Anomaly

It wasn't worth it.

This was a DNF at approximately 75%. Approximately, because I ended up skipping the last 1/3 of Part 1, and skimmed through Part 2 – essentially looking for “The Good Parts, Abridged” – before getting fed up.

I read the 2012 reprint, which appears to be an unaltered reprint of the 1998 edition. The book relies on romaji (some scarce scatterings of kana and kanji), which fell out of favor between those two dates; along with the preface it indicates that this text has remained unchanged for a qua

An excellent book, but the subject matter may be a dealbreaker for some readers

Note: This book, while focused foremost on connecting rescued cats with happy forever families, does not shy away from tragedy. This is a childrens' nonfiction book, and treats the topic in a manner appropriate for its intended audience (mid- to late-elementary school aged children). However, if references to animal cruelty, abuse, illness, and death are upsetting, proceed with caution. A more complete advisory list is provided at the end of the review in spoiler text.

In light of the above

Everything's better with cats, including Dragon Quest parodies

I've only played three of the Dragon Quest games (3, 5, and 8) but immediately recognized this as a DQ spoof. Hero Ledo and party members Aina and Grace (names referenced from the press release of the upcoming English edition) have been tasked with defeating the Demon King, but the greatest threat to our hero's quest is not the Demon King himself, nor his minions, nor the need for gold and better equipment...but a persistent tomcat with a knack for demanding a warm lap and skritchies at the most

A good 'beginner' manga, but quickly outgrew it

I've actually read this twice, but didn't record the re-read date in my spreadsheet, and both reads pre-date joining Natively. Ah well.

This book is mostly wholesome family comedy. There were a few chapters that had me raising my eye in an "I hope this is comedic license by the author" way, and a workplace creep who is very quickly and properly dealt with, but it's mostly light laughs and heartwarming family life snippets. And on the second read-through, I came to the conclusion that one volume

A pleasant enough read, but no wish to continue.

I have had this on my shelves since the early 2000s, when I bought it at a bookseller (probably the long-gone Sasuga Books) at an anime convention. My copy is from the original 14-volume edition, so the contents may not map 1:1 to the edition here on Natively. I do not believe the difference, if any, would change my review.

Twenty years or so ago, this book was extremely difficult for me due to the absence of furigana. When I returned to it in November of 2022, to my surprise and delight I was