BUNGO STRAY DOGS

BUNGO STRAY DOGS by Kafka Asagiri. Illustrated by Sango Harukawa

I have read my first Manga book. I don't feel that by reading one book I have suddenly become knowledgeable about this genre, especially since it is a genre that is very near and dear to some kids' hearts, but I am willing to share some thoughts.

How did I end up reading a Manga book when it is way outside my typical genre trenches? I have a high school lit class I teach. 3 days a week I give the students reading assignments, 1 day a week we gather together for discussion, and 1 day I give them a free read day. When we gather together we share what we've read on our free read day, and Manga was something that was popping up often. Manga is not something that I naturally gravitate too, but I do love reading alongside kids and having discussions with them. I asked for a recommendation, and Bungo Stray Dogs was it.

So let's talk for a minute about my preconceived notions about Manga. Hearing others talk about it, I gathered it was dark, full of sexual situations, language, etc. I assume that this varies from series to series.

Manga takes a little bit of getting used to. After all you read it back to front, right to left, and honestly as I read through this book I would lose the story line from time to time. I'm sure part of that has to do with not having a good understanding of Asian culture. In spite of all of this, I was able to grasp the jist of the story

It's easy to see why some kids gravitate to Manga. The art form is very appealing to certain kids, but past that, in Bungo Stray Dogs, we are dealing with super powers and an undercover detective agency - two very attractive elements to kids.

So specifically in Bungo Stray Dogs what are my concerns? First of all, there is a character that is obsessed with suicide. I understand that in the Asian culture suicide is looked on differently than how it is in the US, but as a Christian we are taught that life is precious and valuable. It is difficult to see it treated so flippantly. Second, the antagonist of the book has a super power that is a black spirit type thing that eats anything and everything in its space. I can't really tell you if the black spirit is an "evil spirit" or not. The book doesn't really explain it. My guess is that as the series continues we would be given more information. Third, there is a bit of language.

So what's my recommendation on Manga? Read it with your child/teen until you feel like you have a good handle on the series they are interested in. Make sure it fits what you are trying to allow in your home.