What You Are Looking For Is in the Library

A Novel

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?

For more by Michiko Aoyama, look for:
What You Are Looking For Is in the Library Illustrated Edition
Matcha on Monday
Hot Chocolate on Thursday
The Healing Hippo of Hinode Park

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!

warm and inspiring

enjoyable, lovely collection of stories about the different stages of life. leaves you feeling connected

Perspective

Interesting read. If we choose to look at life and what happens in our life through a different angle or walk sideways as the crab, we will get a new perspective and direction. Thoroughly enjoyed this read.

Lovely characters in a gentle story

I loved this book of linked short stories. This is full of sympathetic characters trying to figure out how to live their best lives who find their way to a local library that makes all the difference. This book makes each character distinct and interesting and gives a sense of life in contemporary Japan for young and old, men and women.

Very endearing book

This books was very endearing and enjoyable read. The authors a great job of connecting the characters as part of the “community,” and intertwining them without directly touching necessarily.
Some subtle life lessons are shared that I thought that makes for some introspection and self reflection. Nice read.