Book Review: Monkey High!, Vol. 4 by Masahiro Totsuka
Ah, the delightful chaos of high school life! When I picked up Monkey High!, Vol. 4 by Masahiro Totsuka, I was intrigued by its colorful cover and playful title. With a premise that likens school dynamics to a monkey mountain, I was curious to see how Totsuka would explore the tangled web of teenage relationships through this wild metaphor. Spoiler alert: it did not disappoint!
In this volume, we dive even deeper into the antics and emotions swirling around Haruna Aizawa, our charming protagonist who feels like a fresh banana in a bunch that’s anything but calm. Haruna is caught in a love triangle between the endearing but sometimes exasperating Macharu Yamashita and his best friend, the earnest Atsu. Their relationship dynamics are like a see-saw: one moment you’re rooting for one boy, and the next, you’re convinced it has to be the other! Totsuka elegantly paints a picture of adolescent yearning and jealousy, capturing those confusing yet exhilarating feelings that accompany young love.
One of my favorite aspects of this volume is how it showcases the various cliques and social structures within the school. Totsuka’s clever analogy reminds us that, much like monkeys, teens oscillate between bickering and rekindling friendships. This reflects the turbulent nature of high school life in a way that’s both humorous and relatable—who hasn’t felt like they were navigating their own jungle during those years?
The pacing is brisk and engaging, making it hard to put the book down; each chapter flows seamlessly into the next, woven together by Totsuka’s lively illustrations. His art style is vivid and captivating, embodying the characters’ emotions so effectively that you can almost feel the tension and excitement leap off the pages. I found myself chuckling at moments of levity while also experiencing a deep sense of empathy for Haruna as she navigates her feelings.
A standout moment for me was a scene where Haruna reflects on friendship and the bittersweet nature of affection. It resonated with me: “Love is like that; it can swing between comedy and tragedy, often within minutes.” Moments like these not only add layers to the narrative but also make Haruna a character that feels strikingly real and relatable.
Who Would Enjoy This Volume?
Monkey High!, Vol. 4 is perfect for anyone who adores coming-of-age stories infused with humor and heartfelt moments. Teens will find solace in Haruna’s struggles, while adults can reminisce about their own youthful antics. It invites readers into the ups and downs of youthful love and friendship, a tale that all of us—irrespective of age—can appreciate.
Ultimately, reading this volume brought me back to my own school days, encapsulating the essence of youthful exploration and emotional discovery. Totsuka beautifully captures the wild and sometimes messy journey of growing up, and for that, I wholeheartedly recommend it. Grab a copy, indulge in Haruna’s world, and let yourself go bananas for love!