Insomniacs After School

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Lenni Reviews: “Insomniacs After School” Vol. 13, by Makoto Ojiro

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

Nakami and Magari go with their friends to Osaka to check out colleges. Energized by the trip, they both throw themselves into intense studying.

There is also a change in Magai’s condition, and we learn more about Nakami’s parents. It’s a bittersweet volume since now that we know about Magari’s illness, it’s possible this series will take that dark turn. I sincerely hope it doesn’t, since, while it is a realistic possibility, for me it doesn’t fit with the tone this series has had up to this point. Although it would fit with the message of living in the moment and treasuring them… 4 out of 5.

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Lenni Reviews: “Insomniacs After School” Vol. 11, by Makoto Ojiro

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

As winter passes and spring arrives, Magari fills the photo album Nakami gave her with pictures of her own. As Nakami’s birthday comes and the second year of high school begins, their relationship changes in unexpected ways.

As they’re making college plans, Magari has to take her heart condition into account when considering what or where she wants to study. Bit of a spoiler, but it looks like this probably won’t lean into her dying young since the comic makes a point to say that with treatment and surgery, she could live to 50. That’s something of a relief, but it’s entirely possible the plot will take a nose-dive off the tragedy cliff. Nakami gets some development as well, and it’s nice to see him opening up to the new club members and within the friend group. This series is so good at conveying so much without words, unease as much as joy. 4 out of 5.

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Lenni Reviews: “Insomniacs After School” Vol. 10, by Makoto Ojiro

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

Magari is well enough to come back to school and as the new semester starts, they hope to get more members in the astronomy club.

I am legit shocked at how fast I read through the volumes in this series, excited to see what happens, even though it’s very slice of life so I don’t expect anything super dramatic or action-packed. It flows smoothly and is compelling enough that I am totally fine with pages of these two taking photos or watching other characters cook and eat crab for New Year’s. Even though, again, there is that looming shadow of Magari’s illness, on the whole, this is so cozy. 4 out of 5.

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Lenni Reviews: “Insomniacs After School” Vol. 9, by Makoto Ojiro

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

Nakami and Magari cram for finals before they can prepare for the meteor shower party. Nakami also visits Magari while she’s home sick.

I swear, if this series pulls a ‘Your Lie In April‘ on me, I will flip a table. Because it’s clear Magai isn’t well and it’s just this shadow lurking over the success of the party and them having a good time taking pictures. They are so cute together, whether they date or not, and I really hope this series doesn’t get that dark. I like the simple joy of them managing their insomnia and enjoying photography. 4 out of 5.

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Lenni Reviews: “Insomniacs After School” Vol. 8, by Makoto Ojiro

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

After the festival, Magari picks up her late-night radio streams again, confessing about the health issues she’s been dealing with most of her life. The previous astronomy club member, Shiromaru, gets more involved in helping Magari and Nakami start nighttime observations for the new club.

Kurashiki Sensei is so deadpan, I love it. Most of this is Magari and Nakami spending a supervised overnight at school for some stargazing but a storm blocks the skies. It’s very sweet and good to see them happy together doing what they love. It’s just a pure moment. We still don’t know what seems to be the deeper issue with Shiomaru, who clearly had more going on with the previous astronomy club that she’s still hiding. I doubt it will be very heavy or dark since that would be a major departure from the tone of this series so far. I honestly hope Magari having a heart condition is as dark as this series gets. 4 out of 5.

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Lenni Reviews: “Insomniacs After School” Vol. 7, by Makoto Ojiro

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

The consequences of Magari disobeying her parents come when they ban her from seeing Nakami outside of school. With their relationship a secret and Magari grounded, the future of the astronomy club is in jeopardy.

Yup, the parents were as thrilled about that little excursion as I thought they would be. The kids seem to take it in stride and are focused on their fledgling club and taking any opportunity to promote it. Not much progress is made towards that and I wish we had more emphasis on Nakami’s photo; the photo taken on the trip that cause all this drama in the first place. It’s just kinda dropped in exposition and I’d hoped to see more about that contest. 3.8 out of 5.

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Lenni Reviews: “Insomniacs After School” Vol. 6, by Makoto Ojiro

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

Magari and Nakami are still on their trip and despite their friends showing up to assist, they are able to spend some time learning about each other.

While they’re adorable – spoiler?? – I am SHOCKED Magari’s parents weren’t more pissed off. A cute trip for a couple of teenagers may make younger readers feel just the sweet budding romance, I’d be freaked out too if my kid was in the middle of nowhere refusing to come home. I hope the pictures are worth whatever punishment gets handed down and I’m not being catty. I really hope it’s all worth it in the end. Other than that, I enjoyed watching them all hang out and work so hard to get the perfect shot. 4.5 out of 5.

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Lenni Reviews: “Insomniacs After School” Vol. 5, by Makoto Ojiro

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

Despite the disappointment of the viewing party, Nakami and Isaki pivot to finding the perfect shot for the photo contest and head out with Isaki’s sister, Haya, to get some good pictures of the sky. All is going fairly well until Haya goes off with her boyfriend leaving the two of them alone.

Along with our couple just being fucking adorable, we learn more about Magari’s childhood and how Isaki’s insomnia started. They’re sadly relatable and make you hope they can find peace in the future. Other than that, it’s a relaxing read; not too much drama when Haya’s involved, which I’m glad about. I like the tone of this series and I hope it doesn’t change into something either too angsty, too overblown with drama, or too dark. 4 out of 5.

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Lenni Reviews: “Insomniacs After School” Vol. 4, by Makoto Ojiro

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

Summer vacation as well as the photo contest and meteor shower party are on the horizon and the pressure is on for Magari and Nakami to make sure the event goes well and they are a properly recognized club.

These kids are just so earnest and I can’t help but root for them to have this club. Nakami and Magari are also helping each other manage their insomnia but getting the club to happen is the main focus. There is a budding romance between them and it’s sweet but I think I’m just as excited for the viewing party as the characters are. 4 out of 5.

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Lenni Reviews: “Insomniacs After School” Vol. 3, by Makoto Ojiro

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

Summer approaches and the Astronomy Club prepares for their first official club event; a meteor shower watch party. Meanwhile, Magari and Nakami attend a festival together as their relationship grows closer.

The majority of this volume is watching these kids get their event together as well as our main couple still struggling with their sleep issues. The kids are so earnest and determined to make the club and the party to be a success and it’s super sweet. It’s a very refreshing volume. 4 out of 5.

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