by Mitsuru Adachi, 572 pages Fifth-grader Ko Kitamura's family's sporting goods store is just down the street from the Tsukushimas' batting center and coffee shop. The two families have always been connected by Ko and the Tsukushima's second daughter (of four), Wakaba, who were born on the same day in the same hospital. Indomitable Wakaba, convinced Ko will become an ace pitcher, takes it as a given that they'll transition into couplehood and Ko doesn't argue, transfixed by everything about her. But when tragedy strikes, Ko and all those left behind must learn how to move forward, taking upon themselves the responsibility of making sure their loved one's dream becomes reality.
Baseball, comedy, and impressively wrought depth. Pretty much wonderful, really. This first English volume contains the first three books of the Japanese series, which is good, because the reader needs to be able to move on from the sadness of the first book's conclusion as much as the characters do. And that's easier than you think it would be due to the thoughtful writing and hardwired-for-optimism personalities that fill the pages.
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