V knižnici nájdeš to, čo hľadáš

by Michiko Aoyama, Mičiko Aojama, Veronika Šokyová (Translator)

Správna kniha dokáže zmeniť život

„Čo hľadáte?“
Túto navonok obyčajnú otázku kladie Sajuri Komači pomerne často. Ako správna knihovníčka má dokonalý prehľad o každej knihe, ktorá sa v jej knižnici v Tokiu nachádza. Okrem toho dokáže aj vynikajúco odhadovať ľudí, akoby im svojím prenikavým pohľadom nazerala priamo do duše. Vždy pozná, čo človek v živote potrebuje a ako by to mohol dosiahnuť – stačí mu len odporučiť tú správnu knihu. Takú, o ktorej ani len netušil, že ju hľadá.

Návštevníci knižnice sa od seba líšia, každý má iné postavenie, iné sny a túžby. Od roztržitej predavačky z obchodu s dámskou módou, ktorá netuší, ako sa v živote posunúť ďalej, až po ťažko pracujúcu mamičku snívajúcu o kariére v redakcii časopisu. Rozhovor so Sajuri a tá správna kniha môže všetko zmeniť. Takže...
„Čo hľadáte?“

Genres: Fiction, Contemporary, Japan, Books About Books, Short Stories, Japanese Literature, Audiobook

304 pages, Hardcover

First published November 9, 2020

About the author

Michiko Aoyama was born in 1970 in Aichi Prefecture, Honshu, Japan. After university, she became a reporter for a Japanese newspaper based in Sydney before moving back to Japan to work as a magazine editor in Tokyo. What You are Looking for is in the Library was shortlisted for the Japan Booksellers' Award and became a Japanese bestseller. It is being translated into more than fifteen languages. She lives in Yokohama, Japan.

青山 美智子 Japanese name
青山美智子 Chinese name

Reviews

[Jack Edwards · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Hopecore" in a book -- a series of stories in which each troubled person finds peace thanks to the recommendations of a local librarian.

It's a little formulaic after a while but I think that's the point: to reassure the reader that problems in our work lives, relationships, self-esteem, etc. can be resolved with new information and new mindsets... sometimes we just need a little help finding our way there. In this book, that person is the librarian, however -- and I'm not sure this was intended -- I found it allegorical of therapy. The message of the book seemed to me that help and support is out there, but the first half of the battle is actively seeking out the person who can provide that support (notably, an expert). The "librarian" in this way, seemed to me to be a stand-in for a therapist, pointing the characters in the right direction so they were equipped with the resources they needed to find the answers they were seeking. For that reason I liked it, and though the language is very simplistic, it is extremely readable.

It's a love story to reading and recovery.

However.

The descriptions of the librarian are... pretty unpleasant. Each time someone encounters her, almost an entire page is dedicated to describing how grotesquely large she is. If there's one thing this author wants you to know, it's that this librarian is FAT. This honestly just felt quite cruel, and after a while made me squirm with discomfort. I am aware this is a cultural difference, in which fat-shaming is much more acceptable in Japanese society, and of course this translation needs to remain faithful to the sentiment of the original text, but damn. This was.... brutal.

To give you an example:

"[...] yikes! My eyes nearly jump out of their sockets. The librarian is huge … I mean, like, really huge. [...] She takes up the entire space [...] Her skin is super pale – you can’t even see where her chin ends and her neck begins [...] She reminds me of a polar bear curled up in a cave for winter"

2.75 ⭐️ rounded up

[emma · Rating 4 out of 5]

this is always true.

this book is like a smile prescription. one that like...anyone can take. almost no side effects. simple language. lots of repetition. makes you feel like any problem can be solved by a strange librarian unendingly described by her weight and 1-2 books.

anyway. in spite of that, it's pretty charming.

i find that a lot of book club fiction is actually just a book that starts off sad and ends with hope: a new job, a new potential date, whatever.

this is like 5 of those in one, with 5 different characters entering the library and coming out with books that inspire them. it's very simplistic, sometimes overly so, but is just so cheerful. i enjoyed it.

bottom line: libraries are the best.

[Sujoya - theoverbookedbibliophile · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5⭐️

Librarian Sayuri Komachi greets all visitors at the library at Hatori Community House with this simple question, the answer to which doesn’t always come easily to the person to whom the question is directed.

“What are you looking for?”

Along with her recommendations, she adds a title that is seemingly unrelated to the patron’s query. She also adds a handmade ”bonus gift” to her patrons, that strangely resonates with the person on a deeply personal level.

“Life is one revelation after another. Things don’t always go to plan, no matter what your circumstances. But the flip side is all the unexpected, wonderful things that you could never have imagined happening. Ultimately it’s all for the best that many things don’t turn out the way we hoped. Try not to think of upset plans or schedules as personal failure or bad luck. If you can do that, then you can change, in your own self and in your life overall.”

What You Are Looking For Is in the Library by Michiko Aoyama (translated by Alison Watts) follows the stories of five such people, each of whom is searching for a purpose or a new direction in life. A twenty-one-year-old sales assistant feels stagnated in her career and is unable to find value in her work-life, a thirty-five-year-old accountant feels trapped in his regular job but hesitates to sacrifice stable employment in the interest of pursuing his passion for antiques as a career; an unemployed thirty-year-old aspiring illustrator is consumed by thoughts of his unfulfilled dreams to be an artist; a forty-year-old former magazine editor transferred to an unfulfilling but less demanding position after returning from maternity leave struggles with her need to branch out while maintaining a work-home balance and finally a recent retiree who questions his worth in society. After a life devoted to his career. Each of these characters, though at different junctures in life, is plagued by feelings of self-doubt and insecurity, but Ms. Komachi’s helpful suggestions prove to be profoundly impactful.

Through these five interconnected stories, the author explores the need for human connection, friendship, community and above all, the fact that change and personal growth are possible at every stage in life. This short novel is an ode to the role of libraries, librarians and the transformative power of books. How books enable readers to gain perspective and inspire clarity of thought and personal change is an underlying theme in this novel. I do wish we had gotten to know a bit more about the kind and perceptive librarian Ms. Komachi, which is my only complaint.

“Readers make their own personal connections to words, irrespective of the writer’s intentions, and each reader gains something unique.”

Beautifully written in simple yet elegant prose, with realistic and well-thought-out characters and situations, insightful and inspiring, this is a sweet and heartwarming read. I thoroughly enjoyed this novel and would not hesitate to recommend it to those who enjoy stories that revolve around libraries and the profound impact of books and reading on our lives.

Many thanks to Harlequin Trade Publishing and NetGalley for the digital review copy of this novel. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Expected Date of Publication: September 5, 2023


Connect with me! ✏ Instagram ✏ My Blog ✏ The StoryGraph

[Liong · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book described sounds like a heartwarming and encouraging read.

I am particularly drawn to the character of Mrs. Komachi, the librarian who helps her patrons find their way forward.

She sounds like a wise and compassionate woman who recommended some books and little gifts for the visitors.

It is a reminder that we are all capable of great things.

We can all find support from others on our journey through life.

[Diane Barnes · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's December 5th, and I just finished my favorite book of the year.

I checked this book out of the library because of the title, and because I love books about books and libraries. Even so, I was prepared to be disappointed and return it unread if it didn't live up to its promise. It did, and I was charmed and intrigued from the start.

We get 6 stories, all about people of different ages and circumstances, but all of whom are distressed because they seem to have lost their way, or never found it, and are looking for some kind of change. A neighborhood community center which offers classes in various subjects is served by a library, with an unusual librarian who seems to know exactly what they are looking for, and gives them a list of books on their requested topic, but with one book that has nothing at all to do with anything remotely resembling what they asked for. Which of course turns out to be exactly what they needed.

How did she know? She didn't really, she just got them to expand their views by opening up their minds. The fun is in watching these people interpret the "strange book" in their own way and adapt its message to what they needed all along.

Mrs. Komachi: "Readers make their own personal connections to words, irrespective of the writer's intentions, and each reader gains something unique."

We readers also get the joy of making connections between each story with little nuggets of recognition between the characters as we go along. I feel like I could read this little book 5 or 6 times and get something new with each reading. That's why I'll take this back to the library, then buy my own copy when it comes out in paperback. And to take the advice of Masao:

"My plan is to appreciate every new day. And take a wide view of things."

[Rian *fire and books* · Rating 2 out of 5]

I connected mostly with Natsumi, a mom struggling to do it all, and a little with Ryo, a man with a dream of “one day”.

Overall this was sweet and heartwarming, but I don’t think I’ll remember much beyond the general calm feeling and the representation of fat people. I understand it’s indicative of Japanese culture but it was really startling to read that each character had a fright by seeing a fat/big/plus sized woman. She was also compared to Baymax and the Stay-Puft Marshmallow Man and like… ouch.

[Phrynne · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting and nicely written book about five different people who find their way to a rather special library at a time when they need help in their lives. Perhaps it is the Librarian who is really special because she gives each one a reading list with one book tagged on the end which seems outlandish. In fact it is the most important one as each person discovers.

I found it an enjoyable read with a pleasant Japanese atmosphere and some magic realism to help the characters improve their lives. Each character was nicely rounded. In fact only the Librarian was left partly undefined. Her physical description was detailed (and rather strange) but her background was hazy.

Altogether a good read and a happy way to pass a few hours. Four stars.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.

[Timo · Rating 1 out of 5]

It's sad how many people think this book is wise, when it's actually just anti-feminist and capitalist indoctrination.
I was also shocked to realize how many people describe the library as magical. There are so many places in literature that I would describe as magical (I'm thinking of Alice in Wonderland, for example), but certainly not this self-optimization machine that spits out better employees and conformist women. Here are a few examples of the “wisdoms” the protagonists learned after visiting the library:

- Working mothers shouldn't get upset and shouldn’t rebel when their husbands don't support them as a matter of course in looking after their child, which is very exhausting and takes a lot of time. Instead, women should be understanding for their husband’s situation and explain very kindly why they would expect a little more support and then even be grateful if the man supports them just a little on the weekend.

- Mothers who are treated very badly by their employer shouldn't rebel or get upset, but should think back to the company with gratitude when they have changed jobs (how absurd!), because they have learned that just as not everything in the universe revolves around the earth, not everything in the world revolves around them and they have to put their needs aside in favor of others. (This point made me so angry! This is exactly the mindset that is drummed into many women from childhood: “Your needs are not that important! You are not that important! Only the needs of everyone else matter! Those of your children, those of your husbands, those of other men, those of companies ...!” Wise would be a book that shows women: You don't have to accept injustice! Your needs count, not just those of others! It's okay to be angry and loud! It's okay to stand up for your needs!” This book, on the other hand, is simply anti-feminist in that it tries to talk women out of all this.)

- If you want to realize your dream and start a start-up (it's telling that the author can think of almost exclusively work-related dreams) then keep your full-time (!) job, and then be extra dedicated at your job and take responsibility for making your department work faster so that you don't have to work unpaid (!) overtime that would take time away from working on your start-up. (by the way: working full-time and investing all your spare time in a start-up sounds like a fun life, doesn't it?)

- If you spend years writing books in your spare time while working hard (!) at a full-time (!) job and at some point you might finally manage to earn money doing what you enjoy (i.e. writing books), then you should keep working your full-time (!) job out of gratitude (!!) for the company, even if it's not financially necessary. (The ideology that you should be grateful for your job is completely absurd: you make money for the company - the company makes money from your work! (If it didn’t do that, it would fire you as quickly als legally possibly.) So if anything, the company should be grateful to you. But the book tells you it's the other way around and that because of this gratitude, you should organize your life differently than you would actually want to).

- If someone finds the time they spend at their job boring, it's not because the job is really boring. No, it is solely the fault of the employee, because the problem is that they are simply not doing their job well. The solution to a boring working day is to take a more efficient employee as an example and try to do as good a job as she does and then the job automatically will be fun again.

The only ones who benefit from these “wisdoms” are not the individuals but the companies, because they get harder working employees.
The pensioner's initial situation should be a warning to us all! If we take “wisdoms” such as propagated in the book too much to heart, we may end up like him: as a person who finally no longer has to hustle all day, but instead of enjoy the new-found freedom we can do nothing with our lives because work has become our whole life and we have no passions, no friends and no things that make us truly happy.

[Indi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cette lecture est arrivée au bon moment. J'avais vraiment besoin d'un feel good, sans prise de tête.
Les différentes histoires ne m'ont peut-être pas toutes autant touchée mais j'ai versé des larmes plus d'une fois...
Je me répète dans mes critiques sur des livres japonais mais vraiment, il y a quelque chose dans la littérature japonaise qui me touche et m'émeut. Une simplicité, une poésie, une attention sur les petites choses (mais aussi les grandes) de la vie.
Ici, j'ai particulièrement apprécié le fait qu'on voit des personnages d'âges différents, avec des vies très différentes. J'ai aimé retrouver chaque personnage dans les histoires des autres (même si c'était seulement une mention) et les petits liens entre eux.
Le livre aborde des thèmes que j'ai réellement appréciés : évidemment le thème principal du rêve, la vie après la retraite, trouver sa place dans la société, qu'est ce que la société finalement, la condition des femmes (on sent que le livre est écrit par une femme!)...
Je ressors de cette lecture pleine d'émotions et avec beaucoup d'espoir.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

"The only thing that you absolutely have to know, is the location of the library." Albert Einstein (1879-1955. Theoretical physicist)

She was directionless. A semi-colleague suggested the community house that provided near free classes which then led her to the library that was available to her for living in that part of the city.

And…That one visit, opened doors. Never could she have imagined the possibilities of what she was capable of creating for herself by revisiting a children’s book recommended by the librarian.

Especially when that wasn’t what she had asked for when she came in. She is also handed a gift by the librarian…

Which… At the time the gift is given doesn’t make sense.

But…As the story builds, the gift eventually becomes clear.

Nor…How the books or gift would affect her outlook on life and the people she interacted with in her life.

"Google can bring you back 100,000 answers, a librarian can bring you back the right one." Neil Gaiman (b. 1960. English author of short fiction, novels, comic books, graphic novels, audio theatre, and films)

And…That was just the beginning for this book of short stories, that showcased the impact libraries have on all of us.

Each story finds characters face-to-face with the same librarian, being asked what books they need…

And then…Being given a list that also includes a book that seems unrelated to what they thought they needed…

As well as a gift from the librarian that will soon make sense by the end of the story.

Each individual is transformed from their experience at the library.

The stories are simple, and yet…

Thoughtful and pleasing. The illustrations that accompany the beginning of each story captures the contemporary aesthetic beautifully.

How can we not appreciate the value of what libraries do for us and our communities?

As well as showing how inter-connected we are, as a community of people.

This story was translated from Japanese by Alison Watts. I have included some of my favorite library quotes below.

"Libraries store the energy that fuels the imagination. They open up windows to the world and inspire us to explore and achieve, and contribute to improving our quality of life." Sidney Sheldon (1917-2007. American writer and producer)

"You want weapons? We’re in a library. Books are the best weapon in the world. This room’s the greatest arsenal we could have. Arm yourself!" Russell T. Davies (b. 1963. Welsh screenwriter and television producer) in science fiction series Doctor Who.

Whatever the cost of our libraries, the price is cheap compared to that of an ignorant nation. Walter Cronkite (1916-2009. American broadcast journalist, in American Library Association "Libraries Change Lives" Campaign, 1995)

"I'm a Librarian, Librarianship is my religion, Libraries are my temple, and Catalog is my key weapon to unlock the wealth of wisdom and knowledge stored in the libraries." Salman Haider (Librarian, cataloger, blogger, and creator of Librarianship Studies & Information Technology blog)

[Alwynne · Rating 3 out of 5]

A bestseller in Japan, Michiko Aoyama’s novel combines realism with a dash of fantasy. In a series of interlinked stories, five seemingly separate people have a transformative encounter with a mysterious librarian in their neighbourhood library. Each of them is at a different stage in life, all of them are somehow stuck: from newly-retired Masao who doesn’t know what to do with his time to Natsumi who’s been sidelined at work since becoming a mother to recent graduate Tomoko dissatisfied with her dead-end job. The otherworldly librarian, Sayuri Komachi, seems to act like a kind of magical or spiritual creature, a form of benevolent yokai or perhaps a goddess, whose book recommendations lead these readers in unexpected directions.

Aoyama’s style reminded me a little of Lonely Castle in the Mirror. Her story’s simply told, a little formulaic, perhaps a little trite, but still a relatively inventive variation on the self-help/life lessons genre. It’s a calm, gentle piece that flows well, Aoyama’s characters are engaging, and their situations provide interesting insights into aspects of contemporary Japanese society, particularly when it comes to relations between self and work. Unlike many Western “inspirational” books, this is less focused on the individual and much more on the individual as part of a wider community - from family to neighbours to co-workers. I wondered whether this emphasis was meant to reflect mainstream Japanese culture or whether it was an attempt to address increasing social fragmentation – for example Aoyama’s insistence on the benefits of intergenerational understanding and cooperation. Translated by Alison Watts.

Thanks to Netgalley UK and publisher Doubleday for an ARC

[Taufiq Yves · Rating 3 out of 5]

As a bibliophile, I've always envisioned a sanctuary of words, a cozy bookstore where I can lose myself in stories and find solace in the company of fellow book lovers. I yearn for a space where people can discover the joy of reading and find books that resonate with their souls. More than just a place to buy books, I dream of a bookstore that becomes a community hub, a place where people can connect and share their love of literature.

After reading What You Are Looking For Is In The Lobrary by the treasured Japanese healing writer Michiko Aoyama, I suddenly felt confident about opening a bookstore.

This novel tells the stories of 5 people of different ages and occupations and their relationships with books.

The 1 that resonate to me the most is Ryo, is a 35-year-old accountant at a furniture manufacturing company who has always wanted to open an antique shop but has been hesitant.

A turning point came when he accompanied his girlfriend to a training session, there is a library there, and the person in charge of recommending books is a woman named Sayuri Komachi. She may look a bit scary, but she can always find seemingly strange but perfectly suitable books for readers, helping them solve their problems.

In this case, in addition to books that might be helpful to his dream of opening an antique shop, Sayuri also recommended him a book with “The Magic of Plants". Plants and opening an antique shop are completely unrelated, aren't they?

However, it was the plants in this book that helped Ryo resolve his long-standing dilemma. People living on the ground often tend to only focus on the leaves, flowers, and fruits of plants. But for plants, the above-ground and below-ground parts actually coexist and support each other, without interfering with each other.

A major reason why Ryo couldn't decide to open a shop was that he was very worried about quitting his current job. In fact, work and opening a shop can coexist. Work is for making a living, and opening a shop is a passion; work hard when you're at work and nourish your spirit with your passion after work.

As Ryo said, his biggest wish in opening a shop is to provide a connection. He wants to be a bridge, preparing a space for these old objects and the people who seek them, allowing people who come here to hold the old objects in their hands and confirm the moving moment of their encounter.

Like... if you always wait for the right time, those beautiful wishes may become increasingly out of reach. If you put this beauty in the right place, the wishes you originally wanted to realize "in the future" may be realized "tomorrow".

We all harbor dreams that we hope to fulfill, and we long to share something positive with the world. If you've discovered a way to express your creativity or passion, don't hesitate to share it with others. Just as Sayuri helped Ryo find his purpose, we can use our own unique talents to enrich the lives of those around us. Remember, we are all writing our own stories, and our lives are intertwined with the lives of others.

3.4 / 5 stars

[Reem · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm a hater for this book. Overhyped for me & I feel betrayed. This is nothing like the vibe or the aura of before the coffee gets cold. & this isn't any magical or sort of woow book.
The only think I liked in this book was the chapter title " NEET, not in employment, education, or training". That was the only creative thing for me.
Things & characters seemed so out of the blue, the way the moral of the story had to be spoon-fed at the end with how the book finally made the customer feel good about themselves??? Big no for me. That was more depressing than healing to read!

[Joana · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so poetic and small but with a great message. It’s never too late to start over.
We read about five different characters who feel lost in life and this small library of community center as well as the people who work there can change their lives.
This goes to my TOP this year.
Everyone should read this book.
Why not offer as Christmas’ gift?

[Nilguen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Herzliche Glückwünsche zur Veröffentlichung 🎊 Ich war erpicht, das Buch bis zum 18. Juli 2023 auszulesen. Ich konnte es kaum abwarten, meiner Familie und Freunden dieses Buch zum Schmökern weiterzuempfehlen.

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Michiko Aoyama hat in ihrem Buch fünf Geschichten mit optimistischen und kraftvollen Botschaften ausgetüftelt. Wer liebt nicht Bücher über Bücher? Jedes Mal, wenn einer der Protagonisten oder eine der Protagonistinnen die Bücherei betrat, um Frau Sayuri Komachi zu beratschlagen, welche Bücher ihren akuten Bedürfnissen dient, war ich gespannt, was die Bibliothekarin tatsächlich empfehlen würde, denn sie kann auf geheime, unausgesprochne Bedürfnisse der Individuen eingehen. Es geschehen keine Wunder per se, aber Schritt für Schritt treten in ihren Leben Veränderungen ein, die sie selbst initiieren. In jeder Geschichte fand ich Elemente, mit denen ich mich selbst identifiziert habe und jedes Kapitel löste ein Gefühl aus Gelassenheit und Zufriedenheit in mir aus.

Der strukturierte Erzählstil macht es einfach, dem Fluss der Handlung zu folgen.

Wer möchte nicht in eine To-sho-shitsu = Bibliothek, um mit Frau Komachi Prachtexemplare von Bücher zu eruieren und ihre Kraft auf Menschen beobachten?

[Katie Lumsden · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great series of interconnected stories – moving, intriguing and very well crafted.

[Becca · Rating 1 out of 5]

Yikes.

The first chapter was okay in my opinion. I understand the idea of doing what you can with your day, and I think that is a valuable thing to keep in mind, especially when working a full time job that eats your day and leaves feeling…. Empty? But the repetition was irrational. A very neoliberal take.

Every story after that made me incredibly upset, with the third being the most disheartening in my opinion. The husband does nothing… the wife had to do all of her work (after being demoted bc she had a BABY), take care of their child, and do all the cleaning and cooking. When she tells her husband she needs help he shuts down and blames her, offering no support. Then, when her kid comes in, she all of a sudden is like, “oh how could I be upset at how things turned out, I wanted a daughter,” which is such a surface level take. Yes, I understand life does not always work out the way we want… but this narrative of “well live with it” is so toxic and limiting. There are options!! This doesn’t even scratch the surface of the issues I found with this story.

The men in this novel are awful and always defended by the narrative. They are never to blame in it. So so upsetting.

The descriptions of the librarian were weird to me. What do you mean every single person who meets her has to talk for a paragraph about how HUGE she is? This is so unnecessary and unrealistic to me.

[Bella Azam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awhhh this book. This book is exactly what I need in my current state of life. The phase of uncertainty, the dire and tiredness of working, the feeling of can I be more in the world of employment.

One theme tied in this book is the highlight of each aspect of work, employment, and the harsh and tiring life of working.

How do I talk about this book? I'm glad this book got a translation because I think its the book for everyone who is going through hard times in their life, the questions we might ask at some point in our life when it comes to jobs, the uncertainty of the future, and this book provided possible situations and I believe we can relate to these characters.

What you are looking for? The librarian Sayuri Komachi asked these people who came to the small community library seeking for books but coming out with life lessons learned as they gained new directions and help which comes in the form of Komachi's little gift. Told in five different characters in various stages of their life: the first person is a young woman who works as a saleswoman at a clothes shop with the hope of a better job, a man who wants to open an antique shop but is unhappy with his accounting job, a newborn mother who resumed work in her magazine job but got transferred to another department, an unemployed man in his 30s who still struggle to secure a job and a retired old man who finally retired from his job of 45 years. We followed these characters in their jobs, their struggles and not knowing how to navigate their lives as they are feeling lost and unsure what should they do in their jobs. For me personally who is struggling with a job, I found myself relating to the first story and the unemployed man. This story somehow gets me feeling so many emotions, I felt courage and comfort, and I found hope alongside these characters, and that is why I like this book.

We are all lost in our own ways and having some inspiration and help from others gave us hope. Komachi is like a magician, she knows exactly what these characters are really looking for in their situation, she provided some sort of gift in the form of books and the felted objects she created herself to them and these items help them discover their true form, for them to realize their talent, for these people to regain a sense of hope. Please read this book, its so good

Thank you to Edelweiss and Hanover Press for an e-arc in exchange for an honest review

[Dave Marsland · Rating 5 out of 5]

"What are you looking for? she asked me.
I think about it.
"A place for these dreams that I don't know what to do with"

I have to thank my friend Diane Barnes for this, it was her wonderful review that led me here. Based on that, I bought a copy of What You Are Looking For is in the Library for my wife as stocking filler last Christmas, along with a crochet your own handbag. The latter remains an unopened present (I don't know why), but my wife LOVED the book. Really loved it, to the point that she's spent the best part of the year badgering me to read it.
So I did.
All I can say is this. It's the most charming, eccentric, slightly surreal book I've ever read. Five different stories based at a library. My wife said it reminded her of Mr Benn, a UK childrens animation series from the 70s. She had a point.
I loved all the stories, the writing and the translation were perfect.
I finished the final 15 pages in a pub in North Manchester. For those of you not familiar with that area, it's a bit rough round the edges. I'd arranged to meet a friend for pre Christmas drinks and didn't think much more about it. What I'd forgotten is that they have a boxing club above the pub. I probably don't have to tell you that I was the only one in there reading a book. What was slightly more worrying was this; I was the only one in the room with front teeth, and that included the barmaid with the beehive. Unperturbed, I continued because the book was so brilliant, I couldn't put it down. Despite the earsplitting karaoke and the numerous offers of stolen goods - razors, legs of lamb etc - I managed to finish the book just before my friend arrived. I was grinning from ear to ear. My friend asked my why I was so happy, and it was hard to explain, but I was so happy to have finished such a beautiful book.
If you've never read What You Are For in the Library, then do. Knock yourself out, you won't regret it. I've bought several copies for my for to friends as Christmas presents. It's not a stocking filler. It's a gift.

[Vera · Rating 1 out of 5]

I managed to read 1/3 before I decided not to torture myself anymore. It's boring, uninteresting, banal, and superficial.
And to be honest, I don't understand all the hype around this book.
***
Осилила одну треть и решила себя больше не мучить. Скучно, неинтересно, банально и поверхностно.
Честно говоря, не понимаю всеобщего ажиотажа вокруг этой книги.

[daph pink ♡ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Tomoka (21 year old Women's wear sales assistant) :- 📚 📚 📚 📚

The first tale about Tomoka, a 21-year-old sales assistant for women's clothing who was dissatisfied with her life and career and thought everything was monotonous and uninteresting. She went to a library one day, and the librarian suggested the children's book Guri and Gura to her. She had to decide if she wanted to read it or not. Embracing the risk, she checked out that book. We also witness how that lovely, sentimental children's tale imparted to her an important lesson about life and opportunities. This was a sweet little story; usually, I don't enjoy stories of this type, but since there are books involved, I'm cool with it.

Ryo(35 year old accountant in a furniture shop) :- 📚 📚 📚

In the second tale, an accountant works in a furniture store. He is in his mid 30s, has a reliable career and a committed fiancée, but his heart yearns for an unrealized ambition. His goal is to create an antique shop and resign from his work. This narrative traces his awakening journey with the assistance of a bookstore owner and his girlfriend, who each imparted wisdom in different ways. This book included some pretty great advice that was grounded in reality rather than being pretentious. However, the only reason I awarded it three stars was that, in contrast to the last story, I didn't feel as like I was having fun or being joyful. Still, the stories keep inspiring me to read more.


Natsumi (40 year old Former magazine editor) :- 📚 📚 📚

The third story is about a working woman who misses her profession before having children and is currently employed at a job she despises. Her long-lost passion for working as an editor in the literary world is evident, but she is torn between her responsibilities as a mother and a working woman. Her life is changed by a fortuitous trip to the community center, and she discovers a book that alters her perspective on the world. Once more, this story had a glimmer of optimism and brilliance. Again, as one might anticipate from such novels, there were no corny conclusions. But it seems to me that the stories are getting monotonous and repetitious. I think they're rather mediocre.


Hiroya (30 year old NEET, not in employment, education or training) :- 📚 📚 📚

First of all, I thought this story's title was hilarious. Anyway, considering the book's slice of life and repetitive style, I felt confident that a story like this would be included. The narrative centres on a thirty-year-old jobless man who is still trying to figure out what he wants out of life. The tone of this narrative is likewise comparable to that of the other stories. It was adorable, but it didn't add anything new and felt the same as the other stories.

Masao (65 year old retired)> :-📚📚

As we finally reach the end of this collection of stories, I will admit that I was rushing to finish this book and simply skipped over the final story. The repetitive aspect of it really irritated me, and I thought it had lost some of its initial attractiveness.

[María Ignacia Reyes · Rating 3 out of 5]

Una linda historia, pero muy plana para mi gusto.

Este libro solo tiene 5 capítulos, sobre 5 personas que están viviendo un momento de incertidumbre, indecisión y que de casualidad visitan la Biblioteca de la señora Komachi. En este lugar, la bibliotecaria les recomienda un libro que los ayudará a cambiar el rumbo de sus vidas.

Leer este libro se siente como terapia, es algo así como una "novela de autoayuda". Representa a personajes con problemas que podrían ser los de cualquiera de nosotros y con los que es fácil empatizar: una madre cansada de cargar con mucho sobre sus hombros, un estudiante que no ha encontrado la forma de desarrollar su pasión, un hombre ya ha jubilado que no sabe qué hacer ahora con su vida, etc.

Lo interesante es que estos temas se van solucionado de manera muy realista. No hay heroes, personajes perfectos o magia involucradaSino solo personas que, guiadas por los libros, impulsan un cambio en su vida.

Esto hace que sus mensajes se sientan cercanos y posibles de aplicar a nuestra propia vida.

Aunque este factor real y cotidiano me llamó la atención hace también que el libro a ratos se sienta un poco plano y poco emocionante. Es equivalente a leer la vida de personas 100% comunes y corrientes. Y aunque al principio lo sentí novedoso, después de un rato ya ansiaba un poco más de drama.

En ningún caso creo que sea un mal libro por esta razón. Solo no creo ser 100% el público objetivo. Soy más de historias dramáticas que de tramas tan sutiles.

De todas formas, fue una buena y muy linda lectura. Y me quedo con el mensaje principal: que los libros pueden cambiar la percepción de una persona y ayudarla en un dificil momento de su vida.

[Rachel · Rating 2 out of 5]

I so wanted to love this and before reading, I had envisioned this being the perfect book to gift during the holidays. What I’m looking for may be in the library, but it certainly wasn’t in this book.

This book contains five short stories that each focus on an adult who is struggling in an area in their life. The issues range from work to motherhood to retirement. They all encounter a librarian in their local community center who, along with the list of titles that they actually requested, provides them with a book that they didn’t know they needed.

The stories are repetitive and formulaic, trite and twee. It is all told very simplistically. I can’t speak to the original language, but it is translated in a way that is appropriate for a young adult audience. It is heavy handed in its lessons and the Midnight Library comparison is apt (I didn’t care for that one either). The description of the librarian in every story is also…something else, iykyk.

For the things I liked—I did enjoy that the stories were slightly connected, with a character from one story popping up in another later on. I also liked the illustrations that accompanied the first page of each story!

Future librarian here to say use your library, love your library, support your library!! But pass on this book.

[Willow Heath]

This is an incredibly sweet, charming, and wholesome novel about feeling lost, and finding your way with the help and support of others.

Five chapters tell the stories of five people who all live in the same ward of Tokyo. A young sales assistant from the countryside, a man who dreams of owning his own business, a forty-year-old mother, an unemployed NEET, and a newly-retired man.

During each of their tales, these protagonists will visit their local library and meet Sayuri Komachi, a patient and kind librarian who will give them what books they want, as well as one extra book that will help them get unstuck.

My full thoughts: https://booksandbao.com/japanese-lite...

[Fátima Linhares · Rating 4 out of 5]

A senhora Komachi olhou para mim de frente.
-Eu não sei nada que você não saiba, nem lhe dei nada, na verdade. Os significados dos brindes que dou às pessoas são elas mesmas quem lhos dão. E com os livros é a mesma coisa. Quando alguém lê um livro, frui, das suas palavras, algo muito pessoal que em nada tem que ver com as intenções do autor.

[farhia · Rating 4 out of 5]

can this library help me find the meaning of life and solve all my problems too 😭

[Chiara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Un libro composto da più storie, con un ritmo lento e con nozioni profonde. I personaggi fanno un vero e proprio viaggio introspettivo la cui miccia è data da una particolare bibliotecaria, Komachi, che assegna libri fuori dalla zona di confort ai personaggi. Non si capisce bene dove si vuole arrivare sul subito, così come non lo capiscono i personaggi. Nelle storie possiamo incrociare anche personaggi già incontrati in precedenza negli altri racconti. Trovo che sia un idea molto bella di base e un bel libro scritto con cura.
Mi sarebbe piaciuta un ultima storia o un mini racconto sulla bibliotecaria Komachi, della quele sappiamo qualcosa ma non tutto.

[Antoinette · Rating 4 out of 5]

A delightful, magical story! I love the idea of a librarian who listened and was then able to suggest a book that would help inspire a person along on their path.

We meet 5 different people who are stuck and are not sure how to move forward. With the help of a seer- like librarian and books, they will receive the impetus to guide them.

Anyone who loves books and libraries will be touched by the magic in this book. This book was the perfect book to read over a busy holiday season.

Many thanks to Diane, whose review led me to this book!!

Published: 2020

[Alya ( 20 comments restriction ) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thoughts | 2.5 ⭐️
5 chapters, 5 stories and the solution being in a library...
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While I did somewhat enjoy the concept of this and appreciated what the author tried to do with the uplifting messages I have to admit this didn't resonate with me the way the author intended for it to, as I found far too philosophical and just irritating 😭🙆🏼‍♀️ I'm sorry but if anyone knows me in real life knows that excessive positivity and seeing life in pink or the good in things 24/7 is just BS to me 🙈 I mean at one point I was like where do I find such library, maybe it'll brainwash me into seeing the good side of having physical limitations as an adult like??? The everything happens for a reason vibe this read gave just didn't work for me..as humans how many times is one gonna convince themselves... realistically speaking 🤷🏼‍♀️ I imagined myself being told the things this was pushing and when I tell you I had conversations in my head with almost everything 🤣 is it "wisdom"? I don't know, everyone carries whatever life throws at them differently and it shapes them differently...

My Bookstagram

[miilkyblues · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

“There are so many things to do, but I won’t make the excuse that I have no time anymore. Instead, I will think about what I can do with the time I have. One day is going to become tomorrow.”

I love love this book sooo much that I don’t know where to start with writing down my thoughts and feelings…. First of all, this year is the year of Japanese literature for sure! I read so many amazing books from such great Japanese authors which were translated by such great translators as well, otherwise how will we be able to read these gems right?

What You Are Looking For Is in the Library, written by Michiko Aoyama tells the story of five different people who lost their way in life and end up finding themselves in this special library where they meet Mrs. Komachi who helps them out in their life in ways they would not expect.

"Readers make their own personal connections to words, irrespective of the writer's intentions, and each reader gains something unique."

Mrs. Komachi is such a cute character and librarian, who recommends books and gives little handmade gifts to the visitors, which kind of end up changing their perspective in life and help them find a way. There was unfortunately not much information to her background in the book which I would love to know more about, (would be happy if there is a second book being published someday) but overall I was happy to meet her. Through the detailed descriptions in the book I could totally imagine how she might look too, which was really nice ^^

As always I couldn’t help but underline many beautifully written passages which I’ll be sharing here as well. This book was such a happy and calming read for me and made me want to visit my public library as soon as possible, wish librarians like Mrs. Komachi existed in reality as well. I also need to mention that I could not put this book down so it might be the perfect book to go out of a reading slump.

I can say that this book is officially one of my favourite reads of this year. As this lovely book has many things to offer I cant wait to reread it again in the future and take out new lessons that I might be needing then. I loved all of the chapters but my favourite one would be the second chapter about Ryo, I could relate to him so much and seeing how everything turned out in the end made me really happy.

What You Are Looking For Is in the Library is such an heart warming and inspiring book full of hope, friendship, connections and finding the little things in life. I loved the beautiful lessons and messages it gives about life in general, such as: “things don’t always go to plan, no matter what your circumstances ut the flip side is all the unexpected, wonderful things that you could never have imagined happening. Ultimately it’s all for the best that many things don’t turn out the way we hoped. Try not to think of upset plans or schedules as personal failure or bad luck. If you can do that, then you can change, in your own self and in your life overall.”

This book also reminds the reader that it’s never too late to start with something, no matter how old you are… I just love love this book with all my heart and a book about books and libraries? That’s more than enough for me! Anyways if I don’t stop now I might go on forever with my love for this book and will be ending this review with some favourite passages.

“I’m going to try and get started on doing something now, not just wait for one day to come along.”

“In a world where you don’t know what will happen next, I just do what I can right now.”

“This didn’t just come to you. It happened because you did something for yourself. You took action and that caused things to change around you.”

“Everybody is connected. And any one of their connections could be the start of a network that branches in many directions. If you wait for the right time to make connections, it might never happen, but if you show your face around, talk to people and see enough to give you the confidence that things could work out, then ‘one day’ might turn into ‘tomorrow.”

“The days go by more happily when you have something to dream about. It’s not always a bad thing to have a dream, with no plan for ever carrying it out.”