A gentle, sweet read of 5 short stories about individuals who are stuck in a rut, somehow find their way to a particular library, get some book recommendations then start digging themselves out of their respective ruts. Each of the 5 stories is standalone but they all follow the same outline and some of the individuals in the earlier stories pop up in the later stories.

If you're after a light, uplifting read for an evening, this'll do the trick nicely. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

One of the best books I read in the year? Yes, possibly that is the case.

This book tells us five stories of five different, very different people. Regarding age, work situation, social situation, feelings, ideals, projection of the future:
Tomoka, a 21-year-old woman, a women's clothing sales assistant who comes to understand that intention and will is everything.
Ryo, a 35-year-old man, who works in the accounting department of a furniture manufacturer looking to pursue his dream.
Natsumi, a 40-year-old woman, a former magazine editor, whose life has changed after becoming a mother.
Hiroya, a 30-year-old man, who is unemployed, who does not have the confidence in himself to be able to follow what he wanted and longed for as a teenager.
And finally, Masao, a 65-year-old man who has just retired and cannot find his place in society.

They all have one thing in common, which is to visit the library where they meet a very peculiar employee: Nozomi Morinaga. I was very interested in how each person described this character in different ways and how she connected with each of the characters and their story.

Our protagonists go to the library in search of something (many times they don't really know what they are looking for) and they come across a book that seems conventional for what they expected but that ends up giving them that necessary push.

There are THOUSANDS of beautiful phrases to highlight. I need to get this physical book because believe me it's going to be one of the best I've ever read. As a reader, as a human being, as a person with dreams, fears, frustrations and joys, this book was a caress to the soul.

each story has a message to give us, something to think about. And I consider that it is one of those books that, like the little prince, at every moment of your life that you read it, you can find something different that helps you move through the moment you are living (good or bad).

I am very grateful to all the reading journey I have made, to every decision I have made in my life that has led me to read this book. Thank you.

Thank you Michiko Aoyama for these beautiful stories.

And a big thanks to Random House UK for the ARC I read via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

What You are Looking for is in the Library is one of the most heart-warming sweet books I've read in sometime. It's a gorgeous collection of loosely interlinked short stories set in a Toyko Community Centre library.

Five different protagonists go to the library seeking answers to their life problems through books.

We meet a young sales assistant in a busy department store, an accountant who secretly wishes to run an antique store, a 40 year old woman struggling to balance her career and needs of a young child, an unemployed aspirant manga artist and a recently retired manager who doesn't know what's next for him..

Each of them encounters the unique librarian Sayuri Komachi who asks them one simple question, "What do you want?"
She then gives them a printout of the books they want based on their response plus one additional extra book and a bonus prize, a unique felted object that brings them on a journey to discover something about themselves that helps them get unstuck and grow.

It's such a warm hug in a book - highlighting how the perfect book recommendation can help us fulfil our dreams, become better people and the importance of libraries and librarians to build communities through education, skills development and friendships.

I often get asked by people to recommend a book to gift someone you don't really know and this fits the bill. It's charmly Japanese - a little bit quirky, it features loads of delicious Japanese food, that beautiful cover and it's just a book about the importance of books and has such a gentle feel-good factor without being cheesy that would encourage someone to pay a visit to their local library to find something to read😍

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.

This is a simple novel in the 'feel good' genre. It is structured as five interlinked short stories, each about a different person who is dissatisfied with their life situation, particularly their career/work or lack of it. Each visits a community library in the Tokyo suburb they live in, and are recommended a surprising book by the librarian there, along with a free handmade felt object. Each finds that the book and gift somehow unlock their dilemma, helping them see their situation in a different way and empowering them to take action to change course.

Although it might seem the librarian has a supernatural gift of some sort, there's no suggestion of that within the story and she herself dismisses it as being down to the recipient interpreting it in a way that works for them, rather than any spooky prescience.

I liked that the stories were all about personal growth and career rather than finding love, which would have been the more obvious tack for a novel of this type to take, and would have been annoying. I think it might be particularly enjoyable for younger people starting out in their careers, when there is huge anxiety about how things will work out and a sense of great pressure if you make a mistake. The message here of change being possible at any time is an important one.

Sometimes the messaging is a bit simplistic and the stories and characters lack some depth. But it's not schmaltzy or irritating like many novels in this category and I enjoyed reading it. If you enjoy 'feel good' type fiction, it's well worth reading.

This was a short and fast read, i really enjoyed the writing style. It had me from the first page, a beautiful book.

This is a sweet book of interconnecting stories, all linked by the local library and the librarian there.
The featured character in each story has a reason for wanting change in their life, but no idea how to get there.
They end up in the local library and met Ms Komachi who helps them select the books on the subject they are looking for, but always with another suggestion and a bonus gift of one of her felted creations.
I liked this because there was nothing in it not to like.

A wonderful hug of a book! Poignant, uplifting, gentle and sage.

Sayuri Komachi is no ordinary librarian. Sensing exactly what someone is searching for in life, she provides just the book recommendation to help them find it.

I really enjoyed this! It’s a cosy read that offers the comfort of a library. It was uplifting to see each main character as they considered themselves or their lives in a different way from before, through a short conversation with Ms Komachi and a book. It is meaning they find for themselves, and enlightening and sage wisdom. Occasionally, I felt the resolutions offered were oversimplified.

Each library visitor felt like they connected to parts of my own life, even though I’ve never been in their situations. I felt very seen. For me, this novel is all about connections and connecting with people. I liked how many little connections there were between the characters in different chapters. Something that only came to light as the novel drew together.

I loved the wonderful quotes about books and reading. I think you will too. Do yourself a favour and read What You Are Looking For is in the Library!

This is one of those uplifting books that encapsulates Japanese culture and expresses it through books, cats, shy people and little tokens .the book consists of 5 short chapters where everyone who visits the Community library looking to realise a dream, is given a little bit of magic with their books. Although they translate well, culturally they are almost inexplicable to western ideas.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this arc in exchange for an honest review.

I love when they translate these stories for us to read as they are usually the most wholesome books you can find and I wasn’t wrong! The book is only short and covers five people who all visit a library and come out with a book they want plus an extra book to help them with their struggles. There isn’t magic as such in this story however if you want to believe that there is then it’s open to interpretation as I like to believe the librarian had a little magic to help people find their way in life.

It’s a lovely read and is clearly made with love for book lovers alike.

“How uncanny the way what one reads can sometimes synchronise with reality.”

A book about books and a librarian who recommends the right one at the right time is always going to be a must read for me. I’ve experienced bookish transformative magic and have long suspected some librarians are particularly gifted in wielding it.

This book introduces you to five people who are at a crossroads in their life. Whether they’re unsatisfied with their job, wanting to follow a dream or are searching for purpose, they all find their way to the librarian.

‘What are you looking for?’

After a short conversation with Sayuri Komachi, the librarian, she produces a list of books on the subject they have requested but invariably also sneaks in a surprise title that appears entirely irrelevant. It is this title that leads the reader on a journey of self discovery, while trying to decipher the meaning of the librarian’s bonus gift.

The comparisons between this book and Before the Coffee Gets Cold made sense early on. Each chapter focuses on a specific individual, although as you make your way through the book you discover connections between characters and their backstories. One of my favourite things about this book was searching for the ways in which the seemingly unconnected stories interwove.

One description, which initially niggled at me, became something that impacted my enjoyment of the book. Every character, upon seeing the librarian for the first time, noted their shock at her appearance. She’s described as “huge”, “really huge”, “large” (multiple times), “very large” (more than once) and “humungous”. She has “plump fingers”. Characters are surprised she can move quickly and that she is capable of the fine work of felting.

The paleness of her skin was also consistently commented one; it reminded one character of a “white glutinous rice cake”.

Comparisons are made between her and a polar bear, the Stay-Puft Marshmallow Man, Disney’s Baymax and Genma Saotome from Ranma ½. While I’m usually up for any Ghostbusters reference, all of the comparisons felt disparaging rather than descriptive.

I haven’t been able to find a better word to describe my experience of this book as a whole than ‘soft’. It’s easy to read. The characters aren’t difficult to get to know and you don’t need to think deeply to follow the story. It’s a nice, feel-good read and there are sentences that leave you feeling warm and squishy. Ultimately, though, while I will remember how it made me feel, I don’t think any of the individual stories are going to linger with me long term.

“Everybody should have their own story.”

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Doubleday, an imprint of Transworld Publishers, for the opportunity to read this book. I’m rounding up from 3.5 stars.

This is a marvellous book made up of short stories that all revolve around a library. The stories end up joining characters together as you move through the book and it really is a great read. I loved the following quote on books
"Readers make their own personal connections to words, irrespective of the writer's intentions, and each reader gains something unique."
So true and I think most readers will find different things in this book. This really is a must have read.

What You're Looking For Is In The Library is a little collection of simple stories that all have a special connection - a small community library with a librarian that points people in the right direction to find answers to life's problems.

This was a short and very easy read and exactly the kind of story I'm usually looking for when I delve into the world of comfy Japanese fiction. These kind of books tend to have low stakes and by the time I've finished reading them I feel like I've just had a fantastic therapy session!

Aoyama captured people perfectly and it was lovely experiencing each different perspective and trying to guess which direction the future would take them in. There's definitely at least one story in here that anyone who reads this would be able to relate to and each story ends with a hopeful and happy tone and it was nice reading a story without too much ups and downs.

The only complaint unfortunately is the unflattering way that the librarian, Sayuri Komachi, is described throughout the stories. Every time she is described as a startlingly large woman, referring to her as the "Marshmallow Man" from Ghostbusters and Disney's Baymax. I'm not sure what the author was going for here, it's explained often that the librarian simply looks very unique compared to other people but these descriptions just come across as offensive and inappropriate and I strongly feel that the librarian could have been described in a better way. Perhaps it comes off better in Japanese than it does in English, maybe?

But as a whole this book was a relaxing and lovely read, perfet for anyone who is struggling to work out what they're wanting to do next in their life.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review!

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

This quote perfectly sums up the underlying message of the whole book - each life is different and all we can do is move at our own pace.

Filled with metaphors about life in all its beauty and unpredictability, I found this book profound, refreshing and inspiring. I thought Aoyama’s writing style was very descriptive and personal, which gave me the feel of a conversation between friends.

The book tells 5 independent stories over 5 chapters (a chapter for each person); it follows specific individuals all in different stages of their lives/careers who are struggling to understand their place in society, making this a book for people of all ages.
It strongly focuses on the power of stories - they show you the beauty of life and help you face your own problems - as well as the different interpretations people will have based on their own situations and values
Each character was extremely relatable and all chapters provided powerful messages that I think are very important to learn. A must read for anyone struggling to find their passions and purpose in life.

Unfortunately this novel was not for me. I was drawn to it due to comparisons with 'Before the Coffee Gets Colds' and the short individual stories are similar, but I found these stories too predicable to enjoy. I'm sure that for the right person at the right time this could be a powerful book- a reminder to follow dreams or make a change, but for me personally I struggled to finish this one.

Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for giving me the oppurtunity to read and review this title.

A charming collection of stories about different people/scenarios who are looking for something to change in their lives , and with a little bit of magic, realise that they're the ones who can make all the changes with a few simple steps and an open and positive mind. There are similar books around - it reminded me of The Midnight Library, but it's maybe a bit more gentle and less complex.

This beautiful and charming novel explores how it is never too late to try again or start again. It also makes a beautiful commentary on the importance of libraries and community spaces and the magic they create

Thanks to #NetGalley for my copy

"People find meaning in the bonus gifts for themselves. It's the same with books. Readers make their own personal connections to words, irrespective of the writer's intentions, and each reader gains something unique."

Five different people are at a crossroads in their lives. There is something in their lives that is causing restlessness and unhappiness. They all stumble upon the library in Community House; their local community centre. It is at the library that they meet librarian Sayuri Komachi. She acts as a catalyst in all the stories; she provides them with book recommendations that change their outlook and way of thinking. Through her recommendations, they learn that they too can reach for the stars.

I absolutely loved this book - I cannot emphasize just how much so. What You are Looking for is in the Library is brilliantly written, inspirational and will leave you with a profound impact.

First off I'd like to thank Netgalley and the publishers of this book for allowing me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
I really enjoyed this book, with it's 5 separate people with their own situations, but the same common bond of finding this Library with a librarian who knew exactly what they needed (not just what they were looking for there and then).
It was beautiful to see how each of the characters changed/found the paths they were meant to be on, all they needed was the felted object and the book suggested by the librarian.
I would highly recommend anyone pick this up, it's a wonderful read!
Happy reading.

I finished this so quickly because I absolutely loved it. Such a gentle, feel-good book with a library (and sometimes more) linking the different characters. A reminder of how we should look at our life.