"I got the job, Mano-san is quitting, and a new person will take her place. The office is like a creature whose cells continually regenerate."

I read this bittersweet manga at precisely the right time, as like the protagonist, I have just begun my first post-university job and the quest of finding value and meaning in an office workplace. What this manga really nails is the feeling of a 'nice' workplace - Occasional interesting tasks and friendly coworkers making up for a lack of personal investment, as well as the feeling of an entire support system emerging from where you're bound to spend most of your week. Early on, the protagonist is berated by one of her older coworkers, who tells her :"don't look down on your work!" (if only out of respect for her other coworkers!). I think this is a message that I will take away from this manga and carry with me for a while.

Otherwise, the tone and plot are funny, sweet, charming. I don't read much josei but this series has convinced me to branch out.

Overall grade: 7.5