Today’s review is about WHAT YOU ARE LOOKING FOR IS IN THE LIBRARY by Michiko Aoyama. Alison Watts translated this short novel from its original Japanese publication. It’s a compilation of short stories about different characters searching for a new direction in life.
Author: Michiko Aoyama
Translator: Alison Watts
Series: None
Age Category: Adult
Publisher: Hanover Square Press
Publish Date: September 05, 2023
Print Length: 304
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What You Are Looking For is in the Library Synopsis
Synopsis
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?
What You Are Looking For is in the Library Review
WHAT YOU ARE LOOKING FOR IS IN THE LIBRARY is a compilation of short stories, each about a different person. These characters visit the library where the librarian compiles a curated book list for them to read. Most of the books in the list cover the person’s query topic. But the librarian throws in one last book that typically has nothing to do with the person’s request, yet ends up being precisely what they need to move forward in life.
The premise is uplifting and it is nice to see each character find the confidence to start a new chapter in their life. However, ultimately, I did not find this a particularly memorable book. It is certainly a feel-good read, but it lacks the emotional depth that I prefer. As an aside, I notice I feel this way about most of the books I read translated from Japanese. This makes me feel (though I’m no scholar in this field) that there is a cultural difference in writing style. Here, everything seems rather understated, perhaps so the reader can apply their own interpretation or feelings to the story. That is not my style and is probably why this and other similar stories don’t work particularly well for me.
However, readers who enjoy something calm or who enjoyed similar works will probably like WHAT YOU ARE LOOKING FOR IS IN THE LIBRARY. The characters here range from young to old. I appreciate that this showcases a variety of life stages from graduation age to early career to motherhood to retirement. Out of all the stories, the new mother and newly retired businessman held my interest the most. Both are such huge life changes that involve a massive shift in identity. Overall, pick up this book for an inspiring, easy read about having the courage to search for and find a new life direction.
Rating: 3.25
Content warnings: None
Reading format: Hardback
If you liked this book, you may also enjoy THE CAT WHO SAVED BOOKS by Sosuke Natsukawa.
I feel the same about the Japanese books that I have read. I always feel that everything is happening at a distance and I never get really invested in any of the characters or storylines. Like you, I think that it’s probably a difference in writing style. I did enjoy this one more than some others that I’ve read but probably won’t bother picking up any more.
I’ve since come to learn I’m not the only one who feels that way about these feel-good Japanese books. So thanks for sharing you also feel similarly. For a while I thought maybe I was missing something, but I’m not firmly in the boat of reading these only from my library. This was the last one of ones I’d bought that I needed to read and then offload.
I haven’t read any of the current crop of Japanese feel good books but I feel like I’d have a similar reaction. I definitely need more complexity and depth in most of what I read.
That’s what these kinds of books have taught me as well–I prefer more depth & complexity to a story!
I’ve not read that many Japanese translations but I have felt that way about some of them and I also feel the same about Korean translations. I tried picking up a very popular “healing fiction” title in December that sounded amazing but as soon as I started reading it I felt an immediate disconnect and I think it was in part to do with the translation. Sorry to hear this didn’t work for you! I’m excited to give it a try still as I do love a good cosy calming bookish read 🙂
I haven’t read any Korean translations, so I can’t compare there, but thanks for the heads up about potential similarities between them and the Japanese translations. If I ever see a Korean one that catches my eye, I might instead decide to check it out through my library. 🙂 That said, this book will probably have the cozy, calming effect you’re looking for.
I do think the translation creates a disconnect. I just read a similar Japanese translated book last week. I had a hard time getting truly connected and it was a bit disjoined in the plot. I did not get what I wanted out of it and I’m sorry you felt the same about this one! Great review.
Yea, at first I thought maybe it was just the one book that made me feel like that. But I’ve since read probably about a half dozen and none of them really hit me more than an, “eh, nice, but not super memorable.” The only one I’d reread is THE TRAVELLING CAT CHRONICLES by Hiro Arikawa. Have tissues ready.
Yeah, I think this is a common theme, which makes me feel much better. Oh, I’ll add that one to my TBR!! <3
This makes me feel better about my reaction to the book 🙂 I’m not alone!
You’re definitely not alone!
I read this one about a year ago and it made me think I should probably stop trying to read these type of books, lol. I find them okay to read but nothing special or, as you say, memorable. Around the same time that I read this, I also read SWEET BEAN PASTE which is another translated work of Japanese fiction, but I was pleasantly surprised to find it had more depth than I expected. If you haven’t read it, maybe give it a look 🙂
I’ve felt largely the same about these types of books. From here on out they’ll be library check outs for me since I never find myself wanting to reread them once I’m done. Thanks for the SWEET BEAN PASTE rec!