What You Are Looking for is in the Library: The uplifting Japanese fiction bestseller

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.

Michiko Aoyama is a heartwarming novel about five diverse characters whose lives are changed through the guidance of a librarian and the power of books. Each character, struggling with personal challenges, receives a hand-knitted toy and a book recommendation that helps them find direction and meaning. Aoyama beautifully weaves their stories together, highlighting the transformative impact of literature and human connection. It's a touching, reflective read that emphasizes the quiet power of kindness and self-discovery. Must read book 📖

I enjoyed how neatly the author describes the different perspective each individual has on about thr same book, same person, same situation. .This books gives hope to its reader who feel stuck!

Best read of the year. Highly recommend. Beautifully written, very relatable and with lovely life lessons.

Fascinating stories woven together with aplomb.

Felt like a warm hug.

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..

I often feel the time I read certain books is important for it to be taken in the truest form. This is one of those books. As an adult, doing a job , working day and night, thoughts about the frustrations involved with it and about quitting comes up time to time. This was just the right thing to read for an adult going through such a phase. And ofcourse, the book is written in a very simple, easy to understand English. So, go for it and the book is yours! Happy reading 💫