nodame canabile, vol. 1

nodame cantabile
tomoko ninomiya
graphic novels/manga/drama/romance
del ray manga
published 2005

The son of a famous pianist, music student Shinichi Chiaki dreams of studying abroad and becoming a conductor like his mentor. Unfortunately, his fear of flying grounds his lofty plans! As he watches other classmates achieve what he has always wanted, Shinichi wonders if he should quit music altogether.

Then one day he meets fellow student Megumi Noda, also known as Nodame. This oddball girl cannot cook, clean, or even read a music score, but she can play the piano in incomparable Cantabile style. And she teaches Chiaki something that he has forgotten: to enjoy his music, no matter where he is. 

Sometimes for me, reading the first book in a series (especially noticeable with graphics) barely gives me a good idea of the story or the characters.  This one falls into that category.

Shinichi just seems like a jerk.  Even though he's taking care of Nodame it seems mostly because it annoys him that she's a mess.  Nodame is harder to get a read on.  She's definitely a little quirky and very childlike.  Mine is sweet, though maybe a little grumpy.  He looks up to Shinichi despite his better judgement!

I'll probably read through the rest of these that I got from the library just to see what happens next!