Lately, I’ve been reading shorter books on the weekends. It’s nice to have something that I can pick up and put down at whim, and these manga and graphic novels are perfect for just that. They are exciting and action-packed, and I usually finish one within a day!
The Fullmetal Alchemist
I decided to read this as the first manga I’ve ever read. It’s written in the traditional Japanese right to left layout. That was neat, and it didn’t take any time to get used to it. This story line centers around Edward and Alphonse, two brothers who are bound together for important reasons. Edward is an alchemist and decided to attempt and bring back their mother from the dead. It didn’t work, and it left Edward losing an arm and leg and Alphonse’s soul being connected to a robot body. They are trying to get their old bodies back, and this is their story. They meet lots of friends and foes along the way. This particular book has the first three volumes in it, and I am excited to continue on with the fourth volume soon!
Attack on Titan
I borrowed this from the library. After reading this and liking it so much, I am considering purchasing it. This is sci-fi post-apocalyptic. It’s set long after humans have nearly been wiped off the planet. There are giant humanoids, called Titans, that roam around destroying everything. What little is left of humankind have been hiding in a city. They think they are safe until a giant Titan shows up at their wall and changes everything. The storyline is very interesting, but it is a little too sci-fi for me. I am curious about the rest of the series, but not enough to read it. If you like your manga with a side of sci-fi, this is for you.
Usagi Yojimbo
Seriously, cutest main character ever! This is about bunny samurai. Yes, you read that right. He travels everywhere in 17th-century Japan. I don’t know a lot about Japanese history, but I’ve heard this is historically accurate. The book is a collection of ten short stories of Usagi traveling around Japan. He’s fought in wars and seen a lot of the country. It was enjoyable, but it was not my favorite. I recommend this to anyone who wants a book to relax with. The drawers are pretty cute.
Amulet: The Stonekeeper’s Curse, Book Two
Last,but certainly not least, I read the second book in the Amulet series. This continues with Emily and Navin trying to save their mother in a magical land that they found in their great-uncle’s house. That’s some serious paraphrasing right there… Emily is a stonekeeper, which means she wears a necklace with a stone on it that gives her powers. The more she uses the power, the more the stone controls her. But, in order to save the people she loves, she needs to use the stone. It’s a delicate balance. I didn’t like this second book as much as the first, but I will be continuing this series. I just have to know what happens!
Hit me up with some of your book recommendations in the comments! I love to hear about what you all are reading!
Rebecca has been writing about style, beauty, and lifestyle topics since 2011. Thank you so much for reading this post! Feel free to leave any questions or comments below. I love hearing from you!
