Sakura Tsukuba

I think I read this series, or most of it at least, years ago when it first came out in 2004. This would have been right up 20yo Lexie's manga tastes.

That said I don't remember much at all of it so. Its practically new to me!

Really this is 3 chapters of the main story, and two additional stories not connected (as far as I can tell).

Despite the premise the first couple of chapters are standard shoujo fare - girl meets boy, a catalyst happens and somehow a new love interest occurs!

Its cute, though I felt a bit impatient to get to an actual plot. Like... there's gotta be more to it then Kanade sees the future, Arou warns her to be careful...right?

The first short story, "After the Festival" is a sweet story about two classmates who share time after the festival, so neither is lonely.

The second story, "The Mistaken Man" features friendship, first love and how the truth will set you free.… (more)

The first volume of "Land of the Blindfolded" was more quiet than I was expecting - this isn't a bad thing. You will not find over the top romance schemes, or super powered talents - but you will get a quiet story about a normal (mostly) life at a Japanese high school. It captures that first moment of totally connecting with a first love, the total focus on school and school activities. The talents of Kanada and Arou are both subdued, but important. Both characters try to figure out what to do with this power, but at the same time, are very much the teenager kids they are. Its a simple story, of first loves, growing up, and taking responsibility. I highly recommend it as a book to read if you are looking for a Manga volume that is more down to earth than what is generally available.… (more)