The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya

Reader reviewed by McKenzie

Reviewed for Reader Views Kids

With quirky characters and hilarious dialogue, theres no doubt that The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya will be a hit in America, just as it was in Japan. The characters were all well developed and definitely not stereotypical. The plot was great; it was full of twists and turns that I barely saw coming. It held me from beginning to end, never ceasing to enthrall me as I turned page after page, always excited for what would happen next. On top of everything, the dialogue was hilarious. I connected with Kyons sarcasm and this was one of the few books that actually caused me to laugh out loud. I recommend this book for ages 13 and up because there is some sexual content.  The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya by Nagaru Tanigawa is great for fantasy lovers. Even those who tend to avoid fantasy wont be overwhelmed and will easily be able to enjoy this wonderful piece of work. I cant wait for the next installment in the story of the S.O.S. Brigade as they join Haruhi and her hilarious antics in the quest for all things mysterious.

Reader reviewed by TheBookworm

Unrealistic And Lacking

The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya
By Nagaru Tanigawa
Pub. Date: April 2009
3.5 out of 5 stars
R - Inappropriate Sexual Behavior, Profanity, and Sexual Humor
Not Recommended

Haruhi Suzumiya is tired of her dreary life. After waiting three years for something interesting and having found nothing, she takes a different approach. If nothing exciting or fun happens on its own, she will just have to create it. Kyon is dragged into her crazy world with reservations. She is beautiful and has a gorgeous smile when she chooses to use it, but does that make up for her insane ideas and irresponsibility? When their new club, which is seemingly without a purpose, grinds to a slow, steady pace, Haruhi once again wallows in boredom. Kyon is tiring of her unsatisfaction and inability to settle down, yet he can not quit the club and leave the misfit members behind. Haruhi is finally giving up on this world for good and thats bad news for you. Unbeknownst of her, she holds the fate of the universe in her hands&

The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya was like advanced piano music with varied and meshed 8th notes. At first glance its complicated and messy without a steady rhythm and offset beats, but with closer deliberation every bar is unique and trying to be heard. These group into weird stanzas with odd chords. It creates a pounding and crazy pace that entices you to speed up. They grow in strength and the contradictory notes battle to be the loudest. And then it stops. Your fingers are cramping and your wrists are crying, yet you sit with a wide smile. You can feel the aftertaste of the music on your fingertips and the buzz of notes long past in your head.

At first glance, you had been sweating and wondering how you could possibly enjoy such an outrageous piece. Afterwards, all you can think about is how much your hands yearn to string out those notes and how you can think of nothing else.

It was out of the ordinary and in no way a beautiful melody. It hurt and pained you with its ridiculousness. It was annoying and rhythmless. It was bittersweet. It occupied your thoughts. It fought itself and couldnt be tamed. It was all around a pain in your butt to play& yet you cant stop thinking about it. Its oddness and irregularity grows on you every minute.

The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya was not 5 stars worthy or masterful. It was unrealistic and lacking, but it was certainly memorable. This is a book that will have you laughing at its seriousness, yet you wont put it down until the end.

It this book is going to be read, I suggest it to older teens.

Date Reviewed: April 23rd, 2009

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