This is the first book I read from Banana Yoshimoto.

I loved all five stories in the collection (especially "Mama!" and "Dead-End Memories"). Reading all five stories with sorrow, happiness, and hope made me felt relaxing, comforting, and also heart-warming when I close the book.

One quote from "Dead-End Memories" that resonated with me was from Mimi:

"I'm just happy he's here. I don't need him to be mine."

It reminds me that loving someone doesn't mean you have to possess them.