This was really cute story, Sakisaka did a really good job setting up the first volume and it's main characters. The writing is very sweet and felt so Innocent, painting high school as a place that I would have actually liked to be at. Before we get started one thing I really enjoyed were the little notes that the author sprinkled in. It made me feel as if it was developing a connection with the author and it gave me a bit of insight into what they were thinking as the writing was taking place something you don’t really see with other mangas. At first, I was not sure if I was going to like this. The Romance couple trope of Asshole and shy naive girl typically isn't my thing and is a bit played out but it turns out I was wrong.

While Kou is somewhat mean (but it seems mostly in a really innocent way and not a complete assholish way) there are plenty of glimpses of his more warm-hearted side. Futaba isn't just a naive girl either but as the first volume progresses we see that she Is someone who can speak her mind and do what's right when needed. There are a couple of side characters but you don't really get to know them well enough to really form a opinion. the ending really sets it up for the next Volume which I can't wait to read. Overall, this innocent little tale is exactly what I needed. ( )

Ok this is exactly the kind of manga Teenage-Me would've loved.

Adult-Me really dislike assholes. Even if they are a teenage boy.

SIDENOTE: I'm really interested in how much of the unwritten rules that were mentioned in this manga girls can't act too cute for boys, but also have to want being cute to attract boys. But never too much or else you will get shamed.. How much of that is based on real life habits?

It's like all those American highschool movies. Red cups were only used in movies but then became part of real life. All those cliques á la Mean Girls, are they real? Do teenagers really group together? Is there no crossover between the different groups?

I would like to read some non-fiction about that. But at this point in my life... I can't deal with the drama. I think I'm in the curmudgeon fase of my life. I really think when I get into my 40's I'll enjoy some things that feel like a waste of my time now.

I do think I'll buy volume 2 though. The ending was just enough to left me wanting for more... ( )