What You Are Looking For Is in the Library by Michiko Aoyama (translated from the Japanese by Alison Watts) relates five loosely connected stories of five different people who visit a community library in Tokyo, only to find themselves changing for the better, all because of an unexpected book recommendation by the enigmatic librarian. There’s a retail worker who feels her life is stagnating, a woman recently back from maternity leave grappling with her demotion, and several others—all who find new directions and new passion for life, all thanks to the library.

This was a very charming book! I read this via audiobook, and I really liked that each short story is narrated by a different person. Everyone had a very engaging voice, though one of the men (not sure which one) had a weird cadence to his reading that I didn’t quite like. But still, this is a good book to have listened to.

Each story follows basically the same structure: we’re introduced to the character and their life, then see them visit the library for various reasons, receive a list of recommendations, and wonder why the last title is there. It doesn’t seem to match the others, but always end up helping them in ways they didn’t even know they needed. However, this similar structure doesn’t get repetitive or tiresome, as each character is so distinct and interesting in their own ways. I also enjoyed that we got to learn more about the librarian, Sayuri Komachi, each time we encountered her. She ends up being the standout character, as she should. Librarians are magical people.

In the end, What You Are Looking For Is in the Library is a feel-good book full of nice characters and gentle themes of taking care of oneself, finding new meaning in life, and how even a little kindness can transform people. It also is a fun look at modern day Tokyo from various perspectives. Basically, if you need a comforting read, try this!

What You Are Looking For Is in the Library will be published on September 5th, 2023!