{"title":"Kelly Murashige","description":"Kelly Murashige is a writer, reader, and dreamer who was born and raised in Hawaiʻi. She primarily writes contemporary fiction with fantastical twists rooted in Japanese mythology and culture. Though she is a total introvert, she hopes to connect with readers around the world. You can visit her online at www.kellymurashige.com.","products":[{"product_id":"the-lost-souls-of-benzaiten-paperback","title":"The Lost Souls of Benzaiten - Paperback","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eThis heartfelt and quirky young adult fantasy debut follows a young outcast on a journey of transformation . . . into a robot vacuum cleaner. \u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003eA fresh twist on Japanese mythology that doubles as a deep, honest dive into mental health. \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\"I wish to become one of those round vacuum cleaner robots.\" That's what Machi prays for at the altar of Japanese goddess Benzaiten. Ever since her two best friends decided they want nothing to do with her, Machi hasn't been able to speak. After months of online school and a carousel of therapists, she can no longer see the point of being human. She doesn't expect Benzaiten to hear her prayer, much less offer a different prayer on Machi's behalf--that Machi discover the beauty of humanity, ultimately restoring her to her previous self. \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003eBenzaiten is enamored with the human world and, as she's the goddess of love, humanity is enamored right back. Being second-best once again isn't helping Machi move past her trauma, and with each adventure they share, Machi is reminded of everything she's lost. It isn't until Machi starts interacting with the souls of the dead--which tends to happen around Benzaiten--that she starts to rediscover her place among the living. \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003eFrom an author to watch, \u003ci\u003eThe Lost Souls of Benzaiten\u003c\/i\u003e is a highly original debut about the nature of happiness and the potential for healing.","brand":"BooksCloud","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50546231050463,"sku":"9781641296519","price":11.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0813\/8958\/4607\/files\/d64ajb-kuM9781641296519.webp?v=1783662953"},{"product_id":"the-yomigaeri-tunnel-hardcover","title":"The Yomigaeri Tunnel - Hardcover","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eThis speculative coming-of-age YA novel follows a teenager as she undertakes a magical journey to bring her deceased childhood friend back to life. \u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003eA poignant quest for hope with original, fantastical twists, perfect for fans of Dustin Thao and Ann Liang. \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003eMonika can't bring herself to celebrate her last summer before college. She's still grieving the loss of the one classmate who didn't make it to graduation, a boy named Shun with whom she had a complicated relationship. \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003eThen, during her final Japanese Club meeting, Monika hears about the Yomigaeri Tunnel. According to a local urban legend, those who venture into this mythological passageway undergo harrowing trials to confront their hidden secrets and worst fears. It's said that anyone who makes it through is rewarded with the ability to resurrect one soul from the dead. \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003eMonika jumps at the chance to bring back Shun--but she's not alone. Sharp-tongued and fierce Shiori is hell-bent on reviving her mother and won't let anyone stop her. As Monika and Shiori confront the ghosts of their pasts, they have to decide: Are they friends, or foes? \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003eWith fantastical twists, this emotional, offbeat book about hope and healing is an essential read for anyone who's ever needed a friend in the darkness.","brand":"BooksCloud","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50548253196511,"sku":"9781641297035","price":19.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0813\/8958\/4607\/files\/irFE4LTncM9781641297035.webp?v=1783706216"}],"url":"https:\/\/blackandbarhe.com\/collections\/kelly-murashige.oembed","provider":"Black \u0026 Barhe Bookstore","version":"1.0","type":"link"}