The Night Parade

3.5 stars

I don't know why I wasn't pulled into this book. It has so much that I like– Japanese culture, Japanese folklore, fantasy elements, character development, etc. I guess I just wasn't feeling it?

Let's talk first about the characters– or rather character. Saki is our main character who is going on this journey. We see what kind of person she is and she isn't the most likeable, although I really do pity her knowing what her alternatives to her given situation are. Finding a friend group is difficult and once you are in one you can't leave or be ostracized. During her development she takes huge risks which we don't see the conclusion of, which I was most worried about. Yet, there is development which makes her more “likeable.” The other characters are pretty much background, except for the spirits who do play more active, but temporary roles.

Storywise this is somewhat like a fairy tale. There is a lesson to be learned, people change, and the relationship between humans and spirits is built upon. For the most part, I really enjoyed the story and the writing. I think it was well plotted and I enjoyed the... I can't think of what it is called, but scenes/actions are looked at differently in the spirit world– kinda shadowing the real world and what happened. Anyhow, I enjoyed it.

I think my biggest problem is how technology is seen as the enemy. In a story where it is basically traditions v. modern tech, I get it, but I wish it did not need to be framed that way. People can enjoy traditions and older things while still taking part of technology. This is probably what really negatively affected my feelings for the book.

Honestly, I hated how giving up her phone is part of what made her develop into a better person. And "I'll send you letters!" instead of e-mails is stupid. You can draw, scan to the computer and send in an e-mail. I'm so tired of this mindset of how tech is the enemy.

Overall I think it is a good book. I would have preferred a glossary in the back of Japanese terms and spirit names, so that people might understand them better. Also, I really should have waited to read this in the summer since it is such a summer book.
This is a book I will definitely be recommending to other people, especially my friends who studied Japanese.