Ao Haru Ride; Io Sakisaka

Title: Ao Haru Ride Volume 1
Author: Io Sakisaka
Genre: Manga; Graphic Novel; Romance
Published: March 11, 2015
Publisher: Viz Media

The popular shojo manga series that was adapted into the Blue Spring Ride anime!
In high school, Futaba gets a second chance with her first love, Kou.
Futaba Yoshioka thought all boys were loud and obnoxious until she met Kou Tanaka in junior high. But as soon as she realized she really liked him, he had already moved away because of family issues. Now, in high school, Kou has reappeared, but is he still the same boy she fell in love with?

*Thank you to Net galley for allowing me to read this book. In exchange for a honest and unbiased review*

Rating

Hello Fellow Readers,

Today I have a graphic novel that I am so excited to share with you all. Ao Haru Ride, is about "Unfeminine" Futaba is reunited with First love Kou. Kou moved away years ago, before Futaba was able to confess her feelings, but now he's back. But the kind boy from middle school is no longer, in his place is a uncaring, cold boy. Can Futaba change Kou or will this love never blossom?

This was really cute story, Sakisaka did a really good job setting up the first volume and it's main characters. The writing is very sweet and felt so Innocent, painting high school as a place that I would have actually liked to be at. Before we get started one thing I really enjoyed were the little notes that the author sprinkled in. It made me feel as if it was developing a connection with the author and it gave me a bit of insight into what they were thinking as the writing was taking place something you don’t really see with other mangas. At first, I was not sure if I was going to like this. The Romance couple trope of Asshole and shy naive girl typically isn't my thing and is a bit played out but it turns out I was wrong. 

While Kou is somewhat mean (but it seems mostly in a really innocent way and not a complete assholish way) there are plenty of glimpses of his more warm-hearted side. Futaba isn't just a naive girl either but as the first volume progresses we see that she Is someone who can speak her mind and do what's right when needed. There are a couple of side characters but you don't really get to know them well enough to really form a opinion. the ending really sets it up for the next Volume which I can't wait to read. Overall, this innocent little tale is exactly what I needed.

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