false 759772 1421502690 9781421502694 74 7 http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1178122841m/759772.jpg http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/759772.Kamikaze_Girls_Novel_Volume_1 401186 Novala Takemoto 153 17 5 0 false Wed Aug 01 00:00:00 -0700 2007 Wed Jun 20 05:00:30 -0700 2007 Wed Dec 03 17:38:15 -0800 2008 dying subcultures in Japan.

For some perspective, as of the writing of this book, both the Yankii/Bosozoku subculture and Lolita subculture were on the fade. Though both have recently had a small resurgence, they are both pretty much the domain of those who are very invested in the lifestyle. Also, while not exactly unheard of, female yankii and bosozoku are much more rare.

This is a story of two girls who find themselves in two completely opposite subcultures out in cabbage country. They find themselves with some extremely unlikely bonding which eventually works its way to true friendship. I saw the movie before reading the book-- they are both similar, but still different enough that I didn't mind reading it. Some of the male characters are far better looking in the book. *laugh*

Firstly, this story is fun.

Secondly, this story is about aggressive consumerism, misanthropy, fists of fury, love for your best friend. The determination to live your life the way YOU want to.

Thirdly, this felt so real to me, that I almost cried at some points. Very touching, with a bit of kick and sarcasm.

Also: For those who objected that the original title "Shimotsuma Monagatari" was changed to "Kamikaze Girls"-- this was not done by Viz. I'm pretty certain the title change happened before any Viz licensing-- and it isn't random Japanese-ism. Yankii often graduate into scooter gangs (bosozoku) and these scooter gangs were often known as Kamikaze Riders. So with that perspective, the title fits quite well.]]>