What You Are Looking For Is in the Library: A Touching Narrative of Self-Discovery, Community Bonds and the Joys of Reading in Tokyo's Libraries
THE NATIONAL BESTSELLER * A TIME BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR * A WASHINGTON POST BEST FEEL GOOD BOOK OF THE YEAR
For fans of Before the Coffee Gets Cold, a charming, internationally bestselling Japanese novel about how the perfect book recommendation can change a readers' life.
What are you looking for? So asks Tokyo's most enigmatic librarian. For Sayuri Komachi is able to sense exactly what each visitor to her library is searching for and provide just the book recommendation to help them find it.
A restless retail assistant looks to gain new skills, a mother tries to overcome demotion at work after maternity leave, a conscientious accountant yearns to open an antique store, a recently retired salaryman searches for newfound purpose.
In Komachi's unique book recommendations they will find just what they need to achieve their dreams. What You Are Looking For Is in the Library is about the magic of libraries and the discovery of connection. This inspirational tale shows how, by listening to our hearts, seizing opportunity and reaching out, we too can fulfill our lifelong dreams. Which book will you recommend?
"An undeniable page-turner." --New York Times Book Review
"A charming novel about the magic of reading." --Washington Post
For fans of Before the Coffee Gets Cold, a charming, internationally bestselling Japanese novel about how the perfect book recommendation can change a readers' life.
What are you looking for? So asks Tokyo's most enigmatic librarian. For Sayuri Komachi is able to sense exactly what each visitor to her library is searching for and provide just the book recommendation to help them find it.
A restless retail assistant looks to gain new skills, a mother tries to overcome demotion at work after maternity leave, a conscientious accountant yearns to open an antique store, a recently retired salaryman searches for newfound purpose.
In Komachi's unique book recommendations they will find just what they need to achieve their dreams. What You Are Looking For Is in the Library is about the magic of libraries and the discovery of connection. This inspirational tale shows how, by listening to our hearts, seizing opportunity and reaching out, we too can fulfill our lifelong dreams. Which book will you recommend?
"An undeniable page-turner." --New York Times Book Review
"A charming novel about the magic of reading." --Washington Post
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Community Reviews
I enjoy introspective and magical realism stories a lot. While this book is lite in the "magical" element, it was a fun book to read. I say lite on the magical element because we don't really have any magical or unexplained magical things happen. At least, not in the traditional sense.
But the real magic beings at the local library for our main characters in this book. A young full-time worker not sure what to do with her life. A successful, seasoned worker with secret dreams of having his own business and working for something that makes him happy.
A businesswoman navigating motherhood at the hight of her career. A 30s something man who's unemployed with faded dreams of being an illustrator. And a retired man whose whole life was his job and now that it's no longer apart of his life, he doesn't know what to do with himself.
All of them are facing these challenges and cross roads in their lives when they find themselves in the library. Not expecting to get much out of their time there but still leaving with book recommendations and unique felt figures which end up being these abstract models to the missing perspective on their lives.
I will say that I liked some characters more than others in this book. And that I really disliked the fatphobic comments and thoughts towards the stern and helpful Ms. Komachi the librarian.
What You Are Looking For Is In The Library is a great book for adult readers who also enjoy introspective and magical realism type of books. And, of course, those who may also be feeling a little lost in their own life.
But the real magic beings at the local library for our main characters in this book. A young full-time worker not sure what to do with her life. A successful, seasoned worker with secret dreams of having his own business and working for something that makes him happy.
A businesswoman navigating motherhood at the hight of her career. A 30s something man who's unemployed with faded dreams of being an illustrator. And a retired man whose whole life was his job and now that it's no longer apart of his life, he doesn't know what to do with himself.
All of them are facing these challenges and cross roads in their lives when they find themselves in the library. Not expecting to get much out of their time there but still leaving with book recommendations and unique felt figures which end up being these abstract models to the missing perspective on their lives.
I will say that I liked some characters more than others in this book. And that I really disliked the fatphobic comments and thoughts towards the stern and helpful Ms. Komachi the librarian.
What You Are Looking For Is In The Library is a great book for adult readers who also enjoy introspective and magical realism type of books. And, of course, those who may also be feeling a little lost in their own life.
Really found this book to be relatable. At first I wasn't sure i was going to like or understand the importance of trying something out of my comfort zone.
I liked the way the book is divided into different stories told independently of each other, but also the approach that their only point of intersection is the interaction with Ms Komachi. However, the stories themselves are too lengthy and predictable for me. I also miss the tension. If you just want to read nice stories to pass the time without much depth, this book is a good choice.
Up-front confession: I basically grew up in libraries and surrounded by books, as my mother was a librarian and bibliopegist. Five out of five stars.
This was a charming book. And that’s the best word for it: charming. What You Are Looking For Is in the Library is a collection of short stories that gently unfold into a greater whole. Each story follows a different character who is struggling with something in life, and through a chance encounter with a librarian and the books she recommends, they start to discover something meaningful about themselves. As they immerse in their local library, a transformation begins that’s both poignant and relatable.
The magical part of this book, whether you take that as figurative or literal, is how seamlessly Aoyama captures the true essence of what a library can offer beyond books: a sense of self-discovery, a place for reflection, and ultimately, change. The characters' journeys are all unique, yet connected in ways that become beautifully clear as the stories weave together.
My only minor quibble is that we don't learn much about the librarian herself. I found myself wanting to know more about her backstory, especially given her pivotal role in each narrative.
Overall, this is an uplifting, delightful read for anyone who loves libraries, books, and the quiet process of personal growth. Definitely worth picking up!
This was a charming book. And that’s the best word for it: charming. What You Are Looking For Is in the Library is a collection of short stories that gently unfold into a greater whole. Each story follows a different character who is struggling with something in life, and through a chance encounter with a librarian and the books she recommends, they start to discover something meaningful about themselves. As they immerse in their local library, a transformation begins that’s both poignant and relatable.
The magical part of this book, whether you take that as figurative or literal, is how seamlessly Aoyama captures the true essence of what a library can offer beyond books: a sense of self-discovery, a place for reflection, and ultimately, change. The characters' journeys are all unique, yet connected in ways that become beautifully clear as the stories weave together.
My only minor quibble is that we don't learn much about the librarian herself. I found myself wanting to know more about her backstory, especially given her pivotal role in each narrative.
Overall, this is an uplifting, delightful read for anyone who loves libraries, books, and the quiet process of personal growth. Definitely worth picking up!
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