I actually liked this quite a bit more than the movie.

The movie was unique and charming in its own way, but this book just felt more... raw. The narrative switched between the two unnamed (properly) main characters with opposite genders and a shared club relation, and both of these characters brought something cute and lively to the table. The way the characters shifted through the night at Ponto-cho (while doing the Sophism Samba), the afternoon at the used book fair, the day at the school festival, and the space of time where the God of Colds ran prevalent was, as the "black-haired maiden" would put it, "funteresting." You can really feel the black-haired maiden's curiosity and sense of adventure, while the main upperclass man's desperation for her was also very apparent. Yeah, the movie's artsy animation style isn't present in the book, but the way the book is narrated and how much more in-depth the happenings and characters are makes up for it completely. I felt for Todou, who was down after losing something aquatic and insanely precious in a tornado. I was impressed by silly Higuchi's levitation powers and how he squeezed his way into every chapter. The young and brash God of Used Bookfairs was alluring in his own strange way, guiding the sea of used books. Rihaku's mysterious role in the book spoke volumes and played a major part, reminding the main girl that the the night is short, so walk on. The way things are described is rather captivating, especially in scenes like the ultra spicy hot pot contest or the passionate faux electric brandy drinking contest. "Quirky" is an understatement when it comes to labeling this book.

This is definitely one of my favorite books now. I enjoyed the movie very much, but this book just felt like it was on a different level. However, the movie serves as an impressive and charming adaptation. If you enjoyed the movie, definitely check out this book.

P.S. Get ready for a lot of Daruma doll mentions.

P.P.S. I picked up my proper English-translated copy from the manga section at Barnes and Noble. Man, did I find a real treasure.