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What You Are Looking For Is in the Library: A Novel
A TIME BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR
A WASHINGTON POST BEST FEEL GOOD BOOK OF 2023
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?
A WASHINGTON POST BEST FEEL GOOD BOOK OF 2023
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?
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Community Reviews
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 thatâs 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 thatâs 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 thatâs 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 thatâs 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 book is perfect. It is literally the exact format of story telling that I crave - a collection of short stories - vignettes of human experience - all part of one bigger story. And they are all connected by a librarian! Funnily enough, it reminds me of High Maintenance, the most underrated show HBO ever made. God I just love this book so much I feel crazed by it.
Lovely translation imbued with Japanese culture. Makes me want to sit in a library for hours and read whatever the librarian recommends. Excellent vibes.
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