Koncocoo

Best Nonfiction Manga

Animal Farm
“The creatures outside looked from pig to man, and from man to pig, and from pig to man again; but already it was impossible to say which was which.”. Animal Farm is an all time bestselling book written by George Orwell in 1945. Since its publication in 1946, George Orwell's fable of a workers' revolution gone wrong has rivaled Hemingway's The Old Man and the Sea as the Shortest Serious Novel It's OK to Write a Book Report About. Fueled by Orwell's intense disillusionment with Soviet Communism, Animal Farm is a nearly perfect piece of writing, both an engaging story and an allegory that actually works. While this swinish brotherhood sells out the revolution, cynically editing the Seven Commandments to excuse their violence and greed, the common animals are once again left hungry and exhausted, no better off than in the days when humans ran the farm. Satire Animal Farm may be, but it's a stony reader who remains unmoved when the stalwart workhorse, Boxer, having given his all to his comrades, is sold to the glue factory to buy booze for the pigs.
Reviews
"If you are of my age 25+, and have not read the book, I would say give it a chance because it's not bad."
"A sentiment clearly shared by other writer's of his time across a spectrum ranging from despair (Ray Bradbury, Farenheit 451) to hope (Tolkein, Lord of the Rings; CS Lewis, Chronicles of Narnia)."
"I apparently didn't read the description too carefully because I thought I was purchasing two separate books, but it actually comes with both Animal Farm and 1984 combined."
"If you ever wonder how your revolution can be hijacked by those in the background, Animal Farm is the book for you!"
"This book must be read by those - at leaset i Europe - who tries to rehabilitate one off the worlds most insane and malicious gangsters mister Joseph Stalin."
"Today we see many disturbing "Orwellian" signs, such as the Patriot Act, surveillance drones being used on the public here in America, revealing NSA insights, and so on."
"Hard to write one review that covers both, because l984 certainly DOES have violence and sexual content, but Animal Farm much less so."
"I am sorry I bought this particular edition, as although it must somehow be legal if Amazon is selling it, the flagrant disregard for original copyright information is the antithesis of everything we English teachers are trying to instill in our students/children regarding plagiarism."
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Autobiography of a Yogi
When he returns to America, he continues to establish his teachings, including writing this book. The work is enduringly popular because it introduces millions of readers to Eastern spiritual thought. The yogi begins by showing how his childhood experiences in turn-of-the-century India produced a spiritual youth in search of an enlightened teacher, continues with an account of his years of training in the hermitage of a revered master, and concludes with the highlights of a period, beginning in 1920, during which he lived and taught in America.
Reviews
"I originally read the version with the blue cover which I found out later is apparently the one that wasn't edited after Yogananda's death. Many years later I repurchased this red cover version because it came with the free CD and I figured.. how different can it be?"
"For those unfamiliar with Paramahansa Yogananda, he is credited with integrating some Hindu teachings and practices with American culture. The direction of his life story is in some ways the opposite of the paths society chooses for us. An interesting conclusion of the author is that the world would benefit from adopting the efficiencies of America along with the spirituality of India."
"His beautiful heart and love for all is clearly shown throughout this book revealing not only his journey on the spiritual path, but putting us in touch with many of the Masters and gurus who followed him."
"There's nothing like reading what the Master wrote the way he wrote it."
"This is the most excellent book i have ever read in my lifetime and i do read so many books on regular basis.this is the book that has changed the view and target of my life completely.if you have not read this book means every other book you read till now is a complete waste.i strongly urge every soul in human body on this earth to read this book.Human race owes so much to Yogananda ji for writing this book for us.so pls dont waste your life and do read this book."
"I thought that it was a very inspiring book."
"I have read this book on several occasions."
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Diary of a Tokyo Teen: A Japanese-American Girl Travels to the Land of Trendy Fashion, High-Tech Toilets and Maid Cafes
In Diary of a Tokyo Teen , Inzer explores the cutting-edge fashions of Tokyo's trendy Harajuku district, eats the best sushi of her life at the renowned Tsukiji fish market, and hunts down geisha in the ancient city of Kyoto. VERDICT A sweet and funny book that will entice those with an interest in Japan, as well as fans of Lucy Knisley's Relish: My Life in the Kitchen.—Andrea Lipinski, New York Public Library "The book is full of interesting and funny observations on Japan and Japanese culture." — I Heart Japan blog "A sweet and funny book that will entice those with an interest in Japan, as well as fans of Lucy Knisley's Relish: My Life in the Kitchen ." "Using a blend of photos and fun illustrations, Japanese-American writer/illustrator Christine Mari Inzer travels at 15 to Tokyo to reacquaint herself with the country while offering up her Diary of a Tokyo Teen: A Japanese-American Girl Travels to the Land of Trendy Fashion, High-Tech Toilets and Maid Cafes packed with interesting observations and plenty of navel-gazing for other teenage visitors." " Diary of a Tokyo Teen is a fun multicultural journey…the book is devoid of heavy teenage angst and instead brings the reader on a journey of wonder, fascination, and self-discovery. "This funny travelogue is a portal to both modern Japan and the life of a teenage girl experiencing new things while traveling…Teens hoping to travel to Japan—or anywhere, for that matter—will have a lot to gain from Inzer's warts-and-all account of her journey."
Reviews
"We would recommend this book to anyone who is interested in Japan, who is planning to visit there, teens who love Harajuku or everyone!"
"This book is a perfect gift for friends/family who are traveling to Japan, or those who appreciate / want to learn more about Japanese culture."
"Very detailed travel journal from a teen perspective...cute art style and plenty of photos...a fun book to read."
"A very fun read."
"Fun, perfect gift for my young teenage friend who wants to go to japan."
"It was so cute, so funny in her young person way and it made me think of my own kids, who are biracial as well."
"From a detailed deconstruction of a bowl of ramen to an apt commentary on Japanese fashion, I think she captures not only the city’s culture and charm, but what it's like to be a teen today."
"I am planning on moving to Japan soon, and this is a great book to get for a new perspective."
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Best Science Fiction Manga

Attack on Titan Vol. 1
In this post-apocalytpic sci-fi story, humanity has been devastated by the bizarre, giant humanoids known as the Titans.
Reviews
"LOVE IT MY FAVORITE MANGA <3 <3 even though you make me suffer every month i still love you for creating this amazing and beautiful manga in which you kill my favorite characters QwQ just kidding but you actually make me cry QwQ b I wonder what other surprises you got for us your Fans this next chapters, the plot on the manga has increased into a point i want to scream of emotion I'm really exited!"
"After reading the 1st manga or volume I was hooked and watched the series afterwards."
"This fast paced Seinen manga is amazing."
"When I first read this manga I thought this was the best manga ever, it's a lot different than the other manga I have read."
"I never liked manga or any anime."
"If you have not read this and like anime/manga or if you have never read a manga before then you should pick this up and give it a read."
"I bought this after my daughter and I watched the series on Netflix."
"Arrived as expected and fast."
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Best Historical Fiction Manga

Buddha: Volume 4: The Forest of Uruvela
The Eisner and Harvey Winner. In this fourth volume of the award-winning graphic novel biography, Buddha slowly discovers that his destiny lies in a path not readily available to him. - Scott McCloud , author of Understanding Comics "In handsome volumes designed by Chip Kidd, the Vertical books present Tezuka at his best." The armchair philosopher, the devout Buddhist, the casual manga fan - this book satisfies all with its tale of humanism through sequential art, and definitely earns its place on a bibliophile's bookshelf." With his sweeping vision, deftly interwined plots, feel for the workings of power, and indefatigable commitment to human dignity, Tezuka elevated manga to an art form.
Reviews
"The level of the art work remains high even if he has begun to simplify some of the images expecting us to understand the conventions of this series. The narrative style is familiar but we are being taken deeper into the mysteries of Buddhism and how this belief system would have appeared to those watching it mature. Siddhartha has yet to understand why there must be death and what is it about humans that they alone carry awareness of the fate all living things share. In volume 3 we were shown the realization ordeals that intended to purify the soul and only bring death are futile."
"A whole new cast of characters is introduced to embellish the tale, such as Yatala the giant slave, the Crystal Prince, and Tatta and Migaila, two reformed bandits. The Forest of Uruvela, in the end, is a stunning display of artistry that perfectly captures Buddha's moment of Enlightenment and shows clearly why Tezuka is consider the godfather of Japanese comics."
"Great series."
"Tezuka continues his epic story of the Buddha in Manga form, I cannot find any fault with it."
"These books are not for people looking for serious Buddhist dialogue either, but they are fun and a new and interesting way to view the life of the Buddha."
"I picked up one of these books at our local library and fell in love with the story."
"I have read the Japanese version of this and bought English sets for my boyfriend."
"I've re-read it many times, and you always pick up new things with each read."
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Best Erotica Manga

Monster Musume Vol. 2
It's bad enough that Kimihito is stuck hosting not one, not two, but three sexy Monster Girls -- and is forbidden by law to touch any of them, no matter how much they come on to him -- but now, he's going to have to marry one of them! OKAYADO is a Japanese manga artist and author who is best known for Monster Musume .
Reviews
"Poor Kimihito, just when he was starting to get used to having three lovely monster girls under his roof, their handler throws a new wrinkle and suggests that he marries one of the three, be it magnificient Miia, precocous Papi, or curvacous Centora."
"You don't actively look for a Monster Musume book for no reason."
"Though I must say, my favorite part of this volume was the introduction of Suu and Papi's relationship with her. It really helped develop Papi's character."
"Even though this story is famous for its' fanservice, it can actually be funny at times."
"I love monster musume series, this is a must have."
"Well got to say its still awesome about this book monster girls comedy a lot and of course talking and seeing what everyday monster girl are doing."
"This series is full of amusing antics and scenarios, and has never failed to entertain."
"Being the second book of the series things pick up right where we left our hero; in trouble."
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Best Yaoi Manga

Artifice
Deacon, a prototype android soldier, was ordered by his corporate masters to eliminate a team of scientists who knew too much and he has failed spectacularly. Essentially an intimate look into Deacon’s therapy sessions, with the mission’s events told in flashback, the narrative grips the reader from the first panel to the last, treating the audience to a moving rumination on love, free will, sexuality, and the question of whether a machine can feel. - Publishers Weekly Originally published as a serial webcomic, Artifice is a full-color graphic novel that tells a cyberpunk same-sex love story… Although Artifice is for mature audiences only, its violent and sexual content is directly in service to a thought-provoking science fiction story that will keep the reader fascinated to the final page.
Reviews
"Overall the story itself is enjoyable, the drama of the situation and the feelings evoked during the "present" and "flashback" scenes are very well crafted. As good as Alex Woolfson's story is, it is Winona Nelson's art that truly captures me."
"I had been meaning to read this graphic novel for a while, having heard good things about how it used a sci-fi / action story to talk about homophobia, racism, free will, first love, and self-acceptance; and in light of recent current events, it seemed like the perfect time."
"It has all been said, the art work is superb, the story is superb and the pacing is superb."
"It's practically the size of an artbook rather than a comic and has a lot of information from the site on the back as well as several extras, including the process of the artist getting such clean lines."
"Great story and great graphics, thank you!"
"Though I already read this at the artists own website I still wanted to hold it in my own hands (I bought a hard copy)! Back when I was younger I read a few but with age I somehow found the stories to be boring, dreary, too Action-centered or whatnot..."
"I stumbled onto Artifice the webcomic and fell in love with the story, the characters (yes, even Maven) and the artwork. The romance between Deacon and Jeff is simultaneously sweet and erotic, but also deals with age-old questions about love--what it means to be in love, how do you know you're in love, how do you prove it?"
"However I wasn't too impressed with the packaging which consisted of a padded bag, putting the novel at risk of damage."
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Best Romance Manga

The Ancient Magus' Bride Vol. 2
Chise Hatori's life has recently undergone shocking change. Kore Yamazaki is best known as the author and artist of The Ancient Magus' Bride .
Reviews
"My copy came with bent pages and a cover (Nooo! ;A;). I think I can flatten out the bends if I leave it under a heavy book, but darn it amazon!"
"The world is very engaging the artwork is nice and the characters are very interesting."
"The art style is really showing itself here and the plot moves along quicker as well. Elias is still a mystery but I'm beginning to get the sense that he's more around Chise's age in Fae logic which makes the whole bride thing make more sense."
"I love this story its unique and fun with a serious story line."
"I have to keep reading this series."
"I'm loving the story and the art."
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Best Shojo Manga

The Life-Changing Manga of Tidying Up: A Magical Story
From the #1 New York Times best-selling author and lifestyle/cleaning guru Marie Kondo, this graphic novelization brings Kondo's life-changing tidying method to life with the fun, quirky story of a woman who transforms her home, work, and love life using Kondo's advice and inspiration. If organizational mandates are medicine, this book is like a spoonful of sugar." "Whether you're a dedicated Kondo follower, or a KonMari Method newbie looking for some organizational tips, this cute animated book is sure to inspire your inner neat-freak." "Fans of Kondo’s runaway hit, The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up , will recognize tenets of her cleaning philosophy, woven through a classic manga-style read. Decluttering tips paired with a potential love story? "There aren’t many comics that teach actual practical lessons, which is what makes this one so surprising. "Readers reluctant to submit to word-heavy lectures may be beguiled—and even con- verted—by witnessing Chiaki’s success as played out in an enjoyable story that paints Kondo as more inspiring than inquisitorial." .Marie Kondo is helping the world to properly (and lovingly) store their most beloved possessions, one fold at a time." "To show you how serious my respect for Ms. Kondo is: if I ever get a tattoo, it will say, Spark Joy!" -- Jamie Lee Curtis, TIME "The most organized woman in the world." MARIE KONDO is the founder and chief visionary officer of KonMari Media Inc. and author of the #1 New York Times best seller The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up. Her books have sold more than seven million copies worldwide and have been translated into thirty-eight languages. Kondo has been featured in the Wall Street Journal , The Atlantic, the New York Times , USA Today , and on the Today show, and has been named one of Time magazine’s 100 Most Influential People. Visit www.konmari.com to learn more about Kondo's latest efforts to create a global community with the mission to organize the world through the official KonMari app and KonMari Consultant Program.
Reviews
"She comes to her own realization that she needs help, although it's set off in part by the growing piles of trash on her balcony (! Chiaki thinks she's a fairy when she first appears, a reference to Kondo's real life diminutive size, and while she is generally calm and soothing, she becomes almost a miniature demon when Chiaki wants to tidy her sentimental items first. All of this was buried under habits she'd worked to acquire as part of a campaign to acquire Mister Right, and it's not until she can let go of the last ghost of the The Men Who Got Away that she can actually move on, not only in her home but also in her life. Curiously, this piece of the KonMari philosophy isn't usually written about, but it's an important component of not just tidying but living happily: let go of things that tether you to your past or shelter you from a future you're terrified of, and then you can live fully--and joyfully--in the present. It's also profound while also being humorous."
"Having read Kondo's first book, I wasn't sure about this illustrated version, but I LOVE it."
"This is a great place to get acquainted and introduced to the KonMari method."
"Very adorable art style and easy to follow along."
"Great information and it has made life so much easier."
"Great book, great pictures, very inspiring!"
"Quick read, illustrates what "tidy" can do for your life."
"This was a lovely and pleasant read."
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Best Horror Manga

Attack on Titan Vol. 1
In this post-apocalytpic sci-fi story, humanity has been devastated by the bizarre, giant humanoids known as the Titans.
Reviews
"LOVE IT MY FAVORITE MANGA <3 <3 even though you make me suffer every month i still love you for creating this amazing and beautiful manga in which you kill my favorite characters QwQ just kidding but you actually make me cry QwQ b I wonder what other surprises you got for us your Fans this next chapters, the plot on the manga has increased into a point i want to scream of emotion I'm really exited!"
"The setting of this world is basically the apocalypse; the majority of humanity has been wiped out by huge man-eating humanoid creatures called Titans. The survivors of humanity hide behind huge walls to protect themselves, and only a brave few, the Survey Corps, venture from the safety of the walls to fight against the Titans."
"After reading the 1st manga or volume I was hooked and watched the series afterwards."
"This fast paced Seinen manga is amazing."
"I have a 2014 Kindle Paperwhite, which I otherwise love, but I won't be buying manga for my Kindle again until this issue is addressed :(."
"Do NOT read the interview with the author at the end if you want to be surprised in volume two! Do NOT read it until you're done with volume two!"
"When I first read this manga I thought this was the best manga ever, it's a lot different than the other manga I have read."
"I never liked manga or any anime."
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Best Fantasy Manga

Arifureta: From Commonplace to World's Strongest Volume 1
However, his simple life of pulling all-nighters and sleeping in school is suddenly turned upside down when he, along with the rest of his class, is summoned to a fantasy world! Ryo Shirakome is a Japanese author best known for Arifureta: FromCommonplace to World’s Strongest .
Reviews
"Traditional OP MC but with a very different personality."
"And love how the main character actually changes but still retains their personality."
"This is my favorite of the various Isekai series I've read."
"Fantastic translation!"
"The action makes one want popcorn, while the romance can make one carnivorous (yep)."
"I liked it, a dash of original within the sea of the genre, i didn't expect much but i had that opinion very quickly blown out the window."
"Riveting and exciting story progression with more than a few unseen twists and turns."
"A very enjoyable ride through the trite cliche of being transported to a parallel world, and getting through power levels and become from the weakest of the bunch, to being the most OP nerf plz character... just like a certain black-clad swordsman!"
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Best Media Tie-In Manga

One-Punch Man, Vol. 1
Every time a promising villain appears, Saitama beats the snot out of ’em with one punch! In many ways, this story feels as though it was created inside the id of a 12-year-old boy who spent too much time playing with superhero and supervillain action figures. VERDICT The story is fast-paced, humorous, and entertaining in a way that looks and feels like an action movie.—Andrea Lipinski, New York Public Library Manga creator ONE began One-Punch Man as a webcomic, which quickly went viral, garnering over 10 million hits.
Reviews
"Outside of the over the top build up to fights completely described by the manga’s title, ridiculous amounts of emphasis are placed on odd things for comic effect both during the fights and when spotlighting One Punch Man’s past."
"As far as I can tell, ONE and Yusuke Murata have continued to deliver on the initial issues of this series."
"Got turned on to One Punch from Adult Swim!"
"If you like good manga, you owe yourself One-Punch Man."
"I was reluctant to read this when it first began publishing back in 2012 for reasons I don't even remember."
"Love this, got it after watching the Netflix anime."
"Great condition and was precisely as I expected since I had previously watched the anime."
"Gift for granddaughter age 17."
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Best LGBT Manga

My Lesbian Experience With Loneliness
The candid tell-all of a young woman's struggles with depression and sexuality that has taken the internet by storm! " My Lesbian Experience with Loneliness is one of the most powerful manga I have ever read, and it all comes down to Nagata Kabi's openness and honesty." "No question, absolutely, my pick this week is My Lesbian Experience with Loneliness , which was simply one of the best autobiographical manga I’ve read." Kabi Nagata is a manga artist best known for her autobiographical comic, My Lesbian Experience with Loneliness .
Reviews
"Beyond its personal affect, I have been lucky enough to witness MLEL spread happiness and discussion through the community of women closest to me, with an incredible popularity among fellow lesbians."
"There are never enough stories that portray, with brutal honesty, what it's like to be a lesbian within a society that doesn't even acknowledge you exist - what it's like to struggle with mental illness - and what it's like to struggle a people-pleasing complex at the expensive of your own well being. I would highly recommend this book for anyone who might be part of the LGBTQ community, struggle with mental illness, or just feel lonely in general. But I would also highly recommend some serious self-care during and after reading because the book is heavy in its subject matter - in a good yet painful way."
"Telling her story of the myriad of emotions, experiences, failures and successes that for her life, I connected with her every step of the way."
"This was a great read."
"Really, this young woman has many difficulties to overcome: depression, eating disorders, cutting - each one by itself can be life-threatening. I find this a vivid, endearing account of facing those problems and prevailing. BTW, if you're looking for a salacious girl-on-girl first time thing, you'll mostly find the kind of awkwardness that I (straight male) found in getting bare with my (straight female) first partners. But this resonates with so many readers because it's a collection of growing experiences shared by far more grownups than the title suggests."
"It’s a sincere story that will click with a lot of lesbians who deal with depression and anxiety."
"Great story, I recommend it to anyone who enjoy's reading funny stories."
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Best Mystery Manga

BECAUSE I'M A MAID! Episode 1
The heroine, Karen Otonashi, tries out for a maid position with the Mitsurugi family in hopes of becoming a great maid like her grandmother. Keiji Mitsurugi : The middle son of the Mitsurugi family and a senior in high school. Rei Mitsurugi : 6 years old and the youngest son of the Mitsurugi family. This manga is drawing the love and growth of Karen Otonashi.
Reviews
"Three poor-little-rich-boys live isolated in a preposterously large mansion after a tragedy claims the life of both their beloved mother and trusted housekeeper -afraid to be hurt again, they keep their distance from the staff, and even their own father. This is a fun little manga, full of the usual comedic situations and melodramatic emergencies... there's nothing objectionable in it, and makes for light reading -unfortunately, there's also nothing challenging in it, and it's not unique."
"Not much of a story line and I'm just wondering since the book is in English and marketed in English speaking countries, why didn't the author follow the front-to-back format instead of the other way around?"
"You can tell the main character has a special connection with her masters right off the bat, even if that connection isnt clear right away."
"Very good manga, funny and draws attention."
"I like the flow of the story and the characters seem believable."
"I am just a poor person and I have decided to buy the rest of this series eventually (as fast as I can make the money) because I want to know what happens next."
"I guess butlers and maids would always be a popular theme for manga."
"So cute!"
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