Playful Kiss set at a music school – that might be the best way to describe Nodame Cantabile to the newbie wondering what it’s all about. We have our closed-off quiet male protagonist, Chiaki, and our scatterbrained love struck female protagonist, Nodame, and due to various circumstances the two are practically living in the same space and learning how to deal with each other’s quirks and issues while staying on top of their respective musical studies. But unlike in Playful Kiss, Nodame is not a total ditz; her unorthodox piano playing has Chiaki wondering if he’s living next to a secret musical genius or someone with extremely dumb luck. One thing he is sure of, though, that Nodame is a certified mooch and slob who won’t leave him alone!

Read the rest of my review at Nagareboshi Reviews! ( )

A romantic story of a funny but weird piano prodigy and a cold music genius. A very good series that also involves classical music. I recommend watching the anime too. ( )

Cute, bit off-beat. ( )

I'm rereading this series and I really enjoy it. Now I remember why I love it ( )

Chiaki Shinichi wanted to become a conductor since he was a little boy. He admired Maestro Vieira and had hoped to follow in his footsteps. However, Chiaki cannot leave Japan because he experienced a traumatic flight accident and also drowning. After being rejected by his piano professor and his girlfriend, he somehow finds himself with Noda Megumi, who goes by Nodame. She does not play the piano very well and her music is all over the play, Chiaki finds her music attractive. Will she become a burden or will she become his muses? The flow of the story is rather quick and the readers will be able to follow the characters around. As the first book, it does a great job of setting the parameters of the characters and the settings. The story is mostly in dialog format, making the readers feel like they are the characters. The chapters are labeled “Lesson” to also add to the affect that they are at Music School. The illustrations use thin lines to express motion and the over exaggerated style makes this book unique. Even though it is in black and white, the uses of tones and sound effects makes illustrations come to life.

A great way to get the readers interested in classical music. While reading the book, if the reader listens to the musical piece, it will help them engage in the story more. And the unexpected turn of events will keep the readers tied up. Fantastic story for all ages who like music, romance, and comedy. ( )