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Train Man — The Novel
By Ace | July 9, 2007
Originally, I wasn’t going to fulfill my promise, admittedly. I had actually gone to bed early with a slight headache and had vowed to post first thing in the morning. Then, I decided I wanted to read for a little while and finish up a particular novel I had been reading on for a few weeks.
This novel moved me enough to get out of bed and make a post. What could cause this? Train Man.
Image stolen from Amazon.com because I’m not taking the time to scan it and what not tonight.
From back cover:
Boy–bashful and not overly brave–defends girl from obnoxious drunk on a Tokyo train. Girl sends boy a thank-you pair of pricey Hermès teacups. Boy’s a geek and doesn’t know what to do next. End of story for most nerds–but this one turns to the world’s largest online message board and asks for help, so for him it’s just the beginning. This matchless love story is told as a series of Internet chatroom threads: As Train Man, our hero charts his progress and unveils each new crisis–from making conversation to deciding what towear on a date, and beyond. In return, he receives advice, encouragement, warnings, and sympathy from the anonymous netizens. And Train Man discovers the secret to what makes the world go round–and proves we really do live in a universe where anything can happen.
I first heard of this book a year or so ago, I can’t say for certain where or when, but I remember it as a sort of “in passing” title. Then more and more came to my ears about it, good reviews, praises, etc. I never really paid it much mind though as usually, if something is that hyped, I’m not going to like it.
A little over a month ago (I think, I have a horrible grasp of time for things like this) I was browsing the manga section at my local bookstore and I happen to see the novel siting on the shelf. It was on sale for $9.99 and it was the last copy they had. I had originally went there that day intending not to buy anything, but I figured “why not?” and bought it on a whim. I mean, its only $10 and who knows, I may get a chuckle or two out of it.
Was I ever wrong.
This book quickly stole my heart. Though, a bit hard to read at times (its written as though it were played out in a board on 2channel), that was not really a hindrance from the get go. I can’t describe how this book made me feel as I read it, but I can say this, each time I put it down, I was left with a smile on my face and warm feeling in my heart. Yes, I’m a weird, emotional guy, but not usually to this extent. Then, something completely unexpected happened as I read the final chapter just a few minutes ago.
I started crying.
This book actually brought tears to my eyes, which is no small feat. In the end, I would recommend this book to anyone who has ever been in love or dreamed of being in love.
Overall, I give it a score of 11 out of 10… yes, its that good.
Don’t believe me, go to your local store and pick up a copy, the paperback available from Del Rey in the states is none too expensive, and its well worth it.
Also, take note that this post means that “Jump, Jive, and Yatta” is back, and in full swing! Can I get a Yatta?
Popularity: 15% [?]
Topics: Novels |
July 11th, 2007 at 6:23 pm
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