Fruits Basket, Volume 16

The first time I read this series was in high school, but I've recently really enjoyed rereading it as an adult! My main problem with the series from this point (and onwards) is the plot starts to feel a little rushed and muddled. Characters start getting sorted off into romantic pairings that feel a little forced and out of character for most of them. Overall, this series is great, especially if it's in a genre you like, or if you're just getting into manga for the first time. If you like this, you'll probably also like Ouran High School Host Club.

I totally cried as I read this, the story of Tohru's parents is devastatingly adorable and romantic, but the eventual ending is enough to rip your heart out. But as always, Natsuki Takaya-sensei has composed a new chapter in Tohru's story that keeps you turning the pages.

I loved this book, and how it was so dramatic, from a romantic story, to a tragedy. Takaya did very well. I enjoyed the twist with Kyo meeting Kyoko. I could not put the book down. I cannot wait for the next book to come out.

I own this series in Japanese, and it is a wonderful read! It has all the important elements of a good shoujo manga: it is romantic, twisted, with a shoujo (in the traditional meaning of the word) involved in finding a new family and love triangles galore. It is just a very fun read, no matter the language!

Kyoko's story is revealed in this book, and it's well-written and beautiful, yet also very saddening. It was also extremely interesting to finally meet Tohru's father - who is nothing like what we imagined he might be! Also, we learn a little about Machi of the student council - and it turns out she's very interesting indeed! I'm getting really attached to her character, and I think a lot of the "quiet, good-grades, no social-life" kids out there can really identify with the poor girl and her situation. I hope there's even more of her in future books.

Warning: spoilers ahead! What's nice about reading this series is how much you get to see not only the growth of the characters, but the author's growth as well. Number sixteen tells the almost tear-inducing story of Kyoko and Katsuya: a love story with a dark cloud looming over the enjoyment of the true happiness of their little family. When Katsuya helps Kyoko get over her distrust of people and eventually marries her when her parents disown her, the next chapter shows the easy transition they make into married life. Their joy increases twofold when Tohru is born. But, of course, just as we are acclimated to their joy, Kyoko receives the fateful phone call. When I was told that Yuki and Machi would be together in the end, I couldn't see at all how this relationship could develop. 16 makes some major headway, getting inside Machi's head for the first time. While she has witnessed Yuki's personal growth, she still feels insignificant and dull. However, Yuki's friendliness towards her seems to give her morale a slight boost, although nothing else happens with them afterwards. It's incredible that both of these plotlines are managed with ease, neither overwhelming the other even though they are both so important. This is a must-read for all fans of manga.