What You Are Looking For Is in the Library
Books | Fiction / Literary
4.3
Michiko Aoyama
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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More Details:
Author
Michiko Aoyama
Pages
304
Publisher
Harlequin
Published Date
2023-09-05
ISBN
036974201X 9780369742018
Community ReviewsSee all
"I’ve never read a book that built a community so well. The characters are wonderful interconnected where the characters make appearances but don’t take over the spotlight from the main. I thought the author did a good job of representing different age groups and stages of life. I think most people will find a character they relate to or see themselves in. I will say, this is definitely a cozy, slow slice of life. No action here. Prepare for self discovery, at your own pace. Wonderful after a busy day."
T
Tori
"⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.25 Such a cozy, quick read! I didn’t know it was a book of short stories (I wouldn’t have picked it up if I did know) but I’m really glad I did. The writing is super cute and I applaud the author on writing 5 different short stories with very distinctive voices and perspectives. The idea was super cute, about a librarian recommending a book that they didn’t ask for but needed as well as the books they did as for, and having their perspective and life change because of it. I did like some short stories more than others, but it was a very humble, wholesome book. The pacing was great, I enjoyed the writing style, and everything was very happy-go-lucky which is what I needed right now. I definitely recommend especially during the winter to get the cozy vibes! "
Fefe Luna (she/they)
"You have to be in the right mindset for this book.its alittle slow but its very inspiring and lighthearted and i really enjoyed chapter 2 the most."
M K
Makenna Krajnc
"This set of 5 interconnected stories - about people in different stages of life, searching for what they need and finding it after a visit to a library - is exactly what I needed right now.
Aoyama's tight prose and masterful storytelling makes each vignette both insightful and real.
I highly recommend this book to anyone. "
Stephanie Simons 📚🐈⬛🏝
"“Charming”. “Quirky”. “Heartwarming“. It would be easy to dismiss this appealing novel with such faint praise. Yet Aoyoma mischievously undermines the “find yourself at the library “ cliche with a librarian (resembling some kind of monster goddess) who gifts each of her reluctant patrons with books which subtly point them towards the changes they need to make in their lives. The choices are never obvious; rather than offering didactic “here’s what you need to do!” self-help books, Ms Komachi’s selections force the readers to figure out the connections and the lessons for themselves. Admittedly there is a level of wish fulfillment here, but I can see why this has become such a mass hit. I like the idea that what you need is not always what you’re looking for, and that people can take charge of their lives at any age."
Lesley Williams
"Almost teared up a few times, following the lives of 5 individuals as they progress to new chapters of their lives. Beautifully written. I appreciate the book and manga suggestions, as well as the interwoven stories."
G
Glory
"I wholeheartedly love books like this one. While the story and premise may seem simple, it’s such an easy read that really makes one relate to their own life and choices through the POV of the characters in this book. There’s something to take away for each character - a young adult figuring her life out, a middle aged man wondering if it’s too late or even plausible to still chase his dream, etc. It really reminds me that even though I feel overwhelmed in my real life, there is still joy and beauty to be found in the world, and hopeful moments if we open our hearts and eyes to them. I did get emotional at parts and was able to easily relate to each character and what their chapter was talking about. "
Shannon
"Loved this cozy book and how even a small action can change the course of someone else's outlook."
J E
Jem Emerton
"Charming and cozy. This is a collection of slice of life stories that are connected"
Jessica A
"I read this for a magical realism prompt, but I'm not sure it would actually be classified as that. Is the librarian really adept at book recommendations or is there a bit of magic involved? Guess that's up to interpretation. It's a gentle read that gives each of it's lost characters a direction to go in and renewal in hope. It's what I needed to hear, to keep trying, that it's never too late and other observations that sometimes seem obvious but we forget. I also liked how we see connections of characters in all five stories/chapters. <br/><br/>My biggest complaint was the constant fat-shaming/negative comments on the appearance of the librarian. Like we really needed this at all, but especially in all five stories? It was completely unnecessary."
Liesl Prentice
