the real "would you still love me if i was a bug"

As you will.

I am so obsessed with Michiko Aoyama's writing, I don't even have the words. Every book of hers that I read, I always finish it with this impression that I've went through some sort of change just as the characters have. Michiko Aoyama has a really great grasp on how to make the most mundane things feel special, and this book in particular is such a soothing book for people who feel like they're running out of time. Running out of time to chase dreams, to let go of them, to nuture relationships, to start them, to try something new, or to make the equally hard choice of picking up where you left off, of getting up again. I think this book really speaks to a lot of people and the tiredness that comes with the expectations we have of ourselves, or that we place on ourselves, and what our purpose is meant to be, what we hope it'll be.

The extended imagery, or metaphor, of the moon throughout this book was lovely. I love how each story looked at a particular phase of the moon and was related to the characters perspectives and where they were at that moment of their life, and what it was they were struggling with. It was so lovingly done and I genuinely think if you are a lover of the moon, or astrology in general, this book would definitely be right up your alley.

I love how Michiko Aoyama writes these books with these interconnecting stories and that you get to see how the immediate future plays out for individual characters as the next chapters continue. On that, I also love that the short stories, or segments of each character, aren't finished with definitive endings, we're given insight on how their lives changed as the book progresses but in hints and passing comments from the current chapters perspective. I love the open-endedness of it all. I think that's where Aoyama leaves in her feelings of hope, you get to see the characters put their foot down on their next step, and it gives you a little bit of a boost as well, as though, 'Oh yeah, I'm just like them, what is my next step'.

I just think Michiko Aoyama nudges you into these thoughts and feelings, and I really love it. Everytime I finish a book of hers, I feel motivated. It's almost like getting an encouraging message from a stranger, much like Nightwind comments 'Nice!!' on every social media post of Pon's, her books are just that little encouragement you needed, even if you didn't realise it.

Very much would recommend this book if you haven't already got it in your TBR, and if you're already a fan of Michiko Aoyama's, be prepared to have another favourite!

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for this free eARC in exchange for an honest review.