The Hikikomori Novel

A must-read for all Japan fans. Could even a Japanese writer portray contemporary Japan so realistically and poignantly... The Hikikomori is certainly a powerful piece of work... I hope this story will spark interest in Japan and the Japanese people... You will surely be a fan of Miko... The perfect balance of pain, laugh and tears... It is a gem of a book that I, as a Japanese, am confident to recommend... It exposes social problems in Japan that are never visible from the outside... This novel will make you happy like eating chocolate... My heart was full of positivity by reading your novel... When I finished reading your novel, I felt confident and motivated to live positively. I am so glad I was able to read this book this summer!!

It's an absolutely wonderful novel, and it brought both of us such joy. It will elicit laughter and tears, and you will be so glad you read it!... Amazing! I lived and worked in Japan for three months. This book made me wanna go back... Please read this book. This well written fictional coming of age story blew me away with the amount of twist and turns this story entails. You will laugh. You will cry. You will maybe find confidence in yourself after reading this wonderful story. Highly recommend reading... After reading this book, I felt as if I had received a warm hug from my Mom. I have renewed respect for the Japanese culture and its grounded beliefs. This book should be made mandatory for High Schools the World over. Pick this up and spend a weekend getting immersed in this World. Thank me later... A Crash Course In Modern Japanese Culture. A fast way to get educated about Japanese culture and the Japanese mindset. And the captivating story makes it easy to read. Bottom line, great book. Read it. Especially before you visit Japan, or if you want to get on better with your Japanese friends... Absolute banger of a book! This book felt like it had so many layers to it, I could not put it down!... The most wonderful and hopeful novel I have read in ages. I am interested in Japanese culture and took a chance. It exceeded all my expectations. The story is painful, suspenseful, hopeful and joyful at all moments. I cannot recommend this book more highly... A must-read for burnt out folks! A wonderful tragedy-to-rising story for anyone who has suffered from burnout like I did! Have tissues handy; this story will make you cry!... This book will inject you with inspiration and remind you of the power of serendipity and decision-making... Genuine and Authentic. An exceptional piece of literature that deeply explores the life of a young girl who struggles with severe social anxiety and finds solace in isolation. The story is compelling, heartwarming, and thought-provoking. The book is a page-turner, with every chapter leaving the reader wanting more. It is a beautiful story of hope and resilience, and I highly recommend it to anyone looking for an inspiring and uplifting read... This is such a well written and researched book. This story is beautiful and has a bit of a surprising end... Awesome novel. It's like playing a slice of life anime in your head. Can't recommend it enough. The second time reading it you see so many more things that you didn't notice before. Highly suggest reading again... Amazing Read. This book is phenomenal. It explains Japan's current population/economic issues while showing how a young woman deals with anxiety and gaining acceptance. It is simple and very thought provoking at the same time... Kept me fully interested throughout the pages There's a positive message which is inspiring and uplifting. Since reading this book, I couldn't but help to recommend it to my friends, and also bought a copy for my daughter. Yes, it's that good!... An enthralling read. A crash course on Japanese culture as seen through the eyes and heart of an unusual and compelling girl. This modern day fairy tale will touch every emotion as it stimulates deeply provocative thinking about the beliefs and ideals held by individuals and cultures... A peek behind the curtain. A very pleasant book, with suspense, growth, heart and empathy... A story of hope. I loved this story. The main character Miko and all the chaos of her life, continually endeared herself to me. Though beginning in rural Japan, the story is mostly set amidst a busy, hustling city - described in words that drew me in, until I felt like I was walking the streets of Tokyo. Miko encountered many difficulties, faced many fears, succumbed to many fears, but didn't allow that to be the end of her story. Definitely worth a read, as it's not only a sweet and funny story, but it also inspired and challenged. The feelings of struggle and hope linger long after it is finished... Great book! An excellent book, with well developed characters and a gripping plot. I couldn't put it down and didn't want it to end. Highly recommended... An honest exploration of anxiety and culture. Written in simple words which hit home harder than complicated language, it offers great insight into anxiety and its causes, while proposing helpful ways to combat it. The book also nicely sums up and gives an honest review of Japanese culture, the good and the bad, and leaves one hopeful for the future of the country and this world... Absolutely Inspiring. This book is a delight. it is beautifully written and captivating. It's one of the best I've read this year. After putting it down I feel like my feet are floating over the floor... The story is captivating and flows really well. I can definitely recommend this book if you're fascinated by Japanese culture or would like to learn more about it... Good Book! This book was very good! This story gives us hope that there is hope and that it is possible for all of us as we go through this journey of life. When you have the right attitude, you can be respectful, appreciative, and understanding of everyone! From the story, I took away this message! It's beautiful!... Hauntingly Beautiful. Oh my goodness, this book was amazing! I was completely sucked into Miko's world and felt like I was right there with her as she struggled to face her fears and leave her room. The writing was so beautiful and emotional, it really tugged at my heartstrings. I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to experience the raw and powerful journey of a hikikomori. It's a must-read!