Unconventional Workplace Tales: No Ordinary Books Volume 1 Hits the Shelves
Finally, the wait is over for fans of quirky workplace comedies. The first volume of Giichi Asakura's much-talked-about manga, "There are no ordinary books!", has officially been released today, March 9th. This series has already been making some noise during its serialization, and having the first compiled volume in hand is quite a treat for those who enjoy a bit of mature humor mixed with everyday struggles. If you are looking for something that breaks the mold of standard rom-coms, then this must-read manga discovery is definitely something you should check out.
The Story of Aki Sato: From Aspiring Novelist to Adult Bookstore Clerk
The story follows Aki Sato, a young fellow who has big dreams of becoming a novelist. Like many young people trying to find their way, he decides to take up a part-time job at a bookstore. His logic was quite simple—surrounding himself with books would surely help him improve his writing and give him the inspiration he needs for his own work. However, life has a funny way of throwing curveballs, and Aki soon realizes that the Azumi Bookstore is not exactly the literary sanctuary he had imagined in his head.
Instead of classic literature or the latest bestsellers, it turns out that Azumi Bookstore is actually an "adult bookstore" that specializes in erotic books and AV. This sudden shift in environment puts poor Aki in a very awkward spot. Rather than studying sentence structures, he finds himself navigating the complicated world of adult entertainment, which is far from what he expected when he signed his part-time contract.
A Cast of Very Unique and Colorful Characters
What makes There are no ordinary books! really stand out is the group of people Aki has to work with. The manga does a great job of showing how Aki is constantly being swayed and tested by his eccentric colleagues. Here are a few highlights of the staff members who make his life both interesting and difficult:
- Haru: A classic "Yankee" girl who doesn't mince her words. Her rough exterior and straightforward attitude often leave Aki feeling quite intimidated.
- The Manager: A person who can only be described as an exhibitionist at heart. Their peculiar behavior adds a whole other layer of chaos to the daily operations of the store.
- Aki Sato: Our protagonist who is just trying his best to survive the day without losing his mind or his dignity.
Why This Manga is Worth Your Time
The series is currently being serialized in Magazine Pocket, and it has been gaining a steady following because of its balance between comedy and the somewhat realistic struggles of a part-time worker. The way Giichi Asakura depicts Aki’s internal monologues as he tries to maintain some level of professionalism in such an unprofessional setting is truly hilarious. It's safe to say that There are no ordinary books! offers a very fresh perspective on the romantic comedy genre by placing it in such a niche and often misunderstood setting.
For those who have been following the chapters online, Volume 1 is a great way to support the author and see the artwork in all its glory. It's a fun, slightly naughty, but ultimately heart-warming look at how people from different walks of life end up working together in the most unexpected places. If you like stories about characters finding themselves in bizarre situations, you really can't go wrong with this one.
