Through reading this novel you can feel the weight of the authors personal feelings and experiences. The following review does not contain significant spoilers. Authors background: Like most of the novels written by Mizuki Nomura the setting begins with a male protagonist somehow acquainting himself with a female character who carries emotions and history that differs from her impression at first glance. Her novels usually include gentle romance with some light drama. Understanding her background is important towards understanding the significance of Shitayomi Danshi to Toukou. Premise: tldr Shitayomi Danshi to Toukou is a light novel is a light novel about writing light novels. Our protagonist Aos overwhelming love of reading leads him to become a manuscript screener someone who screens entries to light novel competitions. In addition to his hobby Aos cheerful personality allows him to converse with all those around him. Everyone except the ice princess Hiyuki. One day as Aos screening manuscripts he takes notice of a familiar name next to the submissions writer that of Hiyuki herself From then on one thing leading to another and eventually as a result she asks Please teach me how to write light novels. 220https://imageswixmped30a86b8c4ca887773594c2.wixmp.com/f/79b3e45cb84540729f7f318692ac725e/dbxo56a4b77341dd6e94cdcb480e82ed2e5de15.jpg/v1/fill/w248h350q70strp/shitayomidanshitotoukoujoshibyishirasandbxo56a350t.jpg?token=eyJ0eXAiOiJKV1QiLCJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJzdWIiOiJ1cm46YXBwOjdlMGQxODg5ODIyNjQzNzNhNWYwZDQxNWVhMGQyNmUwIiwiaXNzIjoidXJuOmFwcDo3ZTBkMTg4OTgyMjY0MzczYTVmMGQ0MTVlYTBkMjZlMCIsIm9iaiI6W1t7ImhlaWdodCI6Ijw9MTYwMCIsInBhdGgiOiJcL2ZcLzc5YjNlNDVjLWI4NDUtNDA3Mi05ZjdmLTMxODY5MmFjNzI1ZVwvZGJ4bzU2YS00Yjc3MzQxZC1kNmU5LTRjZGMtYjQ4MC1lODJlZDJlNWRlMTUuanBnIiwid2lkdGgiOiI8PTExMzUifV1dLCJhdWQiOlsidXJuOnNlcnZpY2U6aW1hZ2Uub3BlcmF0aW9ucyJdfQ.sm7eyiGvwxTz1BgnWasi7Cbjk6qDoXIEMwBl34obtj4 Personal Ratings Characters 8.5/10 Very good side characters Especially Aos Uncle and Hiyukis grandmother. Art 8/10 Solid illustrations throughout the novel. Story 8/10 Similar to authors previous works but with a refreshing twist. Ending 9/10 Cant spoil here just go read it. Personal opinion: Just like her previous works Bungaku Shoujo and Hikaru Ga Chikyuu Ni Itakoro the relationship that blossoms between the heroine and the protagonist is one incredibly enjoyable as they experience ups and downs throughout the novel. The way in which Hiyukis personality changes from that of a selfdeprecating introverted person to someone who can rely on another and smile publicly made me incredibly happy as a reader. The story effectively teaches the reader to not guess at someones personality at first glance but instead make ones own decision as they become more familiar with others. Nomuras moral lesson ties incredibly well into the process of writing a novel. A reader who seeks out the intricacies and little portions that make a novel whole are likely to more clearly understand the idea the author is attempting to convey. What spoke to me the most was not the romantic theme but instead the authenticity of the authors emotions in conveying her personal writing process through the interactions between Ao and Hiyuki. Personal bias If you are at all interested in this novel or have already read it I highly recommend you seek out more of Mizuki Nomuras writing