The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya (Light Novel): Volume 1

This is a great book. I absolutely love the way the main character Kyon narrates the story. He references Japanese literature and history several times. It's great characters like him that really bring this series to life. I recommend this book to anyone who wants a good sci-fi read.

This light novel has a fascinating style of narration that feeds the action to the reader in a descriptive and comical way. The first-person perspective lends to the narration in a texturally exciting fashion.

Almost every single review here is about volume one of the manga. This is NOT the manga, but a translated light novel, which means there's no pictures other than a few pages of colored illustrations which I believe is by Noizi Ito (who designed the Haruhi characters, as well as Shana characters), and the manga preview. The light novel is what started it all, so this novel is the reason the anime and manga versions even existed. Do not base the reviews on all the reviews talking about the manga, because this is not the manga. The quality of this translated light novel is very good, and the hardcover makes it look very nice.

This book is a must have for both Haruhi fans and those who have been recently introduced to this wonderful series. It is very well translated and doesn't leave those who are not accustomed to Japanese culture completely confused. Also, the art work and colored pages are extremely beautiful. A must buy!