Hello bookworms! Today I have a spoiler free review of my favorite manga series, Waiting for Spring by Anashin!
Volumes: 14
Publication Date: April 2014 – September 2019
Genre: Shojo, romance, sports, YA
Mitsuki is a shy girl who’s about to enter high school, and vows to open herself up to new friendships. Of course, the four stars of the boys’ basketball team weren’t exactly the friends she had in mind! Yet, when they drop by the café where she works, the five quickly hit it off. Soon she’s been accidentally thrust into the spotlight, targeted by jealous girls. And will she expand her mission to include … love?
⭐ My Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars! ⭐
Waiting for Spring follows a high school freshman named Mitsuki. Mitsuki has always been shy and a bit of a loner because of this, and she resolves to improve herself by putting herself out there more. This results in her befriending the hottest boys in her school – the top four basketball players on her school’s team! This series documents Mitsuki’s personal development, her growing friendships with the boys, and romantic encounters.
I absolutely love this series because it is the perfect balance of serious, comedic, and romantic. Its heavy moments always end on a lighthearted, optimistic note. Even though it’s a sports manga, I was able to enjoy it despite the fact I have zero interest in sports and possess zero athletic ability. The basketball scenes serve a greater purpose in advancing the plot and the characters’ development.
I relate a lot to Mitsuki’s struggle to make friends and her desire to put herself out there but struggling due to doubt and fear. This series truly inspired me to try my very best to achieve my goals and to live my life as best as I can. Mitsuki and the four boys put their all into their goals and their friendships, which I loved to read about.
The plot never drags on even though the series is 14 volumes long. I was scrambling for the next volume as soon as I finished each one. Anashin is incredibly talented not only at illustration, but writing as well. The dialogue is so funny at some parts, it had me smiling all the way through the series. You truly get to see the different characters grow and improve in several sectors of their lives, and I love that.
Plot and character development aside, the romances in the series had me blushing and smiling while reading the series! This was problematic when I would read the volumes at work, but I really could not help it. There’s a love triangle, an oblivious protagonist, and unrequited love. I love all the potential relationships in the series, it was difficult to choose who I wanted Mitsuki to be with. If you’re looking for the cutest romantic moments, you’ll find it in this series.
Overall, this series gave me romance, life inspiration, and comedy all in one. I loved every single volume, even the little extras at the end of each. My only complaints are that it’s over and that there is no anime adaptation. I plan to watch the live action, but I really wish there was an anime so that I could delve into the series for a bit longer.
I highly recommend this series to anyone who is looking for a lighthearted or uplifting read at the moment. Even if you hate sports! It is so much more than that.
Have you read Waiting for Spring, or have any plans to read it? Are you a fan of shojo or romance manga?
Thank you for reading ❤
All the love,
Tracy
Tracy the Bookworm 