Real description of the mid-20s funk!     Jul 05, 2007     by Rena

This story is about a young woman who is going through what I've come to call the mid-twenties funk--the time after graduating from college, but before you become really grown up. Sumire, a young journalist, has not only been demoted at work, but she just recently broke up with her fiance, who happened to knock up his mistress. She's becoming depressed and life is pretty hopeless, that is, until she meets Momo, a young homeless man. As a joke, she tells him that she'll keep him as a pet, naming him Momo after the dog she had as a kid. Surprisingly, he accepts and this is where the real story begins.

This first book in the series sets up the two main characters well with plenty of realism and humor to keep you entertained. While much of the story is conversation-based, it isn't slow and there is plenty of action to keep the reader entertained. While the premise of the plot seems goofy at first, it becomes more realistic as the story continues. And while some may be taken aback by the drawing style (it's not as anime-styled as other manga, or as another reviewer put it their mouths and eyes look funny), it really doesn't prove to be much of a distraction. If you like josei and/or shojo manga, I think you'll really enjoy Tramps Like Us.

Rena also recommended: Nana, Nodame Cantabile,
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