Hey!
So I’ve recently gotten back into reading and I’m trying to find my niche/genre etc. I’ve found it hard to find books previously where I read the synopsis and I’m like, yes, this is it.
I’m looking for books that I will struggle to put down that draw you into the world and the characters. I want to feel the butterflies, their anxieties, the tightness in the chest, the elation, their heartbreak. Doesn’t have to be a happy ending.
I want to feel so invested in them and the setting. I also enjoy a supernatural twist to these stories, feeling immersed in a world that’s a bit different from ours.
I know its not quite transferable but Ive watched quite a bit of anime and im looking for similar vibes to some of these(not manga):
Beyond the boundary: one of the main characters (M) is the last survivor of a powerful spirit warrior clan, her blood is cursed and the other spirit warrior clans reject them. She is tasked to kill the other main character (A) an immortal, half youmu. Its a bit of a laugh, A is pretty laid back and convinces them to become friends. A bunch of other supernatural things happen, their relationship deepens, and in the end M sacrifices herself to save A. It then turns out she’s stuck in a parallel reality type deal, fighting for her survival, he manages to get her back but then she has amnesia.
It’s emotional, up and down, funny, and heartbreaking in the best way. It’s probably one of my favourite pieces of media ever.
Fruits basket: “After a family tragedy turns her life upside down, 16 year old high schooler Tohru Honda takes matters into her own hands and moves out…into a tent. Unfortunately for her, she pitches her new home on private land belonging to the mysterious Soma clan, and it isn’t long before the owners discover her secret. But, as Tohru quickly finds out when the family offers to take her in, the Somas have a secret of their own–when hugged by the opposite sex, they turn into the animals of the Chinese Zodiac.”
The story explores the characters emotional/traumatic back stories, the depth of the family curse, and how the characters are interlinked. As they build trust and deepen relationships, they work through their traumas and figure out their paths forward. Kyou, one of the two initial love interests, is one of my favourite characters!
One week friends: a girl has a condition where her memory lasts a week. Doesn’t really have friends etc. One day a boy befriends her, they get to know each other and then he learns about her condition. The story is them becoming friends again, her becoming friends with his friends etc and having good experiences. She writes a diary to remind herself each week. One week, they have a fight, and she hides her diary so she will forget. It’s heart warming, gentle, squishy feels and then heart breaking. They do become friends again!
Then basically anything by makoto shinkai:
Garden of words
Your name
Weathering with you
Suzume
Anyway, I hope this is enough for some good reccomendations!
Thanks!!
by StrawFoxes