The Tatami Galaxy

A Novel

By: Tomihiko Morimi

Narrated by: Andrew Grace

Length: 8 hrs and 44 mins

Publisher's summary

An unfulfilled college student hurtles through four parallel realities to explore the what-might've-been and the what-should-never-be in this Groundhog Day meets The Midnight Library–esque novel from one of Japan’s most popular authors.

Our protagonist, an unnamed junior at a prestigious university in Kyoto, is on the verge of dropping out. After rebelling against the dictatorial jock president of the film club, he and his worst and only friend, the diabolical creep Ozu, are personas non grata on campus. For two years, our protagonist has made all the wrong decisions, and now he's about to make another mistake. He and Ozu are preparing for revenge—a fireworks attack at the film club's welcoming party for new members. Then, a chance encounter with a self-proclaimed god sets the confused and distraught young man on a new course. Destiny will bring him together with Akashi, the blunt but charming sophomore he has a crush on—if he’s brave enough to make a move. Yet our protagonist cannot get beyond his profound disillusionment and the moment is lost. But what if there's a universe where he did join the club of his dreams, ditched Ozu for good, and was confident enough to get the girl? A realm of possibility opens up for our protagonist as time rewinds, and from the four-and-a-half-mat tatami floor of his dorm room, he is plunged into a series of adventures that will take him to four parallel universes. In each universe, he is given the opportunity to start over as a freshman, in search of a rose-colored campus life.

The inspiration behind the much-loved anime series, Tomihiko Morimi's contemporary classic is a fantastic journey through time and space, where a half-eaten castella cake, a photograph from Rome, and a giant cavity in a wisdom tooth hold the keys to self-discovery. A time-traveling romp that speaks to everyone who has wondered what if, The Tatami Galaxy will win readers’ hearts over . . . and over . . . and over again.

Supplemental enhancement PDF accompanies the audiobook.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2022 Tomihiko Morimi (P)2022 HarperCollins Publishers

It gave me insight during my school years and the voices sound right

I’m an honest fan of the anime adaptations of both tatami galaxy and the night is young.
However after seeing the movie, it made me crave a dub of tatami galaxy more and more.
So when I saw this I hit pre-order immediately. Listening to it, it did not disappoint.
The only potentially negative thing I should mention is while a relaxing read, it does get repetitive, however unlike most examples the repetitive parts are an important to the narrative.
All in all I’m just looking forward to more of the authors works being made available.

Love it

One of my favorites, same as the anime that was made based on this novel. Well performed.

Great!

Went in hesitant but fell in love with it. I will now look for this author and read all his works!

Why is Audible forcing us to write a full review?

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A masterpiece

I love this book ( as well as it’s anime doppelgänger series ). Enjoy the parallel lives of the narrator, his ne’er do well best friend Ozu, his brilliant and severe girlfriend Akashi and an amazing cast of characters . Set against Kyoto, the book captures the heart of college life.

Middling writing

Hamfisted similes littered with adverbs. Repetition beyond the usual bounds of Japanese writing. Might be a translation issue.