After I finished reading, I looked again at the title Jukugaki and the cover and felt that they captured the whole story. I couldn’t help but hug the book.
I slowly followed the story of a woman who has committed a crime, and how she tries to take back her life. I took my time and really enjoyed the journey. There were many moments when I was left speechless by her weakness and the hardships she faced. But I am truly glad that I read it to the end.
This is a story that can only be told—and received—through a novel. I hope many people will read it.

Some mistakes can be made up for, but there are also failures in this world that we must carry with us for the rest of our lives—even if they were caused by a momentary lapse of judgment.
Even so, we must go on living, and as long as we’re alive, there is definitely something to be gained.
No rain lasts forever… or so they say. Even if I’m not sure, as long as I can see a glimmer of sunshine, I have no choice but to keep walking.

If you love novels, you should read this.It strongly shows the feelings inside a book—the writer’s passion and pride, and the care of everyone who helped create it.
As readers, we should read each book with care, not missing a single line, and with respect for the people who made it. That is how this book made me feel.
As a reader and a bookseller, it made me want to recommend books with pride and to keep doing this kind of work.

It shows the behind-the-scenes world of writers, editors, publishers, and the real life of bookstores, and I couldn’t stop reading.
I felt nervous about the writer’s strong desire to win the Naoki Prize, but I was deeply moved by how she loves her work like her own child and always tries to make it better.
As a bookseller, it made me want to remember how much thought and care go into each book, and to pass them on to customers with that in mind.

It was a deeply satisfying novel in which the protagonist, along with many of the other characters, confronts life and death with sincerity and seriousness.
While advances in medicine have saved more lives than ever before, illness itself has not disappeared—and more than ever, we are left to consider how we face the inevitability of death that comes to us all.

“Life and death”—even as he comes face to face with the limits of medicine, Dr. Machi continues to engage sincerely with his patients and stand by their side. Watching him learn about life from patients nearing death was profoundly moving.
This is a work that has quietly yet profoundly stayed with me over the past year—one I know I will return to again and again.

The structure, which is told from two perspectives—fiction and nonfiction—is fascinating. As the two narratives intertwine, you’re drawn into an overwhelming sense of immersion, and even after finishing it once, you find yourself going back and forth through the pages again and again. It felt as if all the moisture in my body had drained out through my eyes; I was left in a dazed state for about three days after reading it. It’s a work with the power to deeply shake your emotions. Simply put “astonishing”.

The harrowing story of a young man in the first half is transformed, with the appearance of a single woman, into something entirely different.
This may well be a story that offers a sense of salvation to those who, through the twists of fate and chance encounters, have been forced into difficult lives.
As I read, I found myself picturing a beautiful dawn sky, carried along by Minato’s deeply resolute storytelling. The way the parallel narrative skillfully brings together its many threads of foreshadowing is nothing short of masterful, keeping the reader completely absorbed from beginning to end.
This is, without a doubt, the one book I most want to put into readers’ hands this year.

Hitmen and sales techniques?!
That premise alone is impossible to resist!
While the setup is undeniably eye-catching, the true strength of this story lies in its rich portrayal of characters. It’s no exaggeration to say that you keep turning the pages just to reach that one final line.A book that will make you want to go back and read it all over again the moment you finish.

For anyone who wants to change the way they approach sales starting tomorrow—this is for you! This is what it truly means to work with life-or-death intensity.
Behind its strikingly original premise lies a powerful blend of professional pride and gripping human drama. From presentations to negotiations to follow-ups, the “sales techniques” depicted here—played out in extreme, life-or-death situations—feel more real and more convincing than any business book. Absolutely thrilling and wildly entertaining!

What a gentle world this is. A comforting read that gently warms the heart. This work reminded me once again that parenting is a journey in which parents grow alongside their children. It beautifully highlights the importance of human connections and shows just how precious they truly are.

I truly love the world that Maiko Seo creates.Things don’t always go as planned in life, and relationships can falter—but Seo reminds us that, if we take a moment to look around, there are always kind souls nearby, ready to reach out a hand.　　
There’s a unique sense of comfort in her storytelling. Each page carries a gentle warmth that quietly spreads through your heart, leaving you feeling a little less alone.
In moments when life feels overwhelming or brings you to tears, this is the kind of book that helps you hold on to what truly matters—the simple, powerful connection between people.

When I finished reading, I said, “Wow, I didn’t see that coming!”I’d love to watch someone who doesn’t usually read novels read this and be surprised. It’s the kind of book that makes you want to say, “You have to read this!”

The biggest appeal is its amazing trick, said to have fooled 97.3% of readers. The story follows Koishi, a detective who loves mystery novels but mostly works on cheating cases. It is set in Nishijin, Fukuoka.
The most striking point is just one line near the end. With that one line, the whole story changes completely, giving you a surprising reading experience.

I really enjoyed it! Seemingly trivial everyday conversations and details I hadn’t paid much attention to turned out to be foreshadowing. At first, the protagonist came across as somewhat unreliable, but through interactions with friends and family, and through their actions, my impression gradually changed. Not only was the truth behind the case compelling, but those character portrayals were also deeply satisfying to read.

This is exactly the kind of mystery I’ve been waiting for!
The gritty reality of the police organization, the intricate human drama surrounding the case, and the author’s skill in depicting everyday life are all remarkable—but what truly got me was how everything came together as foreshadowing. I was completely blown away.You’ll find yourself going back and thinking, “This was a clue too?!”　A book I can wholeheartedly recommend!

Like Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, the story races forward through a world where you never know what will appear next.
With laughter, surprise, and even tears, it leaves you wrapped in that familiar sense of bliss and fulfillment I’ve come to expect from Isaka’s works over the past 25 years.Each reread deepens its appeal and brings with it the joy of wanting to talk about it with others. Farewell to Jabberwock reminded me once again of the richness of the reading experience.
“The only things you can change are yourself and the future”—I know I’ll return to that page again and again whenever I feel lost.

After finishing it, I looked up at the ceiling and said, “Nice ending!”
As always, Isaka’s opening pulled me right into the story. Before I knew it, I was already at the end—I had read it all in one sitting in about two and a half hours. There are many twists and clever hints along the way, and the ending is very satisfying. It leaves you feeling clear and refreshed.
Rather than thinking too much about it, just start reading. The fast-paced story will keep you hooked and leave you very satisfied.