What You Are Looking for Is in the Library

My first Japanese healing fiction and it was undoubtedly a good read. It's a book to lie down with and relax. The book has five interconnected stories of persons from the Hatori Community facing different struggles. Somehow, all of them find a way out of it in the community library, where the librarian, Ms. Komachi, recommends them books and also, presents them with handmade felted gifts. The books recommended by Ms. Komachi and the gifts are tailored according to the reader's circumstances. They become their guiding light, hence, the title 'What you are looking for is in the library'. #michikoaoyama #whatyouarelookingforisinthelibrary #penguinindia #happyread #feelgoodfiction

Some books happen to you by chance and which is why I always keep saying (and practising) that books find their readers when it is time for them to read ‘em. This is how this book happened to me. Recommended by one of the readers made me buy it and looking at it’s cover, made me pull it up in my priority list of TBR as last book of the year. Am glad I did so. It is a wonderful book that has warmth percolating through it. The stories are well written with no nonsense build ups et al and simplicity intact. Usually in such an anthology, some stories stand out but this book very smartly ensured that all of them are connected go each other in a very intelligent and emotionally suitable way. Which made me love the flow of this book even more. It is a book for book-lovers and how all that we seek, can be found in the library, as the name suggests. The center piece of this book is a library attached to a community center in Tokyo and it’s librarian - Ms Sayuri Komachi, who has a knack to suggest the just-perfect book to anyone who cares to consult her. She also extends her recommendations by giving a ‘Bonus Gift’ with the books, a felted piece of handicraft. Somehow her suggestions help the reader reach their own conclusions, miraculously. And that’s the crux of the book. As asserted in the last story, Books will always be essential for some people; and I am happy to be amongst those. Forever.

"What are you looking for?" are the first words of the librarian, Sayuri Komachi, to the readers visiting the community library. The question may seem pertaining to books but it actually means so much more. The librarian then provides book recommendation which becomes the solution to the problems in the reader's life. What you are looking for is in the library by Michiko Aoyama is a collection of five loosely interwoven short stories about five people from different walks of life, each having their own struggles whose lives change after they come across the librarian. Apart from the not so ordinary librarian, the book was very simple yet impactful. I liked how the problems of the characters in the book were very relatable and solutions equally simple but wise. There were instances in each of the story where I had something to take out for myself both for personal and professional life. In fact, as pointed out by a friend, the book felt like self-help disguised as fiction, which turned out to be good for me given my aversion to the genre. I would recommend this book to everyone as it is a heartwarming comfort book full of wisdom and heartfelt moments.

Love it ✨

A series of individuals connected together by one library and an intriguing, insightful gifted Librarian Sayuri Komachi. A little bit of magic takes this story to a beautiful land of inspiration. Five dejected individuals come into this library seeking what they themselves don't know yet. Each story interrelated by this library, unravels through a series of events that unlock the questions they are seeking answers for. A story written with profound, thought provoking lines that I couldn't help but smile and find warmth in. Each situation well executed and characters journey so easily relatable. A truly enjoyable, inspiring read that I would recommend to each and everyone.

This book was such a pleasant surprise. I picked it up because I’d heard so many good things about it, and I stayed because the writing was so beautiful that it completely stole my heart. It’s a deeply reflective read that reminds us how the perfect book, at just the right time, can guide us or show us thr way when we feel lost. The story follows a handful of people who, for different reasons, find themselves adrift or in need of direction. Each one is introduced to Sayuri Komachi, a librarian with an uncanny knack for recommending an unusual and unexpected book. Somehow the books she chooses always help her visitors clear their minds and see the path forward which often leads to changes that can help improve their lives. This book resonated with me in so many ways , which is why it felt so special. Reading it was both comforting and hopeful, reinforcing my belief that books can be the solution or at least the guiding light whenever I’m uncertain. It also felt like a gentle nudge to take charge of your life and reshape it if it’s not the kind of life you truly want.

3.5⭐ This book follows the stories of five individuals, who are looking for a new direction in life. A 21-year-old sales assistant feels stagnated in her career and is unable to find value in her work life. A 35-year-old accountant feels trapped in his regular job, but he's hesitant to give up steady income to pursue his love for antiques as a career. A 30-year-old unemployed aspiring illustrator is consumed by thoughts of his unfulfilled dreams to be an artist. A 40-year-old former magazine editor has been moved to a less demanding unfulfilling job after maternity leave. She finds it difficult to coincide with her need to expand her career with her family's needs. Finally, a recent retiree who questions his worth in society. After a life devoted to his career. These five individuals meet librarian Sayuri Komachi; she has the unique ability to read the souls of her library guests. Komachi is capable of discerning the needs of individuals who enter her premises and recommending books that may help them discover their ideal life. This book is a translation of Japanese literature. The author lights on the mid life crisis having uncertainty in life and also talks about the social norm, the priorities and self esteem with a sprinkle of magical realism. The beginning was quite interesting as it goes it was dragging and repetitive. Although the character development was good and realistic, I felt disappointed with the character description of the librarian. Overall it was a good read, however it deflated my expectations..

Must read

I found this book of short stories about people of all ages Living in Japan so interesting and very uplifting.

Um livro excelente!! Mostra algumas reflexões durante, me ajudou a refletir minha ações e buscar soluções!

Delivery was fast. However the book does not seem new? Because the cover had dots on it. Not sure, but the story is good!

As a librarian myself, I have to say I loved this book! There’s something about being able to provide a source or piece of knowledge that makes something click for someone, or makes them think differently about something, that I love. Some other reviews mentioned that the personal growth, which many of the main characters undergo, happens overnight. While I think this is true, there’s a wider societal point here. Public libraries are one of the last places everyone is welcome. People can learn computer skills, join a book club, attend events, and read the literature from all over the world, all for free. They are warm, safe places to people of all ages and from all walks of life. But they’re also one of the first places to have services cut, or closed completely, when finances are tight. The economic and social benefits of libraries are vast, and although perhaps this book might have been slightly simplistic in its approach, those benefits were cleverly presented - intangible and yet most assuredly present. I didn’t enjoy the fatphobic descriptions of the librarian, but I can at least say the characters in the book very quickly realised that she was more than capable with her uncanny insight, so her appearance was irrelevant to what she could offer society. I enjoyed the short story format and how each one stood alone but also intertwined with the others. It was an uplifting read and I would definitely recommend it.

I just discovered this author and I enjoyed her so much, I started reading everything else she has written. Unfortunately, I discovered that this was the only book of hers currently translated into English, but another one is coming soon. Thankfully, a few of her books are translated into French... Lucky me!! So I've been learning lots of new words in French the last few weeks. I wish I could read her in Japanese. This is a really easy, yet beautiful and inspiring read. I also found it comforting and cathartic. She is a bit like the Japanese Maeve Binchy, in that her book is full of lots of short stories of characters who are somehow associated to each other in the same town.