Nana, Volume 5

Starred review from May 15, 2007
Nana meets Nana when a bubbly bundle of insecurities teams up with a tough but vulnerable rocker chick. Sharing first names and Tokyo newbie status, the two decide to share an apartment while they search for Love and Meaning. Charming, self-centered Nana Komatsu has followed her rebound crush to the Big City but can't commit to him or settle into a job; while Nana Osaki, rebounded fromher great love with a rock bassist, hopes to make it big singing with a rival band. By Vol. 5, Nana O. has reunited with her beloved ex, Ren, and Nana K. has begun an affair with Ren's bandmate Takumi, object of her fangirl obsession. This is Japanese twenty something chick lit at its best, bursting with relationship drama, parties, good humor, cute fashions, romantic-sexual entanglements, and beautifully expressive art. Beneath the drama run serious messages about loyalty, friendship, and maturity in a complicated world with changing rules.Nana is still coming out in Japan, where it is the best-selling shojo title, winner of the Shogakukan Manga Award, and inspiration for an anime and a live-action film. With discreetly portrayed sex, it's best for ages 18+. Highly recommended for young women now grown past "teen shojo" titles.M.C.

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