What You Are Looking for is in the Library by Michiko Aoyama | A Review

Summary: As a librarian, I couldn’t resist this one! It’s a short and sweet novel about several people who find themselves in their local library, where they encounter Sayuri Komachi, an enigmatic reference librarian with a knack for recommending books and for needle felting. Her recommendations and hand-felted gifts are strange and seemingly nonsensical, yet they end up changing each of the characters’ lives for the better.

Review: This book feels almost like a collection of short stories, but the characters’ shared experiences with Mrs. Komachi and the subtle intertwining of their lives give the novel a sense of unity.

While the cover and premise suggest similarities to Before the Coffee Gets Cold by Toshikazu Kawaguchi, this novel features lighter, simpler writing and lower stakes, and any magical realism is subtle here, if present at all, unlike the prominent magical cafe in Before the Coffee Gets Cold.

This novel touches on making the most of our fleeting lives without veering into tragic or emotionally draining territory. One character discovers she can find fulfillment in her career while also being a loving mother. Another realizes that the responsibility in pursuing his dream of opening an antique shop falls on him. A 65-year-old retiree discovers that life is not divided into distinct stages but is instead an ongoing journey, where he can continue to grow even during his retirement years. A young woman who feels unfulfilled at her retail job learns to embrace self-discovery and self-care. And a 30-year-old man who is unemployed learns to stop dwelling on missed opportunities, and instead reignite his former passions.

Overall, each story serves as a reminder to LIVE LIFE FULLY. It’s common to feel as though we are stuck or that our life isn’t going as planned, but these interconnected tales remind us that we have agency and we can shape our own narratives. As one of the characters says, “My plan is to appreciate every new day. And take a wide view of things.” Now, please excuse me for what I’m about to say but…YOLO.

My Rating: 4/5