What You Are Looking For Is in the Library

A Novel

By: Michiko Aoyama

Narrated by: Hanako Footman, Susan Momoko Hingley, Kenichiro Thomson, Winson Ting, Shiro Kawai

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?

©2023 Michiko Aoyama (P)2023 Harlequin Enterprises, Limited

Very uplifting!

I loved this book and all the ways the characters grew by their interactions with books and other people. I left feeling happy and energized.

Good stories some bad readers

The stories were enjoyable as were some readers. Others were terrible, reading with an unbearable falsetto for all the women.

Some good stories

short stories around a library. it’s nice, not great. some stories are great, but mostly ok.

Loved loved loved this book

I loved the stories and how each one also provides insights into the going oms of the community. I thought the actor readers did an amazing job and brought me into the story. However, if you have challenges with accents you may want to read the text form.

The power of honesty and an open mind

I read a review on Goodreads recently that said something like, "The only Japanese books that get translated to English are those about a miserable person where nothing happens to them and then the book is over."

Having read several of those lately, I'd decided to give up on contemporary Japanese literature, but then gave this book a chance. It is nothing like that review and not only did I enjoy the stories here, but found the theme refreshing. There are five related "episodes" and each features a character who has come to a point in their life where they feel stuck or hopeless or without worth. A trip to the library unexpectedly points them in the direction of a different viewpoint. Happiness ensues.

One of the things I enjoyed most is a sense of humility in every character, even the supporting cast. None of them seem to have the "me, me, me!" mindset I find so prevalent in a lot of American media. I liked them all a lot, but even more so because of this trait.

There are five narrators, one for each episode. Some are better than others, but none are difficult to listen to.

Sweet stories

A collection of sweet stories that have some overlapping characters and a consistent, overworking theme. Very gentle, listening. And nice and interesting readers.

Intertwined story lines

Each story was intertwined with the others, but could also stand alone. The resolutions of each story we're not predictable.

Keep your Eyes and Heart Open

This gift to myself came from a recommendation from Parnasas books. I listened with my heart and heard what I most needed right now. In the future I will listen again for my next lesson.

Sweet and satisfying

I got this book as the deal of the day and wasn’t necessarily expecting much but was very pleasantly surprised. What a sweet and satisfying collection of stories. Unfortunately, the final narrator has such a heavy accent that I couldn’t understand most of what he said without really concentrating, which was frustrating. Otherwise, this is a lovely little gem, well worth the time.

Attainable Philosophy

Similar to the way historical fiction makes an historic event more interesting, the stories of the librarian, and her pets make the dispensed philosophy attainable. Excellent story!