I am so happy I read this book. I honestly wasn't expecting to like it that much but I think it's one of my fabourite novels of the year so far.
I loved that main character's internal voice juxtaposed with her speaking voice as she tries to deal with idiots on all sides, quelling her internal rage as she put on a professional face. The audiobook along with the novel was exceedingly good and made these moments even better.
I love how she wasn't perfect either. She just felt human.
And I was honestly surprised with how good the story unfolded. It felt like a complete story instead of individual stories like so many Japanese character novels do. Even small things I didn't think were a big deal came back in unexpected ways.
I found myself laughing out loud a lot reading this, and even gasping a few times in rage and/or surprise. A really fun novel.
I knew I wouldn't like the book from the title, but I still decided to give it a try. The beginning was okay, but it became very dull as I continued, mainly because both the plot and characters felt flat and didn't catch my interest. On the other hand, the book covered some interesting topics related to Japan's work culture and book industry. Although I enjoyed these topics a lot, I still didn't like narration and the characters, so I'll give it 2/5.
I don't even have words. But I will try anyway. The main character so relatable, she was the same age as me, works where I want to work and is as negative as I am sometimes. She just felt very real, no too perfect heroine here. It's very daily life, nice and easy-going, engaging, until all the twists and turns hook you and hold you until you finish the book because YOU HAVE TO KNOW. Loved it.
A light story about a woman working in a bookstore with a seemingly 'stupid' boss, a job that doesn't make her happy, that she wants to resign from but doesn't, "店長がバカすぎて" is sometimes funny, sometimes charming, sometimes it tries to be 'deep', but it is basically a light read that pokes some fun at Japanese corporations and work culture. It is pretty popular in Japan, but I found there is something lacking here to make it really special. I have reserved the next book in the series. Let's see where it goes.
The best: some fun at Japan's work culture
The worst: the ending is weak, with the unnecessary attempts at mystery