Review for Kono Natsu no Hoshi o Miru

Not really a sad story but it could make you feel very depressed, as it tells a story which took place from 2020 to 2021, a time when everyone on Earth was forced to become a “shut-in”. In short, the story is about a few high school students trying to organise an interschool stargazing event via Zoom, as group gatherings in public were completely banned during that time.

I had two jaw-dropping moments while reading this book. First, it has a very intriguing and engaging exposition building up to the climax of the story, or the titular event “Stargazing in this Summer”. But then, [not exactly a spoiler but it might affect your expectation of the story] the whole event spans like two friggin’ pages of narrative only!?!?? Isn’t it the main plot of this story? As I continued reading I was again surprised that there are actually way more to offer, which are indeed more interesting than just stargazing. As expected from Tsujimura Mizuki who will not disappoint her readers, it ended up being a very heartwarming and satisfying journey.

This novel has a huge ensemble cast of characters, from students to teachers to parents, and each with their own hardship. Seeing them grow warmed my heart so much. Also, this is more of a motivational and therapeutic story. So, don't expect there is a nasty villain or some life-threatening crisis (despite the given circumstances). It's a smooth, slice of life story of how people tackle and maintain their "normal" life when normality went completely out of the window.

To be honest, as an adult I still have a feeling that a couple of years were “stolen” from my life, leaving me a hole with blurred memories.  I couldn’t imagine how a teenager would feel when it was their prime time to go playing baseball, swimming, camping, travelling, singing karaoke, and the list goes on.  Anyway, I took up the hobby of collecting and reading Japanese novels and light novels in 2020.  I guess it was a great move to keep myself sane!