A life of isolation and loneliness turns into one of love and acceptance in “Kotoura-san,” a Japanese anime series that follows 15-year-old mind reader Kotoura Haruka.

Born with telepathic ability, Haruka is able to read the thoughts of those around her. What should be seen as a gift turns into something darker, as Haruka, not fully understanding her talent, blurts out classmates’ thoughts. Unhinged by Haruka’s unnatural skill, her classmates begin ostracizing her and labeling her a monster.

The problems do not stop there as Haruka’s tendency to impulsively state what someone thinks sparks concern among her teachers who believe she is a compulsive liar. Haruka’s mother frantically takes Haruka to hospitals and doctors to see if there is something wrong with Haruka, but to no avail.

The final straw comes when Haruka reads her father’s mind, revealing to her mother that he is having an affair. Driven mad by the burden of divorce and shame, Haruka’s mother abandons Haruka, leaving her behind to live with her grandfather.

Seeing what her ability has done to those around her, Haruka withdraws from society. She convinces herself that she is better off alone in the world and chooses to stay out of the public eye.

When Haruka transfers to a new high school, she plans to fade into the background, but she is noticed by Yoshihisa Manabe, a soft-spoken, kind boy who is also an outcast.

Haruka is drawn out of her shell by Manabe’s constant attempts at friendship and comes to appreciate his presence in her life. Haruka also makes more friends, Yuriko Mifune and Daichi Muroto, leaders of the ESP Research Society, which was established to prove the existence of psychics and remove the stigma surrounding clairvoyance, and a bully, Hiyori Moritani, who has a change of heart at Haruka’s willingness to keep her “secret.”

Along the way, Haruka and her friends find themselves in comedic and dire situations that bring them closer together.

“Kotoura-san” is a fun, quirky, hilarious and dramatic anime series that is as heart-warming as it is heart-breaking. Viewers will cry alongside Haruka as she digs through her past and will smile at the sentimental moments throughout the story. Fans will also realize the importance of accepting others as well as themselves.

The show is recommended for teens ages 14 and older due to mature themes and suggestive content. “Kotoura-san” can be watched on Netflix, Gogoanime and Crunchy Roll.