Kimi ni Todoke: From Me to You: Volume 1

by Karuho Shiina, 207 pages

Sawako Kuronuma has always been quiet, polite, shy...and a dead ringer for the scary, murderous spirit Sadako from the horror movie The Ring. All she wants is to fit in and have friends, but everyone is too afraid of her--and she's too awkward--to make the effort to connect. But there is one person who treats her as warmly and kindly as he does everyone else. If Sawako can hold onto the strength that one person gives her, she just might be able to take some baby steps on her own.

Aw, sweetness! I've been reading good reviews of this series since it premiered but hadn't gotten around to starting it till now. Shrinking violet Sawako is thoughtful and kind and amusingly literal. And social butterfly Kazehaya is equally thoughtful and kind and, in his own way, just as shy. They're both honest to a fault and try to express themselves, but neither is very experienced in these things nor confident that they have a chance with the other. Watching them stumble and blush and squee their way toward clear understanding makes me smile. I want volume 2!