Michiko AoyamaRecensioni

ABSOLUTELY delightful!!!! I can recommend this to anyone who likes to read. The author has such a lovely sense of people and relationships between them and the way she interweaves the different characters in the five stories is so well done. There's a little magic in this book... learning experiences and advice mixed in with total enjoyment.

Interesting little collection of stories. I saw them overlap in places, but they never completed the circle. Uplifting a little preachy, but nice. Several narrators made it easy to differentiate the characters.

Every reader has at least once experienced that feeling of suddenly wanting to grab a book off the shelf (or the e-reader), diving into it with passion and barely coming up for air only when life demands it. Being a mood reader myself, I tend to do this quite regularly: sometimes a book will wait for me to pick it up for a very, very long time, but I will almost inevitably at some point feel the urge to pick up exactly that one as if it called out to me. This is exactly what happened with What You Are Looking for Is in the Library, and how apt this was!

Through five seemingly unconnected stories, this book introduces us to Sayuri Komachi, the enigmatic librarian of the Community House library who has an almost magical ability to recommend precisely the right book for every reader, the one even they didn't know they needed. As each of our protagonists is struggling with a different challenge, through the transformative power of books they find a new and different outlook on life, rediscovering joy and meaning.

The book is framed as a series of chapters essentially reading as short stories, each focused on a different character. The stories are lightly interconnected but can be read separately, the Community House and the library being the only real points in common. I liked how varied the cast of characters was, and how they each experienced different issues connected to the specific phase of their life they were going through - from recent graduates looking for their place in the world to a recently retired man seeking a purpose beyond work. They were also very well drawn, each with their own individuality. I instantly formed a connection with them, and have been thinking about them as I would old friends since finishing the book - always a sign of some very good characters indeed!

If anything, Sayuri Komachi herself was the only character that felt slightly unexplored, save for a few peeks at her character here and there through her (brief) interactions with the library users. This was probably done to keep an air of mystique around her character, but I really would have liked to know more about her. Still, I enjoyed what we did see of her!

One of my favourite aspects about this book was its focus on community and building positive, supportive relationships through open communication, trust, and small acts of kindness. This was particularly refreshing, as I've been growing tired of the rampant individualism permeating all aspects of society. Seeing the characters in this book rediscover the value of meaningful connections was like a balm for the soul.

Overall, this was a delightful, heartwarming read that I was genuinely happy to curl up with every night and that left me with a smile on my face, a deep-seated feeling of peace and contentment and a strong desire to hug my loved ones tighter than usual. It's a simple book that does what it says on the tin, but perhaps this time it was exactly what I was looking for in the library.

I received an advanced review copy of this book for free from the publisher via NetGalley. This did not affect my opinion of the book in any way.

What You Are Looking For Is in the Library by Michiko Aoyama is a cute book following a few different protagonists as they go to the library in search of help in various aspects of their life. There, they all receive book recommendations by the reference librarian who seemingly has supernatural abilities to know just what books the protagonists need.

The book has some good quotes throughout and has overall nice writing. It takes on a slow pace as each character learns what they are looking for and how to apply what they learn to their own lives. It also shows how many different types of books and resources can be valuable, even if they are not commonly used by society at large, such as picture books. It does greatly exaggerate what librarians are able to do in regard to recommending books, as they can by no means solve your problems through a random book recommendation. But, it does show that asking for help can be incredibly beneficial no matter how scary it seems.

I do think it suffered from the audiobook a bit, as some of the speakers were a bit difficult to understand and one was very robotic, even at a faster speed. I would strongly recommend reading it physically instead.

A set of loosely linked stories that were pleasant and somewhat inspiring. The characters portrayed all needed a jolt from their habitual lives. This is not the style of book that I prefer, but I picked it up because my career was in the library.

Quite liked the book, a little too “neat” in terms of endings to some stories, and can we stop with the fat shaming?½

Es una historia que se cuenta a través de 5 usuarios de una biblioteca y como la bibliotecaria, Komachi, a través de sus recomendaciones de libros los ayuda a tener una nueva perspectiva de la vida y a re encontrase con ellos mismos. Muy recomendada.

Library Inspirations
Review of the Doubleday hardcover edition (August 10, 2023) translated by Alison Watts from the Japanese language original お探し物は図書室まで [If you are looking for something, go to the library] (2020).

I was hoping for this to be more about libraries than it was. It is a series of short stories about various people who are at life changing points in their lives. Circumstances send them to their common local community library where a rather mysterious librarian gives them book recommendations and various bonus gifts. The books or gifts give them an inspiration to follow a new career path or new interest which ends up fulfilling their lives. I do like the overall theme that books and reading can inspire people but this felt more on the meet cute side.

Trivia and Link
I didn't look them all up, but the book about the field mice who find an egg, mentioned in the first story, is an actual children's book Guri and Gura (orig. 1963), so likely all or most of the other Japanese books mentioned are real as well.

Sweet, charming, positive, pleasant, inspirational. How a librarian gently shifts the perspectives of five characters on their lives, mainly through their ideas about working and their jobs/careers. It does have some lovely things to say. It was fine! An enjoyable enough read. Other than maybe the sizeism that kept popping up regarding a character. And the felting that was mentioned in the book was fascinating and bizarre, to the point I had to look it up on Youtube. Still bizarre, even though I now know it is actually a real thing! Yet another book I probably would have never read without a nudge from the Morning News Tournament of Books.
*Book #146/340 I have read of the shortlisted Morning News Tournament of Books½

An ode to the power of a good book - and a good librarian. Highly recommend for those feeling lost in life or unhappy with their current circumstances.

This book is titled as a novel, but it is really five somewhat closely related short stories. A few characters, especially those working in the library, appear in each story. But other than that, each story is unrelated to the others.

The stories were of moderate interest, but not really a great read. The book is small, and even at 300 pages, a quick read. The characters are not well developed and are rather shallow, so as a reader, I felt little connection to the characters. The dialogue was unoriginal as most characters spoke the same.

It was an interesting read, but not one I would want to read again or recommend to someone else to read.

Recently translated WHAT YOU ARE LOOKING FOR IS IN THE LIBRARY is a Japanese novel written a few years ago by Michiko Aoyama. Described as warm, charming, wholesome - the book consists of five interrelated chapters in which a visitor to a community library asks for books on a specific topic and is also offered a bonus suggestion. The bonus book becomes the focus of that person's life changing revelation. "Readers make their own personal connections to words, irrespective of the writer's intentions, and each reader gains something unique."
I picked up this book due to the lovely cover art and was quite satisfied.½

** I received a physical ARC in exchange for an honest review. No compensation has been given and I write this book review willingly. A big thanks to HCC Frenzy and Hanover Square Press! **



Introduction


When I participated in Frenzy Presents: Fall Preview 2023 by Harper Collins Canada, What you are looking for is in the library by Michiko Aoyama caught my eye. Thankfully, we could request it—and so, of course, I did!

Speaking Japanese myself and loving their culture, as well as being a sucker for comfort and meaningful fiction reads all related to libraries and books, this book was one I couldn’t wait to read.

Not only was I NOT disappointed, I was also quite surprised in the best ways possible. This short story collection is deep, poignant, cozy, and worth the time spent reading for the sheer pleasure and comfort it brings as well as how unique it is.

Want to know what I think of it in detail? Keep reading! 😀



読書は趣味です.

– Reading is my hobby.

(Pronunciation in romaji: Dokusho wa shumi desu.)



The Positive Points


This book about reading and libraries is so sweet and comfy; it revolves around finding one’s place and happiness in the world. How to belong when you feel like you don’t. Truth is I was looking forward to resume reading this book every morning during a difficultly emotional week. It was part of a few good things of those days. Which, I find, quite sweet considering the themes of this book as being cozy, comfy, and finding one’s happiness and place in the world. This story is genuinely soft, warm, charming, meaningful, and satisfying. This book feels like a perfect read for autumn and winter (which I’m in now) with a hot cocoa or coffee, a blanket, sitting in your favorite spot! It’s cozy like autumn and winter; not an “easy read” like summer vibes. Both are great, but this one is special, in my opinion.

Moreover, this book is so real and genuine with thoughts and feelings of all sorts, including some we deem as negative or shameful. It's like a small sliding door into our inner worlds and private thoughts.

Also, I love love love that it’s just so Japanese in an easygoing, natural way. The food, the customs (bowing while saying goodbye), the behaviors, etc. (like the Hatori ward; Japan is divided in wards within prefectures), and Japanese words here and there written in romaji, are wonderful. I know the author is Japanese, but it could still be overexplained or not seem so natural, yet she writes in a compelling, flowing manner. You can’t help but go with the flow and just find it familiar and wonderful at the same time.

The author includes Japanese brands despite the presence of similar American brands—in the 4th story, there is the Croquis sketchbook mentioned. She could have used a “Canson sketchbook”, which is highly popular, but I loved that she went with the Japanese one. Everything in this cozy book is Japanese. So lovely! I wondered why she had said “Croquis sketchbook” as here we only say “sketchbook” for anglophones or “carnet de croquis” (notice de “croquis”? it’s French!), so I was confused as why she’d used the word “croquis” as there is no French in here book… I had a hunch it was for a brand, so I looked it up and indeed, it’s a popular sketchbook brand! The Croquis series is made by Maruman.



The Negative Points


Truth is you can’t like all main characters in the stories. And it’s okay; but they’re all so widely different, they’re believable. And obviously, there will be one you will like less than the others. For me, it was the fourth main character. However, it’s not a negative point per se as it means it’s well-written, but just know you might read one with a bit of groaning.

You know when you read through a series with multipov and you get to a chapter told by the character you just don’t like? Yeah, like that.

In the end, the 4th story is the one I liked least. Not because of the writing or the story itself, but because of the main character, Hiroya. That guy is soooooo annoying and stupid; Hiroya got under my skin, he grated on my nerves so bad. But it’s a good thing he did! Why? Because it shows the author is talented; otherwise, he would have just been bland, but no, she wrote him so well and consistently miserable and not very smart, that he annoyed me greatly. Kudos to the author for her skill!

The fifth story is satisfactory and works as a closure in many ways. Throughout the short stories, we meet a diverse cast of secondary characters and then we meet them again in the next story or the one after. And each time we meet one of them again, they provide us with an answer to one of the question their presence had raised in the story we first met them. Because yes, their impact or background or even future raises questions—you can’t help wondering about them as to why, how, what for, etc.—and it’s nice to get their answers peppered throughout the stories but with other main characters. The nicest touch though is how all the main questions—you’ll see for yourself ;)—are answered in the very last story. It brings the whole book to a good, satisfactory closure. Also, I think the age and meaning sought by the last character brings it to a closure too in its own way, since the first MC was a young adult, and the last one a retired man. It’s as though the book is structured as a overarching story instead of very separate short stories. In many ways, they all intertwine and affect the other, like in real life. It is beautiful, and I had never seen a short story collection be written in such a way: with a narrative arc in each, an overarching story, and side characters you meet and meet again through a different character’s eyes throughout the stories. And, bonus points for the answers you get gradually!



In Conclusion


Thanks to this short story collection being so comfy, sweet, about reading and libraries, and finding one’s place and happiness in the world throughout our lifetime, I give What you are looking for is in the library by Michiko Aoyama a solid rating of 5 out of 5 stars!!!

In addition to having a good time, I also found a new Japanese author to read! This is her first book translated into English, but I love it so much, I will definitely pick up her other books in Japanese!

First sentence: When Saya sends a text to tell me she has a new boyfriend, I instantly write back: What's he like? But all she replies is: He's a doctor.

Premise/plot: This newly translated novel contains five interconnected novellas. Different protagonists. Varied problems. But all come to the same community library and meet the same reference librarian. Each is recommended a list of books with one quirky book recommendation tagged onto the end that doesn't quite meet their stated search needs. Each receives a gift--something felted--from the librarian. All lives are changed, though perhaps not as dramatically as one might expect. The changes mostly come from within.

This novella collection celebrates books, libraries, and LIBRARIANS.

My thoughts: I definitely enjoyed this one. And it went a long way in helping me out of my slump. I don't know it I will stay out of my reading slump. I've been struggling the past few weeks with staying engaged with what I am reading. I loved the focus on BOOKS and reading. I thought the characters were well-developed within the novella format. In fact, you might argue that you learn more about these characters in under a hundred pages than you do some books in four hundred pages.

Five different individuals separately find themselves at a crossroads in their lives. Whether it is a question of career or personal development, they feel that something is missing or at least that there is more out there for them. But each is at a loss as to where to find that missing something, or even how to describe it. Fortunately, fate, or perhaps just good luck, puts them in touch with Sayuri Komachi, the librarian of a small community library. After questioning them, she is able to recommend a number of books on what they are ostensibly interested in and, typically, one outlier. And it is that book which inevitably triggers the onward development of the story and of that person’s personal growth.

Each of the five tales follows a similar pattern and it is perhaps not surprising that at some point the characters cross paths even if just tangentially. It makes for comforting reading, especially for those with a love of books, libraries, and a, probably unstated and unfounded, belief that things will get better. And, at least for these characters, it does.

Gently recommended.½

DNF @ Page 70.


Based on the title, I thought most of the book would be set in a library. It was not.

Based on the cover, I thought there would be a cat. There was not (at least not in the first 70 pages.)

I HATED the main character in the first story - Tomoka. She was so stupid and clueless.

What You are Looking for is in the Library by Michiko Aoyama (translated by Alison Watts) has books, plants, and a window seat on the cover. It has "library" in the title. The title promises that all can be found at the library. I am sold before I even start! This book is very much a love to letter to books, libraries, librarians, and readers. In a world drowning in conflict and negativity, this uplifting book is a beautiful and sweet interlude.

Read my complete review at http://www.memoriesfrombooks.com/2023/11/what-you-are-looking-for-is-in-library....

Reviewed for NetGalley.

Feel-good Japanese fiction is rapidly becoming a favourite of mine. It’s comforting, easy to read and reminds you of the small things to delight in. I’m so glad that more of this kind of fiction is making its way into English so readers can explore the nuances of Japanese culture.

What You are Looking For is in the Library is a delightful addition to the genre, focusing on a mysterious librarian who helps individuals to find passions and direction in their lives. Sayuri Komachi is a figure in white at the reference desk and when people venture to her desk, they receive a list of the books that will help them find out more on their chosen subject, as well as another book that seemingly has no relation to what they asked for. Sayuri also gives them a little ‘bonus’ – a felted object which again has no obvious link to what they are looking for. But through the book, each person finds meaning and the ability to change their lives for the better.

The story is told in the first person from five different individuals across the five chapters. Tomoka feels at a loss at her job in her department store but finds joy through an unexpected children’s book. Natsumi used to be a magazine editor, but after her maternity leave finds her work downgraded and motherhood not what she envisioned. Ryo finds his work unfulfilling and wants to open a business of his own, but isn’t sure how to go about it. Hiroya doesn’t work, after being downtrodden in his first job. But the library helps him to find his place in society and regain confidence. Masao is newly retired and at a loss – who is he now? But he finds direction in the next phase of his life in an unexpected way.

The stories are all relatable, and heartwarming without being saccharine. Each chapter could be read as a standalone (one of my slight annoyances was how Sayuri was described in detail each time, but it was the character’s first time seeing her). However, as the book progresses, there are glimpses of connections between the previous chapters’ characters which is a nice touch. The story is simply told and is translated well by Alison Watts – it doesn’t lose the Japanese way of life (such as greetings, politeness and courtesy to elders). The characters are wholly invested in the Japanese way of group before the individual – sometimes perhaps a little too much for Westerners to understand, but it’s a conscientiousness for others that is lovely to read. It offers hope, even if the characters think it’s too late to change – it isn’t. A gentle, warm story that is a mood booster.

http://samstillreading.wordpress.com

Es una osa al poder de los libros

audio fiction (7 hrs, 19 min., multiple narrators) - various characters tell their stories connected by a librarian with the uncanny ability to recommend a seemingly irrelevant but actually exactly the right book which results in helping each character achieve contentment. Set in contemporary Tokyo.

These are very cozy stories involving a large (big-boned) and imposing reference librarian (as the recurring auxiliary character) with a penchant for needle felting. I'm guessing she also helps other people (who are not in the midst of a work/life crisis) with more mundane reference questions in between these relatively few and far between characters, else it might be hard to justify her position in the smallish community center library. Pretty much what you'd expect from this author and recommended for bookish fans. The audio version is especially nice because of the varying voices with gentle Japanese accents.

DNF @ 47pages. It’s a cute idea but the translation writing doesn’t do anything for me - it feels very stifled and bland. No more Japanese translations for me.

Everyone who walks through the doors of the small community library in Japan, has a desire to somehow change their lives. From a sales attendant who feels stuck in her job, to a struggling working mother who longs for the career she lost, to an artist who feels like no one will ever care about his drawings - they all get led to Sayuri Komachi, the reference librarian who loves needle felting. After having a conversation with them, Sayuri Komachi gives them a book list, all with a surprising book at the end, and a bonus gift. What they don’t realize is how much of a life changing conversation that would be.

I’m going to be honest, I kind of went into this a little blind. I saw it was for fans of The Midnight Library and Before the Coffee Gets Cold and registered it’s about a library. I’m a librarian and I’m always interested in books about either libraries or books so I asked for an ARC on NetGalley without really looking too much into it. Because of this, I didn’t realize how the set up would be for the story going into it. The first story’s voice threw me off just a little bit because of how young she was. I didn't know if I wanted to read a whole story with that voice - but obviously it changes with each chapter.

This novel is such an ode to libraries and librarians and how they can help transform people’s growth, no matter what stage in life they are in. This novel is so heartwarming and touching that I feel like everyone would be able to connect to it on some level. I’ve said this before in my reviews, but Japanese literature just has a way of capturing the human experience in a way that never disappoints.

I’ll be highly recommending this novel to so many people. I can’t give this enough wonderful praise.

*Thank you Hanover Square Press and NetGalley for an advance digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review

This charming book is what you are looking for, especially if you are looking for an entertaining and thoroughly enjoyable book. The librarian seems to know exactly what to suggest to her patrons, and she even includes a little bonus gift. Each of her patrons is surprised to get the token gift, and a bit surprised at the recommended books. Through the magic of books, several people are guided to make decisions that enrich their lives. This inspiring book may even challenge readers to seize opportunities and take a chance to do something they aspire to achieve. But the question remains, what book would YOU recommend?!

Very lovely wholesome book!
Nothing too original but it has some deep and relevant messages about employment difficulties, and loneliness (among others) which are covered in a sensitive manner, acknowledging the characters’ struggles without pathologising or judging these as inherently bad as most media do.
I did find it a bit too repetitive at times however.

This comforting little book was a great pleasure to read, and contained some important life lessons that I wish I would put into practice. It tells the story of how each of five people whose lives are not going well end up in a local library. There, they speak with a mysterious librarian, who selects for them books they need to read to help reset their assumptions -- and the courses of their lives. The tone is everyday (it is interesting to peek into the lives of these "ordinary" Japanese people) yet vaguely fantastical. The stories are interesting and involving, and the whole book is a lovely experience. The only reason I didn't give it five stars may have more to do with my own cynicism than with the book, which I highly recommend.