This speculative coming-of-age YA novel follows a teenager as she undertakes a magical journey to bring her deceased childhood friend back to life.A poignant quest for hope with original, fantastical twists, perfect for fans of Dustin Thao and Ann Liang.Monika can’t bring herself to celebrate her last summer before college. Instead, she’s still grieving the loss of the one classmate who didn’t make it to graduation, a boy named Shun with whom she had a complicated relationship.Then, during her final Japanese Club meeting, Monika hears about the Yomigaeri Tunnel, a local urban legend. Those who venture into this mythological passageway undergo harrowing trials to confront their hidden secrets and worst fears. According to the lore, anyone who makes it through is rewarded with the ability to resurrect one soul from the dead.Monika jumps at the chance to bring back Shun, but she soon discovers she’s not alone. Sharp-tongued and fierce Shiori is hell-bent on reviving her mother and won’t let anyone stop her. As Monika and Shiori confront the ghosts of their pasts, they have to decide: Are they friends, or foes?With fantastical twists, this emotional, offbeat book about hope and healing is an essential read for anyone who’s ever needed a friend in the darkness.
This heartfelt and quirky young adult fantasy debut follows a young outcast on a journey of transformation . . .
into a robot vacuum cleaner.
A fresh twist on Japanese mythology that doubles as a deep, honest dive into mental health.
“I wish to become one of those round vacuum cleaner robots.” That’s what Machi prays for at the altar of
Japanese goddess Benzaiten. Ever since her two best friends decided they want nothing to do with her, Machi
hasn’t been able to speak. After months of online school and a carousel of therapists, she can no longer see
the point of being human. She doesn’t expect Benzaiten to hear her prayer, much less offer a different prayer
on Machi’s behalf—that Machi discover the beauty of humanity, ultimately restoring her to her previous self.
Benzaiten is enamored with the human world and, as she’s the goddess of love, humanity is enamored right
back. Being second-best once again isn’t helping Machi move past her trauma, and with each adventure they
share, Machi is reminded of everything she’s lost. It isn’t until Machi starts interacting with the souls of the
dead—which tends to happen around Benzaiten—that she starts to rediscover her place among the living.
From an author to watch, The Lost Souls of Benzaiten is a highly original debut about the nature of happiness
and the potential for healing.
