Dogs and Punching Bags

From Kaori Ozaki, author of the gods lie. and Mermaid Prince, comes another poignant exploration of love, family, and belonging.

After leaving her isolating life in Tokyo, 34-year-old Nichiko returns to her remote island hometown for her estranged alcoholic father’s final days. There she meets Chimaki, an eccentric young man who stirs up old memories—and feelings Nichiko had all but decided she no longer deserved. But despite his puppy-like enthusiasm for life, Chimaki’s almost obsessive need to help those around him seems to be compensating for an unspeakable past..."On its surface, Dogs and Punching Bags is a simple love story. But Nichiko and Chimaki’s many problems—both childhood and more current—color how they interact with each other. Only when they’ve both come to terms with what haunts them can they be honest about their feelings for each other. Woven through their story is a secondary teen romance, much simpler and more innocent by comparison.
It’s a story that wraps up nicely in eleven chapters. The characters on this little island are alive with hopes, dreams, and fears. Even the most background of characters are unique and recognizable. Combined with lovely artwork and passionate storytelling, this is a love story you’ll want for keeps on your manga shelf." - Kara Dennison, Otaku USAKaori Ozaki debuted at the age of fifteen and has seen her work translated into dozens of languages.