Doubt!!, Vol. 5, 5

'Doubt!!' revolves around 15-year-old, Ai Maekawa, and her quest to become beautiful. After an embarrassing experience in middle school, she severs ties with her old life, and is accepted into a high school where know one knows of her or her past. During the break between middle and high school she focuses on becoming beautiful for her high school debut. When she arrives, she gets exactly what she wished for. I don't quite understand why so many people are upset with this manga. Sure, the whole premise seems a bit superficial, but I don't believe `Doubt!!" is really meant to be taken too seriously. It's so much fun to read! I love the characters and there are moments where it's really cute and hilarious. I'm definitely enjoying it so far.

This was an enjoyable, entertaining manga featuring Ai Maekawa and her journey to transform from a nerdy, plain "jimi" (Japanese slang for a plain, studious girl) to a cute, popular girl. Following a rather pained journey through middle school Ai studies for her high school entrance examinations with exuberance determined to change her life. After an extreme diet and beauty regiment she enters a high school where she doesn't know anyone hoping for a fresh start...but she keeps receiving anonymous notes from someone who claims to know her past. Will Ai be able to keep her secret without losing her head or her dignity? Find out!! This was a good, quick read and I could definitely identify with the character's desire to make her life better. New series from Izumi Kaneyoshi.