REVIEW: "Let's Eat Ramen and Other Doujinshi Short Stories" by Nagumo and Aji-Ichi

Disclaimer: I received a free, advanced copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. Thanks Netgalley!

Type: Graphic Novel, Manga, Short Stories, Doujinshi, Ramen!

About the Book: Doujinshi, otherwise known as independent manga in Japan, is rarely published in English. In fact, it's considered underground and quite exclusive in its home country of Japan as well. Let's Eat Ramen and Other Doujinshi Short Stories finally gives western readers an exclusive look at the elusive world of contemporary Japanese doujinshi manga. Let's East Ramen is a three-part tale of Saeki, a girl who loves ramen noodles. At last, she thinks that she has finally found the perfect ramen shop, but the problem is the shop is completely full of old regulars and she can't get in. Will the timid Saeki ever summon the willpower to reach out and get the ramen that she desperately wants? [Summary provided by Goodreads.com]

My Review: This is my first foray into what's considered "underground" manga - also known as manga that hasn't made it to the USA before now. Most of what is popular in the US is very formulaic - almost like the same thing over and over. But there is manga of all different types available in Japan, and it's great that this is getting a chance to shine in the US. 

It was fascinating to read what is essentially a book of manga short stories. A graphic novel can take multiple volumes to equal what we know as one book. So to make it even shorter? Amazing! It was so cool to see how much information and story that got packed into such a few pages. Each story for original and interesting. The culture difference is pretty obvious - some things happen way faster than it may in the states, and Ramen is a whole different experience in Japan, - but it's a great into into a different culture. 

Overall, I'm giving this three stars. It was good, a fun and fast read for sure. But essentially, my love of this is more of the concept and culture than of the stories themselves.

Cover Lovin': Since "Let's Eat Ramen" is the main story of this collection, the cover image is fitting. And it will definitely appeal to its intended audience (manga fans).

Recommendation: For fans of manga and Japanese culture.

Final Rating: THREE out of FIVE stars (3/5). Good, interesting, and different. Something to look into if you're a manga fan.

Happy Reading!
~!~ Amanda, Novel Addiction ~!~