What do you think?
Rate this book
Satoko & Nada #1
Satoko and Nada, Vol. 1
A CHARMING TALE OF FRIENDSHIP BETWEEN A JAPANESE WOMAN AND HER MUSLIM ROOMMATE!
Satoko, a Japanese student studying in America, has a new roommate: a Saudi Arabian woman named Nada! They might have different customs, but through mutual respect―and the hilarious adventures of their daily life―Satoko and Nada prove that friendship knows no borders.
Satoko, a Japanese student studying in America, has a new roommate: a Saudi Arabian woman named Nada! They might have different customs, but through mutual respect―and the hilarious adventures of their daily life―Satoko and Nada prove that friendship knows no borders.
128 pages, Paperback
First published July 8, 2017
16 people are currently reading
865 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 172 reviews
February 24, 2019
This book was so amazing and I'm gonna screech about it from the rooftops until more people know about it!!! It follows two young women from Japan and Saudi Arabia moving to America for college and becoming roommates, and each little vignette discussed their cultures and how cohabitating spurred many opportunities to discuss their lives. Especially because this book was from Japanese origination, a lot of stereotypes and misconceptions about Islam and Muslim women were dispelled with Nada's commentary on religion. Even though some of Satoko's questions could be naive, Nada always corrected her and this book was such a pleasant story that is super empowering for Muslim women, even including factual information about increased women's rights in Saudi Arabia.
And besides the messages about cultures coming together, this book's plot was SO CUTE!! Both of these girls grew so close and had each other's backs, and they were both so funny and thoughtful. I wanted to be friends with them by the end of this book and join in on their parties where they would make foods from each other's home countries. The art in this is super duper cute and easy to follow, and I really have no complaints about this book other than it obviously isn't ownvoices, and Muslim women's experiences aren't a monolith, so I'd be interested in seeing other Muslim reviewer's perspectives on this to see if the representation is done thoughtfully and accurately.
But I highly, highly, highly recommend this and I really cannot wait until the sequels are translated!
And besides the messages about cultures coming together, this book's plot was SO CUTE!! Both of these girls grew so close and had each other's backs, and they were both so funny and thoughtful. I wanted to be friends with them by the end of this book and join in on their parties where they would make foods from each other's home countries. The art in this is super duper cute and easy to follow, and I really have no complaints about this book other than it obviously isn't ownvoices, and Muslim women's experiences aren't a monolith, so I'd be interested in seeing other Muslim reviewer's perspectives on this to see if the representation is done thoughtfully and accurately.
But I highly, highly, highly recommend this and I really cannot wait until the sequels are translated!
August 20, 2024
As someone with family in Japan, Saudi Arabia, and America, reading this was a pure delight. Charming, hilarious, and relatable, Satoko and Nada are an endearing and genuine pair who authentically portray friendship, sharing and celebrating culture, and stepping out of one’s comfort zone to go on new adventures. Adorable art, and very sweet. A top tier slice of life manga.
January 25, 2019
Satoko and Nada is about two girls, one Japanese and one Saudi Arabian, who become roommates when they both go to study in America. The artwork is simplistic and lovely. The story is informative, respectful, and wholesome as HECK. I love the friendship between these two but I appreciate the details woven into the text even more. There is a lot of information about the various customs and laws of Saudi Arabia (and Japan) which I thought was a nice touch. Really looking forward to picking up the next volume!
Find me (and my reviews) elsewhere:
YouTube ● Book Blog ● Instagram ● Twitter
Find me (and my reviews) elsewhere:
YouTube ● Book Blog ● Instagram ● Twitter
October 20, 2018
Both fun and accurate, this is a charming book that gets bonus points for not only blowing up myths about Muslim women, but also for making my (hijabi) student super-excited to see herself represented in manga.
Full Review Eventually Appearing on ANN.
Full Review Eventually Appearing on ANN.
December 6, 2018
extremely cute and wholesome, i had a great time reading this. also the one strip where satoko walks in when nada's praying and is like 'oh no, what should i do, should i cover my hair, how do i be respectful, je ne sais rien' was hilarious and recognizable, i've had so many non-muslim friends be like 'ahhhh, what do??' the first time i've prayed with them around :')
4 stars
4 stars
September 23, 2019
first read of contemporaryathon completed!!
this is a really cute story about satoko (japanese) and nada (saudi arabian) as they learn about each other’s cultures and common misconceptions about muslim society.
there isn’t really a plot to this but each page is a different scene/moment between the two. it was super cute and informative but nothing too special where I need to continue with the other volumes.
this is a really cute story about satoko (japanese) and nada (saudi arabian) as they learn about each other’s cultures and common misconceptions about muslim society.
there isn’t really a plot to this but each page is a different scene/moment between the two. it was super cute and informative but nothing too special where I need to continue with the other volumes.
May 8, 2022
THIS WAS SO PURE AND LOVELY OH MY GOSH
August 4, 2019
A nice little episodic, anecdotal manga about US college roommates Satoko and Nada. Satoko is Japanese, and Nada is a Saudi Arabian Muslim. Despite their differences, they become fast friends, and learn so much about each other. It's incredibly sweet, funny, and relevant.
Satoko is a bit awkward, naive and clumsy, but her heart is in the right place. Nada is outgoing, friendly, hilarious, adorable, and self-assured (or so she appears) - not at all like what American news networks show as a stereotypical Muslim woman. She is studying to become a doctor, since women's healthcare in Saudi Arabia is only marginally worse than in America. And she cuts hair.
This manga is about the friendship between these two young women; their mutual respect for one another, and exploring each aspect of their customs and cultures whilst living in the US.
Different types of hijab, food (oh yes, especially the foods and cooking), tea, fashion, the hows, wheres and whys of praying, how Muslim women are treated (and that they are allowed to drive in Saudi Arabia post-2018), sexism, marriage arrangements, social media, US racist hiring biases, universal movie theaters, girls' nights in (aka how any girl friends are in private, when free to be themselves), and a use for apps for modern Muslims - it's all here.
The manga is very educational. Each custom - Islamic, Japanese, American - is treated positively and with understanding (except for the part where sushi is made in the "Americanized" way at home, and not how the disgruntled Satoko would make it, which is... weird). Speaking of different cultures and religions getting along, Satoko and Nada also have a Christian friend named Miracle (yes, that's really her name).
Even when they are treated differently for being foreigners, it's to show that at best it is caused by ignorance, not outright hatred. Racism - intersected with sexism - can be direct and indirect, micro and macro, passive and aggressive, or just passive aggressive, but mostly this is in the background of the college women's lives.
'Satoko and Nada' never stops being charming and fun. As well as showing a close friendship, it aims to dispel ignorance, delusions and misconceptions, and I think it achieves that. That kind of positive outlook - done while never coming across as unrealistic - is more than welcome in this day and age.
It could have been more critical of cultural sexism and misogyny, such as Muslim men and women being segregated in mosques and other places of prayer, because the very sight of women might distract the men. The manga doesn't really address victim blaming. It's also not clear what Satoko is studying in university and what she wants to do with her life.
There are a few hints of Satoko and Nada probably growing closer than friends. They are not interested in guys in the first volume. Satoko even hides in Nada's niqab or chador while Nada is wearing it, and they both like it very much. One can only hope...
Verdict: Read it. Educate yourself and stop the hatred and ignorance.
For friendship knows no borders.
"Satoko, you're pretty interested... in my culture, huh? I'll have to study up myself so I can explain it better."
"Aw, Nada... that's not it. I mean, I wanna know more about your culture, but... I mostly just wanna know more about you."
"Satoko, you can act like such a kid... but then you go and say something that makes my heart skip a beat!" - page 33
"Come to think of it... do you have any crushes, Nada?"
"Hmm. Right now, I'd much rather spend time with you!"
"Me too-!"
"Then you feel the same way!"
"I'm so glad-!" - page 84
Final Score: 4/5
Satoko is a bit awkward, naive and clumsy, but her heart is in the right place. Nada is outgoing, friendly, hilarious, adorable, and self-assured (or so she appears) - not at all like what American news networks show as a stereotypical Muslim woman. She is studying to become a doctor, since women's healthcare in Saudi Arabia is only marginally worse than in America. And she cuts hair.
This manga is about the friendship between these two young women; their mutual respect for one another, and exploring each aspect of their customs and cultures whilst living in the US.
Different types of hijab, food (oh yes, especially the foods and cooking), tea, fashion, the hows, wheres and whys of praying, how Muslim women are treated (and that they are allowed to drive in Saudi Arabia post-2018), sexism, marriage arrangements, social media, US racist hiring biases, universal movie theaters, girls' nights in (aka how any girl friends are in private, when free to be themselves), and a use for apps for modern Muslims - it's all here.
The manga is very educational. Each custom - Islamic, Japanese, American - is treated positively and with understanding (except for the part where sushi is made in the "Americanized" way at home, and not how the disgruntled Satoko would make it, which is... weird). Speaking of different cultures and religions getting along, Satoko and Nada also have a Christian friend named Miracle (yes, that's really her name).
Even when they are treated differently for being foreigners, it's to show that at best it is caused by ignorance, not outright hatred. Racism - intersected with sexism - can be direct and indirect, micro and macro, passive and aggressive, or just passive aggressive, but mostly this is in the background of the college women's lives.
'Satoko and Nada' never stops being charming and fun. As well as showing a close friendship, it aims to dispel ignorance, delusions and misconceptions, and I think it achieves that. That kind of positive outlook - done while never coming across as unrealistic - is more than welcome in this day and age.
It could have been more critical of cultural sexism and misogyny, such as Muslim men and women being segregated in mosques and other places of prayer, because the very sight of women might distract the men. The manga doesn't really address victim blaming. It's also not clear what Satoko is studying in university and what she wants to do with her life.
There are a few hints of Satoko and Nada probably growing closer than friends. They are not interested in guys in the first volume. Satoko even hides in Nada's niqab or chador while Nada is wearing it, and they both like it very much. One can only hope...
Verdict: Read it. Educate yourself and stop the hatred and ignorance.
For friendship knows no borders.
"Satoko, you're pretty interested... in my culture, huh? I'll have to study up myself so I can explain it better."
"Aw, Nada... that's not it. I mean, I wanna know more about your culture, but... I mostly just wanna know more about you."
"Satoko, you can act like such a kid... but then you go and say something that makes my heart skip a beat!" - page 33
"Come to think of it... do you have any crushes, Nada?"
"Hmm. Right now, I'd much rather spend time with you!"
"Me too-!"
"Then you feel the same way!"
"I'm so glad-!" - page 84
Final Score: 4/5
October 27, 2018
Rating: 5 Stars ★★★★★
Satoko & Nada is a fantastic manga all about friendship & I can't wait for Volume 2 (´▽`ʃƪ)💕
This manga follows Satoko & Nada, college students who transfer to America to continue their studies, & end up becoming roommates!
Satoko is from Japan & Nada is from Saudi Arabia! Yupechika not only explores their friendship in such a fantastic way(Their dynamic + friendship was amazing, you can see how much they care for each other!!), but she also elaborates on common misconceptions about saudi & islamic culture! (Yupechika also notes where laws have changed within the text, considering it was actually published already, back in 2017).
This first volume explores not only explores how they become fast friends, but also how they learn about each other's cultural backgrounds, dealing with homesickness, & the adjustment that both girls are getting used to in a new country!
It also tackles sensitive + real topics such as encountering strangers, for example!
The characters are all fantastic!! I really got to understand each of them and they really came to life with each panel! Aside from Satoko & Nada, there's Kevin (Satoko's conversation partner), Miracle (who Satoko helps to avoid a stranger kidnapping), & Nada's friends Pakeezah & Ameena!
I loved the plot the way characters wove into the story, & the dynamics between each of them!!
--Highly recommend Satoko & Nada if your looking for a character-driven, comedic & heart-warming manga focusing on friendship!
Satoko & Nada is a fantastic manga all about friendship & I can't wait for Volume 2 (´▽`ʃƪ)💕
This manga follows Satoko & Nada, college students who transfer to America to continue their studies, & end up becoming roommates!
Satoko is from Japan & Nada is from Saudi Arabia! Yupechika not only explores their friendship in such a fantastic way(Their dynamic + friendship was amazing, you can see how much they care for each other!!), but she also elaborates on common misconceptions about saudi & islamic culture! (Yupechika also notes where laws have changed within the text, considering it was actually published already, back in 2017).
This first volume explores not only explores how they become fast friends, but also how they learn about each other's cultural backgrounds, dealing with homesickness, & the adjustment that both girls are getting used to in a new country!
It also tackles sensitive + real topics such as encountering strangers, for example!
The characters are all fantastic!! I really got to understand each of them and they really came to life with each panel! Aside from Satoko & Nada, there's Kevin (Satoko's conversation partner), Miracle (who Satoko helps to avoid a stranger kidnapping), & Nada's friends Pakeezah & Ameena!
I loved the plot the way characters wove into the story, & the dynamics between each of them!!
--Highly recommend Satoko & Nada if your looking for a character-driven, comedic & heart-warming manga focusing on friendship!
July 27, 2019
Two roommates, both alike in dignity,
In fair America, where we lay our scene,
From far shores break to new university,
Where bond these friends over differed cuisine.
From forth the gentle pages of this tome
A pair of college friends live their life,
Whose humorous adventures as they roam
Doth charm the reader through respect and lack of strife
In fair America, where we lay our scene,
From far shores break to new university,
Where bond these friends over differed cuisine.
From forth the gentle pages of this tome
A pair of college friends live their life,
Whose humorous adventures as they roam
Doth charm the reader through respect and lack of strife
April 3, 2022
What a wonderful story!
I had been curious about this series for a while, but after seeing another MangaTuber share a little bit about it, I decided to pick it up from my local library!
Both Satoko and Nada are A LOT of fun and genuinely enjoyed how we (the reader) were able to learn more about Nada's religious practices and faith. I even thought it interesting how Satoko's religious beliefs are mentioned and how it was addressed by other characters!
While this first volume does a great job of addressing common stereotypes that many people may have believed consciously or subconsciously (including myself), I love how it's shown (and known) that Nada is an amazing person just like everyone else. I mean, obviously, yes she is, but she is such a free-spirited woman that a lot of misconceptions I had were "broken" alongside Satoko.
And speaking of her, she is such a fun character! I love how respectful she is of Nada and feel in many ways she captures questions and actions in certain situations where I would have done the same.
Overall, this was a very eye-opening read! I'm looking forward to learning more as well as having a fun time with these ladies and their friends!
I had been curious about this series for a while, but after seeing another MangaTuber share a little bit about it, I decided to pick it up from my local library!
Both Satoko and Nada are A LOT of fun and genuinely enjoyed how we (the reader) were able to learn more about Nada's religious practices and faith. I even thought it interesting how Satoko's religious beliefs are mentioned and how it was addressed by other characters!
While this first volume does a great job of addressing common stereotypes that many people may have believed consciously or subconsciously (including myself), I love how it's shown (and known) that Nada is an amazing person just like everyone else. I mean, obviously, yes she is, but she is such a free-spirited woman that a lot of misconceptions I had were "broken" alongside Satoko.
And speaking of her, she is such a fun character! I love how respectful she is of Nada and feel in many ways she captures questions and actions in certain situations where I would have done the same.
Overall, this was a very eye-opening read! I'm looking forward to learning more as well as having a fun time with these ladies and their friends!
July 15, 2021
SO CUTEEE finally some really good Muslim representation!! i was scared that there was going to be wrong information about Islam in this book but it's mostly correct to my knowledge
October 8, 2020
Aww, this was cute ☺️
May 25, 2023
so cute :')
August 29, 2022
omggg this was so cute and wholesome! you can't tell me they're not gay!! like look at this (click for larger resolution):
they're roommates—the potential for a sapphic interracial love blossoming between a saudi arabian muslim woman and a japanese woman foreign exchange students living in america is endless 😍💖 i loved this slice of life yonkoma. the characters are charming and they take every opportunity to learn and love one another's cultures. i believe it's based on the creator's actual experiences so it has an added layer of nonfiction to it. satoko and nada is a light, fluffy, and fast read with some educational aspects to it because i personally didn't know a lot of the things highlighted about muslim people's religion prior to this. i can't talk about the validity of everything as the creator and i are not muslim, but as a story about roommates being cute together, it's lovely.
cw: kidnapping, racism (anti-asian), islamophobia (implied in convo about personal experiences; never shown)
they're roommates—the potential for a sapphic interracial love blossoming between a saudi arabian muslim woman and a japanese woman foreign exchange students living in america is endless 😍💖 i loved this slice of life yonkoma. the characters are charming and they take every opportunity to learn and love one another's cultures. i believe it's based on the creator's actual experiences so it has an added layer of nonfiction to it. satoko and nada is a light, fluffy, and fast read with some educational aspects to it because i personally didn't know a lot of the things highlighted about muslim people's religion prior to this. i can't talk about the validity of everything as the creator and i are not muslim, but as a story about roommates being cute together, it's lovely.
cw: kidnapping, racism (anti-asian), islamophobia (implied in convo about personal experiences; never shown)
June 10, 2021
This manga series is such a breath of fresh air. Cute , wholesome and so relatable.
January 26, 2019
Check out more manga and graphic novel reviews @ Perspective of a Writer...
Two women from different parts of the world come together in America and a friendship is born! Satoko is Japanese and Nada is Saudi Arabian, practices Islam and wears a hijab. They learn how to respect one another, adjust to different customs and still have fun. And the reader gets to learn about Muslims!
I was disappointed right off the bat... the cover art is gorgeous and quirky and I was expecting that inside but it wasn't what I expected. First, it wasn't color and you really need the color for the story to pop. The art is still quirky which I love but the one page story format DOES NOT work for me. It reads like a Sunday comic from the newspaper and I'm not interested in that. I need a story people, not brief moments to laugh or smile.
The friendship between the girls feels quite genuine but we don't get to see it happen in an organic way. It just is. There are fun little moments between the two to showcase their friendship but for the most part we are learning about the restrictions of being Muslim and that Nada doesn't mind those restrictions and takes joy in them. I do like that both girls are so different and yet respect one another. Satoko particularly is lovely about it all and very accepting.
Honestly though there is no plot. It was mainly teaching about Muslim in the midst of this neat friendship. I felt really preached at because Nada went overboard about accept these practices. In fact, at times the Muslim practices seemed made fun of at the same time as trying to showcase them! It was really odd to me. I think it had to do with the extreme way it was being shown that Nada embraced these practices and Satoko accepted them. I'd have rather the two have neat little interactions and not mention the Muslim elements often. That seems to be more realistic to a true friendship.
It really helps that both Nada and Satoko are quite charming. Even with the short, non-plot frames their characters radiated off the page. I realllllllllllly wanted to love Satako and Nada vol 1 and I waited for the Muslim bits to pass and the plot to come but it never did. The moments that were developed almost sufficed because of both girls' personalities but in the end there wasn't enough substance.
Satako and Nada vol 1 had the potential to be extremely good. I truly expected to rave about this manga and the iyashikei elements contained within it... as it is I was extremely disappointed. If you are looking to learn about Muslim practices and to get a Muslim POV of practicing them then this is a great little comic for you!
⋆ ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Authenticity
⋆ ⋆ ⭐⭐⭐ Tension
⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⭐ Plot
⋆ ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Art
Thanks to Seven Seas for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review. It has not influenced my opinions.
______________________
You can find this review and many others on my book blog @ Perspective of a Writer. See my manga and graphic novel reviews in a special feature called Saturday Morning Cartoons...
Please like this review if you enjoyed it! *bow* *bow* It helps me out a ton!!
June 28, 2020
Second 5-star read of 2019!
Honestly? This first manga volume has more diversity than any of the YA novels I read last year. I was charmed and enamored with this volume, and I suspect I will enjoy the rest of the volumes as they are released. (I also had Persepolis vibes from this one, but don’t quote me if this manga is in any way autobiographical.) I love Satoko, Nada, and their friends. Such a good story, highly recommend.
Honestly? This first manga volume has more diversity than any of the YA novels I read last year. I was charmed and enamored with this volume, and I suspect I will enjoy the rest of the volumes as they are released. (I also had Persepolis vibes from this one, but don’t quote me if this manga is in any way autobiographical.) I love Satoko, Nada, and their friends. Such a good story, highly recommend.
July 14, 2021
The Satoko and Nada manga series is an unexpectedly delightful gem of the slice of life genre.
Following two international students in America - Satoko, from Japan, and Nada, from Saudi Arabia - each short comic is quirky, educational, and hilarious... sometimes unintentionally so!
Much of it involves explaining Saudi culture, explaining aspects of Islam, and humorously tackling the culture shock that both characters are experiencing in a new and foreign land. To be honest, many of the Islam-related comics are very well done - in fact, I'd strongly recommend using this series as a casual da'wah tool! There are a couple of unexpectedly... unique... takes that aren't 1000% legit, but by and large, the majority of it is very well researched and presented in an unexpectedly sweet and funny manner.
There is a loose storyline to the series, so I'm eagerly awaiting Volume 4 (which drops in December!) to find out what ultimately happens to both Satoko and Nada's futures.
I seriously can't get enough of these comics - they are legit the most hilarious Muslamic content I have ever come across.
Following two international students in America - Satoko, from Japan, and Nada, from Saudi Arabia - each short comic is quirky, educational, and hilarious... sometimes unintentionally so!
Much of it involves explaining Saudi culture, explaining aspects of Islam, and humorously tackling the culture shock that both characters are experiencing in a new and foreign land. To be honest, many of the Islam-related comics are very well done - in fact, I'd strongly recommend using this series as a casual da'wah tool! There are a couple of unexpectedly... unique... takes that aren't 1000% legit, but by and large, the majority of it is very well researched and presented in an unexpectedly sweet and funny manner.
There is a loose storyline to the series, so I'm eagerly awaiting Volume 4 (which drops in December!) to find out what ultimately happens to both Satoko and Nada's futures.
I seriously can't get enough of these comics - they are legit the most hilarious Muslamic content I have ever come across.
September 16, 2023
"Satoko and Nada" Volume 1 is a fun and cute manga. It consists of many different very short stories about Satoko, a Japanese student studying in an American college/university - and Nada, a Saudi Arabian student also studying at the same college/university. They learn about each other's cultures and become close friends.
Their stories are slice of life stories. Thus, most of the stories aren't too connected and largely stand on their own. However, a few stories do build off of other stories. I personally prefer one central narrative, but I enjoyed this book. I like the interactions between Satoko and Nada. Their friendship is awesome and so are their bonds with other friends, like Kevin, Miracle, and Pakeezah. It's a lighthearted and fun book.
I thought the other story elements were good as well. The art was good too. I like the dialogue overall too. The pacing is really fast, but it works altogether because, as I mentioned earlier, the book consists of many different short stories.
Altogether, I like volume 1. The stories are all enjoyable and there is a lot of warmth and light within them. Plus, I like the characters and artwork.
Their stories are slice of life stories. Thus, most of the stories aren't too connected and largely stand on their own. However, a few stories do build off of other stories. I personally prefer one central narrative, but I enjoyed this book. I like the interactions between Satoko and Nada. Their friendship is awesome and so are their bonds with other friends, like Kevin, Miracle, and Pakeezah. It's a lighthearted and fun book.
I thought the other story elements were good as well. The art was good too. I like the dialogue overall too. The pacing is really fast, but it works altogether because, as I mentioned earlier, the book consists of many different short stories.
Altogether, I like volume 1. The stories are all enjoyable and there is a lot of warmth and light within them. Plus, I like the characters and artwork.
July 15, 2021
Now THIS is what proper Muslim representation looks like! Initially I kept my expectations low upon finding this book due to experiences with (frankly terrible) Muslim representation in popular media, but this book absolutely nailed all the necessary facts (at least to my knowledge).
This story talks about two foreigners, one from Saudia Arabia and one from Japan, coming to America to study in college and forming a friendship with each other after finding that they’re roommates. It goes on to include funny experiences to serious questions between the two girls, and occurrences experienced by the two in America. Throughout the story, you’re basically being taken on a journey on the blossoming friendship between them.
Overall, this was a wholesome and heartfelt read and I couldn’t keep a grin off my face while reading this manga. I have to say that the recipes mentioned in the book were a nice touch from both cultures! I love that it sets a clear line between religion and culture, and I didn’t expect that I would learn a LOT more about both Saudia Arabian and Japanese culture as well. This book has a lot of humorous parts, so I was surprised at how effortlessly it tackled more serious concepts, and I would definitely recommend this book to others! :)
This story talks about two foreigners, one from Saudia Arabia and one from Japan, coming to America to study in college and forming a friendship with each other after finding that they’re roommates. It goes on to include funny experiences to serious questions between the two girls, and occurrences experienced by the two in America. Throughout the story, you’re basically being taken on a journey on the blossoming friendship between them.
Overall, this was a wholesome and heartfelt read and I couldn’t keep a grin off my face while reading this manga. I have to say that the recipes mentioned in the book were a nice touch from both cultures! I love that it sets a clear line between religion and culture, and I didn’t expect that I would learn a LOT more about both Saudia Arabian and Japanese culture as well. This book has a lot of humorous parts, so I was surprised at how effortlessly it tackled more serious concepts, and I would definitely recommend this book to others! :)
October 14, 2018
I've been looking forward to this for a long time, and it did not disappoint! The art is simple but lovely, and can be detailed at times. I love how the translator added things, like how Saudi Arabia finally broke their 35-year law against movie theaters in 2018 with the release of Black Panther.
I also like how despite its status as a 4-koma (four panel manga, like comic strips) the authors weren't afraid to add in serious subjects, like Satoko getting in a random stranger's car or when she saves another woman from making a similar decision. It appears the authors also did their research on the Islamic culture (I believe the writer is Muslim herself, actually?) as they did a great job at explaining the culture through Nada herself, and I actually learned a lot and found out I had a few misconceptions about things. (Like Ramadan.) The transitions weren't awkward either when she explained things to other characters, it was just like 'Oh so that's how it is where you live.' The same can go for Satoko.
Overall, I'm really excited about the next volume! The art is wonderful, the characters are charming, and it got quite a few laughs out of me!
I also like how despite its status as a 4-koma (four panel manga, like comic strips) the authors weren't afraid to add in serious subjects, like Satoko getting in a random stranger's car or when she saves another woman from making a similar decision. It appears the authors also did their research on the Islamic culture (I believe the writer is Muslim herself, actually?) as they did a great job at explaining the culture through Nada herself, and I actually learned a lot and found out I had a few misconceptions about things. (Like Ramadan.) The transitions weren't awkward either when she explained things to other characters, it was just like 'Oh so that's how it is where you live.' The same can go for Satoko.
Overall, I'm really excited about the next volume! The art is wonderful, the characters are charming, and it got quite a few laughs out of me!
April 4, 2021
It was so cute and funny with so much respect for the different cultures and religions of the characters. A first book with a muslim girl who doesn't reject her religion for a guy which a lot of books with a female muslim heroine end up doing.
I loved Satoko's desire to understand Nada's culture without any judgment and their friendship is so pure and beautiful. I don't know if it was because of Satoko being Japanese that their relationship worked so well. Anyway, I loved it and I'm interested in reading the next books with these two amazing girls.
I loved Satoko's desire to understand Nada's culture without any judgment and their friendship is so pure and beautiful. I don't know if it was because of Satoko being Japanese that their relationship worked so well. Anyway, I loved it and I'm interested in reading the next books with these two amazing girls.
March 7, 2024
my first time seeing a muslim character in a manga,,, even less so a main character! satoko and nada are really cute and i love how understanding both of them are about each others cultures. nada is a very free spirited person and i like the way the author handled stereotypes and how satoko and everyone else broke away from those ideas. it’s all 4 strip panels so this was a quick read but it’s sooooo refreshing that i WILL continue with the rest of the volumes!!!
(lowkey i’d be down if they were gfs tho ngl)
(lowkey i’d be down if they were gfs tho ngl)
January 18, 2022
I learned alot more about the Muslim community which was excellent. Learning about the cultural differences between the two girls and how the American culture is perceived by them was very enlightening. Seeing thier cute and funny reactions to each other and the world around them was very entertaining. I'm looking forward to the next volume.
April 18, 2022
super cute rep of a japanese student and saudi arabian muslim student living in america and learning about each other and their culture/religion, actually way more informative than i was expecting too
August 9, 2023
3.5 stars
This was so cute (and informative!). I loved the concept of two young women from different cultures happily learning to live together and quickly becoming best friends. The format is little dips into Satoko and Nada's lives that makes for a quick, lovely read.
This was so cute (and informative!). I loved the concept of two young women from different cultures happily learning to live together and quickly becoming best friends. The format is little dips into Satoko and Nada's lives that makes for a quick, lovely read.
May 25, 2021
I love these two T_T
September 22, 2021
Really cute and wholesome as well as informative.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 172 reviews