What You Are Looking For Is In The Library by Michiko Aoyama

What You Are Looking For Is In The Library by Michiko Aoyama

Published by Hanover Square Press ISBN 9788335005625

Hardcover, $21.99, 304 pages

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.