The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya

April 27, 2009
“Why was I dragged into this bizarre mess?” Kyon, a dry-witted sad sack of a high school student narrates this off-kilter but fun novel, published in Japan in 2003. The teenager's existence is thrown into turmoil when a new student, Haruhi, appears in his homeroom and makes a startling introduction: “I have no interest in ordinary humans. If there are any aliens, time travelers, sliders, or espers here, come join me.” Though she initially rebuffs him (and the rest of the student body), Haruhi eventually decides that forming a club with Kyon—the SOS Brigade, dedicated to “searching for the mysteries of the world”—is the best way to break through the dullness that surrounds her. The story begins sluggishly, but takes off as the true identities of the other club members—an alien, a time traveler, an esper (psychic)—are revealed. Each is gravely concerned that Haruhi, unknowingly, has the power to destroy the world on a whim. Readers may be occasionally weirded out—Haruhi repeatedly force-strips a club member—but those who get into Kyon's woe-is-me narration will be entertained. Ages 15–up.

July 1, 2009
Gr 7 Up-Haruhi Suzumiya, who dislikes boredom and has cravings to meet aliens, time travelers, and espers, decides to liven up things in her high school. She starts a new club, the S.O.S. Brigade, and takes over a classroom, some computer equipment, and, because she forces them to join, a big part of the new members lives. Kyon is especially drawn in by Haruhis demanding nature and her cute face. It is hard to imagine why, as she bosses everyone around, is moody and abrupt, and is generally unlikable. Soon, Kyon discovers that the other club members are some sort of aliens with powers that intervene in human affairs for the Data Overmind when certain humans have thoughts and feelings that affect the configurations of space and time. For some reason, Haruhi is one of those humans, and the interfaces try to use Kyon to intercept and influence her reactions and deflect problematic results. This novel goes nowhere conclusive, serving only as an introduction to a series of 10 sequels popular in Japan. Characters are sketchy and at times the story drags. The writing style has a mangalike sensation, with several manga drawings included. Interestingly, there is an excerpt from a new graphic novel based on the same story appended at the end, announcing the upcoming publication of it in that format, for which the tone and style of the narrative seem much better suited."Diane P. Tuccillo, Poudre River Public Library District, Fort Collins, CO"

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