Yukito Ayatsuji

Ａｎｏｔｈｅｒ 2001

Slof

This review is made from somebody who has not read the first book of the series.

But that does make it so I can give an important opinion: you do not need to read Another or Another S/0 to enjoy Another 2001.

I've seen some complaints about Another 2001 with how Yukito Ayatsuji has far too much repetitive information, however, as someone who hasn't read the first book, I didn't feel like this was true. Yukito Ayatsuji's writing in Another 2001 provides it with enough information to get by in understanding without having to read the first book; Another 2001 can be read as a standalone. That's not saying that I won't be taking read to the first book or the spin off, but if you only find interest in Another 2001, you don't have to read the first book.

Now as to whether or not it's a good idea to read them out of order, I can't answer that. As of right now, I still haven't gotten around to reading the first one, so I can't say. But I can confidently say that reading Another 2001 first did not ruin how much I enjoyed this book.

It might make you feel stupid reading other people's reviews LOL. I've heard a lot about how the twists and turns were obvious, but I was only able to guess a couple while reading or a realized a moment before. 

So, overall, here is what I have to say before I get into the plot: If you want a book that will hit you hard with sharp turns and twists, read Another 2001 first. I heard it's much darker and bloodier than Another. However, if you want to be eased into it, and if you want to see if something bad is coming, maybe start in order. Personally, I think it's a preference to which you prefer.

Another 2001 centers around one fourteen-year-old boy going by the name Sou. Hiratsuka Sou. Considering a lot of personal family issues, he hates being called 'Hiratsuka' so a majority of the characters refer to him by his given name (aside from teachers, adults, unfamiliar students, or strangers). You'll learn that Sou has a lot to him to his personality to personal issues to trauma and PTSD from past events in his life. He's a very complicated character, but he's very mature, reserved, and introverted. He cares for others, but he doesn't tend to let that show so bluntly, or he does it and doesn't think much of it; being kind is sometimes a reflex to him that he doesn't realize is stepping out of the way to help somebody. In addition to that, it might be because of his struggle to show emotions. If he doesn't care, he simply doesn't! Sou is very simple, but at the same time, not.

Sou is thrown into Class 3-3. This class is known as a class that is cursed (however, they don't like to use this word 'cursed.' They prefer phenomenon.'). It is known as an "on-year" when Sou joins that class. But an "on-year" for what?

Well, years before in 1972, a student named Misaki Yomiyama ended up dying. This student was loved and appreciated by all, so when his death was spoken of, people couldn't believe it. How could the good and young die? So, everyone pretended as if Misaki was still alive. Passed papers on his old desk, left his desk there and empty, called his name out during role call, left him a seat, etc. All throughout the remainder of the school year in class 3-3. And at the very end of the year in the graduation photo, a figure appeared. One figure of the deceased Misaki.

Ever since then, what they call an "unnatural natural phenomenon" occurs every three years. During this year, any one with a second relation (I.E, someone's grandmother would be in danger but not their great grandmother) to a member of the class or closer will be in danger's reach. Death will most likely be the outcome. So, the school tries to battle this by having a student play this "non-exister" in the class so that the phenomenon doesn't try to take one for itself.

For Sou, he ends up volunteering to be this "non-exister." He knows that he will be able to survive. Because as a "non-exister," Sou has a very important job. He is not allowed to speak to his classmates nor his teachers on school grounds and/or during school hours.

To stay safe, in the beginning, Sou hardly interacts with any of his friends even while outside of school when it would be considered safe. He doesn't want to be tempted or especially have them be tempted to speak to him at school. If they do, it will unbalance the whole calamity, and people will begin dying every month.

Sou and a couple close friends battle through the calamity. There is lots of blood, death, angst, and fear. The reactions from characters can be felt through the pages from Yukito Ayatsuji's writing. I find it important when an author is able to correct convey realistic feelings, and I feel like Yukito Ayatsuji managed to do it amazingly. Scenes feel dark and creepy, and it's a perfect eerie feeling that I look for in horror books.

What also makes Another 2001 so good of a horror book is that there are actually no supernatural in this book whatsoever. Aside from the whole phenomenon itself, it's free of things like spells, rituals, or ghosts. If a figure is seen, it's someone being delusional, which is actually scarier than ghosts in my opinion. However, there is one aspect about Mei Misaki's character that made me groan. But of course, Mel Misaki was in the first book and had this special aspect about her from what I know, so I know that it wasn't thrown in there just because. But still, it felt...too convenient?

As for the characters in this book, they're all loveable. Each one has their own personality that doesn't overlap with another. They all have something quite unique about them as well. Character relationships—you can feel strong connections between characters. For instance, Hiratsuka Sou and Kouda Shunsuke, and Mei Misaki and Koichi Sakakibara. Even the old library teacher Mr. Chibiki—you can tell how much he truly cares for Sou.

I don't want to go too in depth of this book because at some point, it'll be a spoiler. Obviously, their actions to stop the calamity don't work considering the book is a bloody horror novel that is worse than its first part. The ride you join on with Sou and defeating this calamity is quite fun and definitely worth the read. Wanting to read the first one before this or just jumping right into the second one, it should be on your plan to read.