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Title: New Beginnings

Author: Kotetsuko Yamamoto

Publisher:  June

ISBN: 9781569707159

May Contain Spoilers

When Chihiro learns that his childhood friend, Keigo, will be moving in with his family, he’s happy to see his friend again after a long separation.  Keigo has been living overseas, and he’s become a shut-in.  His family is desperate to make him happy, so they agree to send him back to Japan. When the two are united, Chihiro is forced to face some difficult facts about their friendship.  Keigo confesses that he’s in love with him, and now Chihiro is questioning everything about their relationship.  Why did things have to get so complicated?

This was an engaging, emotional story.  After Keigo moves in with Chihiro’s family, he reveals that he’s in love with Chihiro.  All Chihiro can think of is how much of a baby Keigo used to be, and how their classmates used to make fun of him.  Chihiro was Keigo’s protector, but he has never once harbored any kind of romantic feelings for his friend.  Instead, he’s in love with his pretty classmate Yukino, and Keigo’s confession makes him feel very uncomfortable.  He tells Keigo that he has zero chance of having his feelings returned, but Keigo is steadfast in his affections.  He’s loved Chihiro from afar for years, and he’s not going to stop now.

The shift in their relationship, from childhood friends to something very different, was convincing and kept me glued to the pages.  Chihiro and Keigo are both very likeable characters, and they suffer through typical teen troubles throughout the book.  Chihiro, after bluntly rejecting his friend, gets a taste of his own medicine, as the girl he loves is in love with someone else.  The emotions felt very real, and Chihiro, a hot-head with a tendency to be a little immature and selfish, re-examines his own feelings and belief system.  At first he avoids Keigo, but he slowly begins to sympathize with him, and even admire him for having to courage to come out with how he feels.  Chihiro has a lot of learning to do, as he denies his emotions and tries to ignore Keigo’s feelings. 

New Beginnings is a touching look at young love, pushing all the right buttons to sweep the reader up in a whirlwind of drama and emotional turbulence.  Complete in one volume, it delivers a satisfying and compelling read.  

Grade: A-