disability

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Lenni Reviews: “After We Gazed at the Starry Sky” Vol. 2, by Bisco Kida

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*This book is for mature readers and is rated 18+

Subaru and Tougo are still officially dating, getting serious enough for Tougo to meet Subaru’s parents.

Kinda wild how fast we’re moving through this. Lots of time skips. I think this is VERY idealized. It’s at a breakneck pace to get these two to their happily ever after as fast as possible. Not that I need a lot of angst and pain in my romances but I would have liked to see more of the unique nuances that come with dating as a disabled person. Any issues that do creep up are solved in a snap. Subaru’s parents are a delight, though. Supportive parents and healthy family dynamics are great to see. 3.7 out of 5.

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Lenni Reviews: “After We Gazed at the Starry Sky” Vol. 1 by Bisco Kida

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*This book is rated 18+

Subaru Miyazawa was born paralyzed from the knees down and works as a designer. He idolizes a photographer named Tougo Amasem, so when he gets the chance to design some materials for his show, he even takes the chance to attend it and meet his idol.

I think this would qualify as an insta-love plot, or pretty damn close ot it. In fact, it all comes off as extremely idealistic. I know it may seem romantic to be literally swept off one’s feet, but I don’t think it’s appropriate to just pick up a wheelchair user? Without asking or anything? I don’t know any, and I am not one, but it still seems like a bad idea. They’re adorable and all, but not the best example. The smut is minimal, and I do love the art, so it’s not all bad. 3 out of 5.

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Lenni Reviews: “Brittle Joints” by Maria Sweeney

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*This book was given to me in exchange for an honest review.

As a child, Maria Sweeney was diagnosed with Bruck Syndrome. This memoir reflects on growing up with it.

A good chunk of this novel deals with trying to get any relief in a system that isn’t very helpful or empathetic. These stories are so important, and it’s imperative for the people with conditions like this to tell their stories themselves. Since this is a graphic novel, it can show things a regular biography could struggle to convey, since the use of color can augment the author’s words in a graphic novel. I love opening my mind up to more experiences and understanding things I’d never thought about before. Highly recommended. 4.9 out of 5.

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Lenni Reviews: “Love in the Palm of His Hand” Vol. 1, by Rinteku

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*This book was given to me in exchange for an honest review.

While on the train one day, Fujinaga has another man fall asleep on his shoulder. He doesn’t give it much thought until he sees the guy again at his school. His name is Keito, a fellow student who has congenital hearing loss. Through his journey to learn sign language to communicate with his new friend, Fujinaga also learns how to better express himself.

While this is cute and I’m rooting for the couple, I have hesitations about relating Keito’s struggle to communicate because of his hearing and Fujinaga’s struggle to communicate through acting. Having trouble acting in a way that pleases talent agents is not the same as actual hearing loss. There is an attempt to smooth this over by Keito outright appreciating how animated and expressive Fujinaga’s acting style is, but even so, it still doesn’t sit right with me, no matter how adorable they are. 3 out of 5.

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Lenni Reviews: “Love’s in Sight!” Vol. 7, by Uoyama

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*This book was given to me in exchange for an honest review.

There’s been an accident at the train station where a young person with a cane was hurt. Yukiko and her friends scramble to fins out who it was, thinking it could be someone from their school. The whole incident drives Morio to learn more about what he can do to protect Yukiko.

After what is more exposition heavy discussion about train station safety, this volume returns to it’s fun slice of life tone. We have Yukiko getting a new bathing suit for summer and her sister Izumi learns her existence doesn’t revolve around being a caretaker and she can have her own life. It’s a little heavier than previous volumes but it’s still fun. 3.9 out of 5.

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Lenni Reviews: “Love’s in Sight!” Vol. 6, by Uoyama

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*This book was given to me in exchange for an honest review.

One of Morio’s ex’s runs in to him and Yukiko on a date and while Yukiko wonders about Morio’s past as this is her first relationship, but he’s hesitant to tell his new love about his past.

It was sweet to see Yukiko and Morio get closer and understanding each other in new ways, especially since Yukiko has never felt this way about anyone before. The addition of Morio and Aono bonding about how Morio feels about his friend, Hachiko, dating now was fun; especially considering she’s still in love with Morio but trying to move on. It’s all very insightful and touching. 4.7 out of 5.

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Lenni Reviews: “Brooms” by Jasmine Walls & Teo Duvall

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In 1930’s Mississippi, magic is common but either banned or severely restricted for people of color. Despite this, Billie Mae and Cheng Kwan introduce young Mattie and Emma broom racing in order to participate in underground broom racing to earn money to learn magic from a real school.

Despite the abundance of characters, it’s easy to empathize with their struggles and hopes. The racing is a lot of fun and while the representation is wide – there are participants of all races, ages, and ability – it doesn’t feel forced; more like all of these “outcasts” can come together to buck the system and cut loose. I would LOVE to see this as an animated movie. The flying scenes scream for it. Absolutely check this one out! 4.5 out of 5.

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Lenni Reviews: “Love’s in Sight!” Vol. 5, by Uoyama

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*This book was given to me in exchange for an honest review.

Yukiko is enjoying her new part time job but there’s something about her coworker, Kurisu, who is a very quiet person with a lot of fears.

Once again this series eaves in some insights about making accommodations so an employee can do their job. Just that little bit of help to ne independent and have a job that fulfills them. The manager’s little speech was on point: Everyone deserves the right to work and have a decent life.

When it comes to the rest of the cast, I admire Morio and Yukiko for being open and honest with their feelings. It’s important to listen to the person with the disability and Morio is such a sweetheart who’s doing his best. Just a pleasure to read. 4.5 out of 5.

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Lenni Reviews: “Love’s in Sight!” Vol. 4, by Uoyama

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*This book was given to me in exchange for an honest review.

Morio is having trouble expressing his feelings in ways other than words and is working up to his first kiss with Yukiko. Meanwhile Yukiko’s older sister, Izumi, is coming to terms that her sister is becoming more independent as well as confessing her feelings to Shishio.

This volume really focuses on Yukiko finding a job and the accommodations she needs to perform her duties at that job. Again, this manga does a great job at being informative as well as entertaining with a character that’s easy to root for. She’s determined and hardworking, making her journey really worth following. 5 out of 5.

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Lenni Reviews: “Run on Your New Legs” Vol. 5, by Wataru Midori

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School is back in session and Kikuzato can’t wait to get back to running and testing his new prosthesis. As he prepares for another race, Kikuzato wonders what his motivations are for running and has hopes of reconciling with his old friend from the soccer team, Take.

I love the progress Kikuzato is making; both with his training and as a character. His parents are supportive, his friends are great, and we’ve even got a classic rival, Dojima, who is absolutely a dick. The art style shines when the characters are engaging in their chosen athletics and the story does a great job being informative about parathletes and what goes into these competitions. 4 out of 5.

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