Book Club+ MPC discussion

Hi everyone,

We have now reached the end of "What you are looking for is in the library" by Michiko Aoyama. Join us as we finish with Chapter 5.

Chapter 5
Masao has recently retired. He was having reflections on what he was going to do with his time after retirement. He thought about the time he lost, not spending it with his daughter when he was working. He missed the social connections he used to have with his work friends. No one really stayed in touched with him. It didn't matter that he gave over 42 years at the company, his existence there seemed to fade away. Masao is encouraged by his wife, Yoriko to get more IT skills at the community house. She wants him to take a "Go" class.

Masao decides to take the class and goes to the community house. He finds out the class is more difficult than he thought. Masao finds the library and decides to try and find books about "Go." Masao finds Ms. Komachi and tells her he used to work at the Kuremiyado Honeydome cookie factory. She is very familiar with the cookies. He tells her with retirement, also means retiring from society. She finds Masao a book "The Basics of Go: Defend and Attack, Starting Go from scratch, Mastering Go for Beginners" and "Genge and Frogs." Masao borrows the books from the library. He reads about poetry and finds a deeper connection with the poet.

Masao and Yoriko go shopping and decide to eat. Masao has a small issue eating crabs that are still alive. Masao wonders if they would be happy living in confinement or part of the food chain? He prays for their happiness as they decide to eat elsewhere. They meet with their daughter Chie who works at a bookstore. Masao is interested in the poetry books. Poems are like waves. He keeps a notebook of his favorite poems to read again.

Masao doesn't want to return back to the "Go" class but changes his mind because if the class fees he has paid for. Masao was watching the school children play, remembering his daughter at that age, but was embarrassed when he was approached by a policeman. Masao spends more time with his daughter and thinking about the meaning of poetry. His new plan is to appreciate each day. And create new poetry about things that are important to him. Masao is learning that he has more to contribute to society even after retirement. There is still more living to do and life to find out about and learn about.

I hope you enjoyed this book. It wasn't a big book to read, but the life's lessons of hope, perseverance, courage, bravery and appreciation of life's dreams were big in size with this read. I felt a connection to each story. Books are magical. We sometimes don't realize the power they have had on us, until many years later. Ms. Komachi...we all remember that special librarian who went the extra mile. I remember my elementary school librarian Ms. Jane L. who kept the library open for books, art and crafts during lunch and afterschool.

What are your thoughts about this story? Did you have a favorite chapter?

Thank you for reading with us.

Have a good day.

Sincerely,

-Donna