Amber Summer

Mizuki Tsujimura's "Amber Summer"
Even with its 548-page thickness, I read it in two days.
Once I start reading one of Tsujimura's books, I become so curious about what happens next that even if I close the book, I find myself thinking, "No, I have to," and opening it again.

The story is packed with feelings like parent-child relationships, education, loneliness, the anxiety of not being able to trust others, the sense of security in being able to trust, the freedom to choose, and the joy of being told you are a friend.

Not being able to join a group,
the indescribable feeling of being rejected is something even children naturally feel.
We want to believe that children are innocent and like angels, but...

I hope that adults who have experienced many failures, setbacks, and sadness, as well as joy and happiness, can watch over and stay close to small children, and grow together with them.
Though there are cases where it's the other way around 😅

With a social backdrop that includes the Tokyo subway sarin attack and self-help seminars being held everywhere, the story is painful, but it was a good book that left my heart feeling calm and brought tears to my eyes while making me smile at the end.