Yamada and the Boy

On his way back from work on Christmas night, Yamada, twenty-six, discovers a drunk and crying high-schooler and takes him home. That boy was mulling over being in love. The premise is a tender romance that moves carefully around age, feeling and the comfort of being heard.The strength is the sensitivity. The story handles its characters' feelings with care and avoids easy answers. The quiet tone suits the delicate situation.The weaknesses are about the premise. The age and power dynamics raise delicate questions that readers may find uneasy, and the pace is slow. Those who are uncomfortable with that setup should look elsewhere.Recommended for readers who enjoy thoughtful, careful stories about feeling. Expect a quiet, cautious read.