What You Are Looking for is in the Library
Hardback Published on: 10/08/2023; Language: English, Japanese (Original language of a translated text)
Price: £12.99
Bookseller Reviews
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A wholesome story in five slices
Fans of the slice of life genre, or anyone looking for 250 pages of wholesome warm goodness this is the book for you.
This is a story in five acts, each... READ MORE
Very cute short stories!
A collection of 5 different people who all go to the same library and gets recommended different books to help them find answers on how to live out their l... READ MORE
Beautiful, quietly inspirational read - envelopes you like soft blankets, tea and favourite biscuits
Five stories about five lost souls, unhappy with life as it is but unsure what to do about it. Each ends up at the library at the local community centre, w... READ MORE
Loved it!
I defiantly say this book can be for anyone. It doesn't matter how old you are or what kind of path you are currently on, Michiko Aoyama has comfort and wi... READ MORE
A very gentle, wholesome read
A very gentle, wholesome read, and quite short, so a good palate cleanser! Perfect for reading at the end of a long day: a series of glimpses into ordinary... READ MORE
This book is like a warm blanket.
Maybe it's because I am a bookseller but I just love books about books. This is the perfect book to read when you want something uplifting but not unrealis... READ MORE
So very nearly perfect
This is a very sweet book, the library has a librarian Sayuri who seems to read the innermost thoughts of her clients. Series of 5 short stories about peop... READ MORE
A charming tale of hope and perseverance..
A charming tale of hope and perseverance. Step into the little community centre library, attached to an ordinary primary school and your life could change ... READ MORE
Wholesome and life-affirming
Perfect for fans of Before the Coffee Gets Cold. This book exhumes pure joy. Each chapter focuses on a different person and how their interactions with the... READ MORE
Wholesome collection of stories of people at crossroads
A collection of five short stories featuring five different people in different stages of life: a recent graduate, a new mother, a mid-life professional an... READ MORE
Perfect comfy read
This book was so wholesome and enjoyable to read. It's about 5 different people who find their way to a special library at a time when they need help. Remi... READ MORE
An ode to the power of books
In a community centre sits an inconspicuous library. In the library works the quite conspicuous Sayuri Komachi. She seems to just know what book you should... READ MORE
A truly lovely book
This was a joyful proof to receive, as I was delighted by the cat on the cover and it was only up from there. As many other reviews state, this is perfect ... READ MORE
Briming with connection, kindness and the gentle power of books
What a joy to read, oozing with gentle wisdom on finding connection and contentment in our modern world. We follow the five different people who cross path... READ MORE
“What are you looking for?”
What You Are Looking for is in the Library is a beautifully written collection of stories about the magic of libraries and just how life-changing a good bo... READ MORE
Beautifully written and gently inspiring
This book was like a warm hug in fiction form. A collection of five short stories, all set in the same area of Tokyo centering around a very special commun... READ MORE
Lovely Little Moments of Pure Joy
Each chapter a different person who discovers the library & finds themselves given recommends by the librarian there who gives them what they didn't know t... READ MORE
My heart is so full!
Reading this book feels like a hug from your favourite person! What You Are Looking for is in the Library reminded me exactly why books are so near and dea... READ MORE
A cosy, comforting delight
I adored this book from start to finish. I felt real empathy for the characters and loved how they let me into their everyday lives, thoughts and feelings.... READ MORE
Beautiful and affirming!!
I must admit, I did burn myself out a bit with novels like this so I’m glad I waited to read it because I really enjoyed it! We follow five different chara... READ MORE
An absolutely delightful nugget of warmth
An absolutely delightful nugget of warmth! Following 5 different characters lost in their journeys, we watch as they find their way forward with the help o... READ MORE
A gentle read for all!
I finally read this after putting it on my wish list eighteen months ago and I can’t believe I waited so long! A beautiful story in five parts that focuses... READ MORE
A Little Change Can Go a Long Way
Five strangers, one librarian, and infinite joy.
This Japanese future classic is rich with perfect storytelling and relatable characters struggling wit... READ MORE
"In a world where you don’t know what will happen next, I just do what I can right now."
Like being wrapped in a warm blanket, I adored every page. This book serves as a gentle reminder that the uncertainties of life can often be the most excit... READ MORE
Synopsis
What are you looking for?
So asks Tokyo's most enigmatic librarian to the visitors in her library. For 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.
We meet five visitors at a different crossroads: the restless retail assistant eager to pick up new skills, the mother faced with a demotion at work after maternity leave, the conscientious accountant who yearns to open an antique store, the gifted young manga artist in search of motivation, and a recently retired salaryman on a quest for newfound purpose.
After reading Komachi's unique book recommendation, they will soon discover what they need to achieve their dreams.
What You Are Looking For is in the Library is about the magic of community libraries and the discovery of connection. Already loved by thousands of readers all over the world, this heart-bursting, inspirational tale shows how, by listening to our hearts, seizing opportunity and reaching out, we too can fulfil our long-held dreams.
Which book will you recommend?
Publisher information
- Publisher: Transworld Publishers Ltd
- ISBN: 9780857529121
- Number of pages: 256
- Dimensions: 200 x 134 x 28 mm
- Weight: 320g
- Languages: English, Japanese (Original language of a translated text)
Customer Reviews
View allfor the fans of Before the Coffee Gets Cold
You guys are not ready for this one!
It's a cute little book with a powerful message. We follow 5 different characters, with each of them stumbling upon a ... READ MORE
A simple yet lovely 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 li... READ MORE
An excellent book of short interlocking stories
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 t... READ MORE
An absolute reading pleasure
If you have enjoyed Sosuke Natsukawa’s The Cat Who Saved Books or any of Kawaguchi’s time travelling cafe stories, you will love this collection of stories... READ MORE
“What are you looking for?”
“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 ... READ MORE
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Exploring the library is a delightful adventure
“What are you looking for?”
Sayuri Komachi, the enigmatic librarian with a box of Kuremiyado Honeydome cookies, will pose this question to visitors appr... READ MORE
Loved this book - finding what moves you
A life-affirming novel and a reminder of the value of just showing up and meeting people. Love the community aspect of the story and the coming together of... READ MORE
One of my new all time favourites!
I originally picked up this book in the ‘buy one get one half price’ deal with another novel I had been looking at for ages. I picked up this book with min... READ MORE
Librarians are always a bit magical.
“What you are looking for is in the library” is a book of short stories loosely connected by their location and the character of Ms Komachi, a librarian in... READ MORE
so good
I was feeling low, I am struggling with the job market a lot. This book gave me some hope. I love this kind of book.
Different uplifting stories, each i... READ MORE
My feel good book of the year.
I wasn’t sure what to expect when I got this book. It was my wildcard purchase, but I am so pleased I picked it up!
The perfect book to take to bed, a bea... READ MORE
An uplifting collection of inspirational stories
“‘What are you looking for?’
Her voice . . . it’s so weird . . . It nails my feet to the floor. As if it has physically grabbed hold of me somehow. But th... READ MORE
Love the cover
Not quite what I expected but enjoying it so far just need to get to the end and see what happens.
What you are looking for is in the library
bought as a present but apparently much enjoyed
Utterly delightful!
What You Are Looking For Is In The Library is a novel by best-selling Japanese author, Michiko Aoyama. It is translated from Japanese by Alison Watts. Each... READ MORE
Highly recommended
I’m becoming a huge fan of books about Japanese library as they’re both heartwarming and multi-layered. You read a story that will make you smile but there... READ MORE
Gentle & Heart Warming
Thank you to the publishers for this review copy, this is a gorgeous gentle read about finding yourself or moving on to the next stage in life.
Absolutely... READ MORE
A New Favourite!
I loved this book, it’s a new favourite and one I’ll definitely be reading again!
It’s a wonderful collection of short stories centred around a library, a... READ MORE
A warm hug of a book
This book is the definition of a warm hug. The stories of the library borrowers are enchanting and inspiring as they all navigate through different stages ... READ MORE
What you are looking for is here
Beautifully, uplifting, inspiring perfection.
A little book of wisdom
I believe every book worm should have a copy on there book shelve. I adore this book . It’s cosy and warm and full of friendly fascinating charm and majika... READ MORE
Translated Japanese fiction is here to stay and it's gorgeous
Gifted in return for an honest review.
A really fabulous read. I love Japanese translated fiction and this is definitely one of them. Hopeful and fun an... READ MORE
What a wonderful book!
Full of poignant life lessons that I found to be truly inspiring, a definite 'must read' for anyone who is feeling a little lost in life and lacking confid... READ MORE
What you are looking for is in the library by Michiko Aoyama
What You Are Looking For Is In The Library by Michiko Aoyama and translated by Alison Watts is a collection of stories about people who all visit the libra... READ MORE
One of the most healing novels you’ll ever read.
‘’What are you looking for?’’
Libraries. A place of safety, of comfort, of shared silence. The place of our childhood and youth. A place of change. Wher... READ MORE
Reminded me how important the library can be.
This book was a reminder to me how valuable local libaries and community centres can be to the general public. I thoroughly recommend reading this charmin... READ MORE
What You Are Looking for is in the Library
Each chapter of WHAT YOU ARE LOOKING FOR IS IN THE LIBRARY is devoted to a different character: a sales assistant, an accountant, a former magazine editor,... READ MORE
A book that makes you feel better
I was given this and have since brought more copies to give to other people. This is a gentle, quiet book that makes you feel optimistic about a better wor... READ MORE
Library. What a comforting word.
Another feel-good, healing fiction that brings together different people finding peace in a library and a good book.
I'll probably revisit this book whe... READ MORE
Heartwarming read
This is a very interesting read. I was expecting something charming and sweet and whilst it was that there was also a slightly darker side to the book. T... READ MORE
Extreme well-thought out
A book that covers 5 somewhat interweaving perspectives of strangers lives and emotively diverges into each and the problems those characters face. Overall... READ MORE
very lovely
it was honestly such a lovely book. i really enjoyed how it was written and how you can see the development of each and every character and their outlook o... READ MORE
Packed with insight into the human condition
A young sales assistant, an accountant at a furniture manufacturer, a former magazine editor, an unemployed 30-year-old and a recently retired salary man, ... READ MORE
Several short stories in one novel
It is interesting in everything. Amazing plot! Highly recomended.
Charming n quirky anything is possible book!
"Everyday is equal in value and no less important than all the others. The day I was born, today as I stand here now and the many tomorrows to come"
It'... READ MORE
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