Archive | January, 2025

An Amazing Manga: Gazing at the Star Next Door

15 Jan

Are you a fan of girl/boy groups — especially in the world of K-Pop or J-Pop? Are you also a fan of unrequited love? As a long-time fan of Japanese male idol groups like Arashi, as well as manga and topics like love and romance, Gazing at the Star Next Door almost felt like it was made for me and the modern fangirl. We fans treasure our idols and ensure that we maintain healthy boundaries as we support our cherished artists. But Gazing at the Star Next Door playfully explores the question — what if a one-sided love for your favorite idol becomes mutual?

In the beginning of the series, we meet Chiaki Amano and Subaru Hiiragi — two high schoolers who are also childhood friends (a big trope in Japanese cultural works). Even though Chiaki and Subaru have that shared, intimate relationship with each other as platonic friends, a rift has developed as they have grown older and once Subaru became a rising teen actor. There is also an air of impatience — viewing love and dating as important milestones to reach during one’s high school experience. From this line of thought, Chiaki tries to get over her feelings for Subaru, the idol, by attempting to put herself out there and join a mixer with college boys. As the mixer sours and the college boy that Chiaki is paired up with starts bad-mouthing Subaru, it almost seems like the end of the world for her! But then, Subaru comes and picks her up from that snarky, two-dimensional college boy! Afterwards, he thanks her for defending him in front of the college boy — and then says she looks cute! What does this all mean for Chiaki’s plans?

I thoroughly enjoyed reading the current volumes (the first three English volumes are in the BCCLS catalog, and the fourth English volume is set to be published by Kodansha US on January 28th) and seeing how the story develops between Chiaki and Subaru. Anmitsu (the author) also gives a curious taste into high school life, idols, fanservice, and teen romance and attraction. I recommend giving Gazing at the Star Next Door a try, and I am excited for when the next installment makes its way to BCCLS!

Written by:
Laura Austria
Information and Digital Services Assistant

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The Mystery of How I Learned to Love to Read: James Patterson and Beyond

8 Jan

Thinking back on my younger days, I often viewed reading as an endless endeavor, lacking the clear timeframes that television or movies (my then preferred entertainment) provided. The uncertainty of how long a book might take to finish made it seem more like a chore than something for pleasure.

My perspective began to shift during my freshman year of high school. Recognizing my interest in crime procedurals and mysteries, my mother recommended I give James Patterson’s Along Came a Spider a try. She encouraged me to read just one chapter… Initially, I was reluctant, but I agreed. To my surprise, Patterson’s chapters were super short and super engaging. After completing the first, I found myself wanting to continue, gradually becoming engrossed in the narrative. The structure of Patterson’s books made reading feel manageable… accessible even, altering my perceptions.

As high school continued, my respect for literature deepened and I found myself in the high school library quite often. In my junior year, I was approached by the school librarian/media specialist to establish a teen book club during lunch hours. Serving as the inaugural president, I led discussions that allowed me to connect with fellow students over shared literary interests. These interactions enhanced my empathy, active listening skills, and appreciation for diverse perspectives, underscoring the profound impact that literature can have on personal development.

Today, my literary preferences still remain rooted in crime and mystery genres, with authors like Walter Mosley, Alexander McCall Smith, G.K. Chesterton, and Agatha Christie among my favorites. I also explore biographies, essay collections, and fantasy, broadening my understanding of different writing styles and subject matters.

For those who find reading daunting, I suggest starting with subjects that genuinely interest you. Seeking recommendations from friends or family can provide personalized entry points into the world of literature. Additionally, authors like James Patterson, with their succinct chapters, can make the reading experience more approachable.

In conclusion, my journey from viewing reading as a chore to embracing it as a source of enjoyment and growth illustrates how finding the right material and engaging with a community of readers can transform one’s relationship with literature.

If you love reading, what was that first book(s) that sparked your interest? Let us know in the comments!

Written by:
Tyler Riley
Information and Digital Services Library Assistant

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