I love the librarian in this book. Doesn't everyone want to be greeted in that way when you walk into the library? Even if you don't have an answer to her question "What are you looking for?", it would feel good to simply be seen. Very fun Japanese atmosphere in the book.

This gentle little book uses simple prose to explore characters' lives as they weave amongst each other in modern-day Japan. Each chapter focuses on someone in a different point in their lives, all of whom are feeling lost, as if they are missing something, and who find their way to the library in a local rec center. The librarian there has a knack for helping them find not only what they ask for, but what they need.

A very quick and satisfying read that left me inspired to see what I could find in the library.
This one's for all the library lovers who know they're magical places where you can find anything you could possibly need to improve your life. You just have to be open to experiencing new things and putting in the effort.
It's a series of short stories of people who are unsatisfied with their lives but don't know what to do to make things better. From young adults who can't find a way to move forward in life with a satisfying job and life to older adults facing the obstacles that family and time put forward.
Each story takes the time to fully paint the picture of each character's situation and how they slowly improve things thanks to the inspiration from the book they receive from the mysterious librarian at the small library. It's sweet and really inspiring.

Happy thanks to NetGalley and Hanover Square Press for the inspiring read!

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley fir letting me review this book. The characters aren’t sure what they need at first but find it in the library at the Community House. The librarian giving the various characters books along with felt items don’t make sense at first but after delving into the books;;they get why she suggested those books.

Thanks to NetGalley and Hanover Square Press for making this title available for an honest review.

What you are looking for may be in this book. Aoyama has written a charming novel to warm your heart and jump start your mind. The five desperate searchers and their intertwining stories found in these pages were not strangers in a far off land. They felt like people I might meet any day. Actually, they felt like me. How many of us feel stuck, constricted, and even desperate in our circumstances? Librarian Komachi's gentle nudges encourage our characters to subtly shift their thinking bringing new opportunities and a better life. This book is a good nudge, a self-help book without the preaching.

I received an ARC of this novel from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

This is a lovely novel about people in transition who need to make changes but are struggling. A quirky little library and even quirkier librarian assists each of the people on making their next steps.

What You Are Looking For Is In the Library was the perfect book to read and exactly the right time that I needed it. If you are a fan of "slice of life" genre, this book fits the bill. This book made me feel cozy like a soft sweater and cup of hot coffee.

The development of the characters caught me off guard with every short story that read. At first, the character seems so plain and ordinary, but complex layers are revealed as their story unfolds. I enjoyed reading about each of their struggles and ambitions. I could relate to each of the characters in some way or another.

Another thing that I enjoyed was that each of the characters lived in the same neighborhood and visited the same library. Even though each character had their own story/chapter, there were moments where they would crossover into others in different ways. By the time I finished the book, I felt like I was a part of the community too!

To sum it up... What You Are Looking For Is In The Library is hopeful, uplifting and gentle. It is the perfect book to lift a weary heart.

Love letter to libraries and librarians, about the unusual, hand-picked recommendations from a perceptive librarian and the far-reaching effects they have in her patrons’ lives.

Wonderfully light book about living your life and your dreams not just existing. Great little library in the book and I love the inclusion of fiber arts as well.

Charming and enjoyable. Books change lives! It was very cool how the characters and stories were connected.

This was utterly fabulous! So many meaningful quotes to highlight that would be fantastic for discussion in any literature class. This is the best kind of book as it emphasizes the life changing power of literature AND the value of librarians. I loved all these characters and was truly sad when the end of the book arrived. I hope to see a sequel one day as what I'm looking for is definitely in the library in this book!

"Readers make their own personal connections to words, irrespective of the writer's intentions, and each reader gains something unique."

Set in Tokyo, this novel features a community center and its adjoining library. Five different people come to the center and eventually to the library for various reasons. The overarching theme is that they are all looking for something, mainly direction on what steps to take next in their lives. They all meet with the odd librarian, Sayuri Komachi, who provides them with a list of books. Each person in turn is able to use those books to reevaluate their lives and push through their barriers.

I enjoyed each little story, they overlapped at times and I loved that part because it made it more of a cohesive book rather than just a series of short stories. I liked how the characters got inspiration from the books, and when one confronted the librarian about how she knew what they needed, she stated that they truly found what they needed inside themselves.

I listened to part of this as an audiobook and as with many translated books, it helped me to get a better sense of how the unfamiliar-to-me words are pronounced to let me stay in the flow of the book. The story reminded me of another Japanese series I have read, Before the Coffee Gets Cold and its sequels. This one has less repetition than those books and was a bit easier for me to follow, but I do recommend all of them.

Lovely, fast paced read about the power of books and the power within ourselves.

I absolutely love this book!!!!
A great story about individuals who have one thing in common, the library and one special librarian who helps people find their truth . A wonderful and easy read. Very inspiring.

I just reviewed What You Are Looking For Is in the Library by Michiko Aoyama. #WhatYouAreLookingForIsintheLibrary

I have always thought librarians were amazing, and after reading Michiko Aoyama's charming novel, What You Are Looking For Is In The Library, I am more convinced than ever.

It tells the stories of several people who are either at a crossroads or feeling stuck in their lives. Tomoka is 21 years old and works in a boring job at a clothing store in Tokyo. In order to get a better job, she has to improve her computer skills.

Her friend tells her about the Community House where she could take a class. At the community center she seeks out the reference librarian, Ms. Komachi, who listens to Tomoka's story and gives her advice, a list of books to check out, including a children's book seemingly unrelated to computers, and an odd little felt craft that Ms. Komachi made.

Other people go the Community House for classes, and end up at the Reference desk with Ms. Komachi. A stay-at-home mom who was demoted from a job she loved when she returned to work after maternity leave is dissatisfied with her life, an accountant who dreams of owning his own antique shop, a recently retired man who doesn't know what to do with himself now that his identity has been taken away- they all end up at Ms. Komachi's desk.

She listens carefully to each of them gives them advice, a list of books to help (including one seemingly unrelated to their search) and even though they don't understand all that Ms. Komachi tells them, eventually it all comes together.

The story is about the connections that people make, as this passage states:
"Everybody is connected. And any one of their connections could be the start of a network that branches in many directions. If you wait for the right time to make connections, it might never happen, but if you show your face around, talk to people and see enough to give you the confidence that things could work out, then 'one day' might turn into 'tomorrow'."

What You Are Looking For Is In the Library is a life-affirming, endearing story that restores your faith in humanity and will make you look for new connections in the people around you. It is perfect for fans of The Midnight Library (but I liked this one better). I adored this book and give it my highest recommendation.

Thanks to Harlequin or putting me on their Fall 2023 Blog Tours.

I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing; all opinions are my own.

What You Are Looking For Is in the Library is like a warm cup of your favorite beverage, made in just your favorite way. It's beautiful, cozy, and moving as it shifts from each character to give us a glimpse into their lives. While the chapters function as a sort of collection of short stories, everything is woven together and feels incredibly satisfying. Though it is uniquely Japanese, the book transcends (without dismissing) cultural differences to explore the basic roots of humanity we all share.

This book takes you on a journey through the lives of several characters who all share one thing in common. They all have met a librarian who works at a small community library. The setting is Japan so the reader will learn some about this culture. The librarian also does felting which is a craft that is becoming more popular. Some of the characters in the book will interact with each other's stories. The author did a great job of tying some of these characters together throughout the book. This is not an overly exciting book but was an enjoyable read that made one think about their own life goals.

This was a delightful little book! I am not sure it is for everyone, but it definitely is one for librarians. It is essentially 5 vignettes about the power of the library and reader's advisory services. A nice little palette cleanser showing a slower pace of life and the impact of a different perspective.

I loved the idea of this collection more than its simplistic execution. However, there were many parts where I got at least a glimpse of the depth I wanted, and the characters were well-etched-out and complex even when the solutions to the situations they found themselves in were easily procured. These characters, if nothing else, will stay with me.

If you’re a book lover, library supporter, or a big fan of warm and fuzzy feel-good fiction, then this is the perfect book for you. What you are looking for is in the library by Michiko Aoyama is a Japanese novel that reads very much like a short story collection. This lovely little book will feed your soul.

Five people, five visits to the same local library. These characters are all in different seasons of life, frustrated with their careers, feeling stuck, looking for a change, and/or chasing their dreams. The librarian, Sayuri Komachi not only recommends the very best books to her patrons, she also suggests an extra one that they didn’t even know they needed. At first they’re perplexed by the recommendation, and wondering why the librarian suggested it. Once they start reading, everything clicks into place. This book is very special, and feels like a nice warm hug. It will bring a smile to your face.

Also, let’s talk about this cover. Isn’t it the most charming, inviting, and coziest scene you ever did see? I just wanna sit down beside that black cat, take a sip of that coffee, and start flipping through one of those books. It’s perfect! Inside and out, this book really has it all, and is a must-read for any book worm. Truly! 4/5 stars for this little gem! It’s available now!

Absolutely charming! I loved this very sweet story and the characters who inhabited it. A perfect palate cleanser between other books.