Author: Michiko Aoyama
Publishing day: August 8th 2023
PLOT: 5/5
CHARACTERS: 4/5
WRITING: 4/5
CLIMAX: 5/5
ENTERTAINMENT: 4/5
Because I enjoy reading books on books and libraries, I looked up this book just on its title.
This Book is just what is needed if you are going through the period of doubt, the severe and exhausting nature of work, and the question of whether there is more to be gained from the workforce.
Highlighting every facet of work, employment, and the demanding and exhausting life of working is a common topic throughout the book.
I’m happy that this book has been translated because I think it speaks to everyone who is going through difficult times in life. It addresses issues like job uncertainty and the questions we may have about our careers at some point in our lives. It also gives us a glimpse into potential scenarios and makes the characters relatable to us.
Sayuri Komachi, the librarian, asks this straightforward question to every guest that enters the library at Hatori Community House. The person asking the question isn’t always sure how to respond.
“What are you looking for?”
She includes a title that doesn’t seem to be linked to the customer’s question in addition to her recommendations. Additionally, she gives each of her customers a handcrafted “bonus gift” that oddly strikes a highly emotional chord with them.
“Revelations follow one another in life. In any case, things don’t always go as to plan. On the other hand, there are all the amazing, unanticipated things that happen that you never would have thought about. The fact that many things don’t work out the way we had hoped is ultimately for the best. Avoid viewing canceled or altered plans or schedules as a sign of ill luck or personal failure. You can make changes in both yourself and your life as a whole if you can accomplish that.*
Plot:
What You Are Looking For Is in the Library
by
Michiko Aoyama
(translated by
Alison Watts
focuses on the lives of five such individuals, all of whom are looking for a new purpose or path in life. The twenty-one-year-old sales assistant is feeling unfulfilled in her work and lacks a sense of purpose in her work-life balance. The thirty-five-year-old accountant is feeling stuck in his regular job and is hesitant to give up stable employment to pursue his passion for antiques as a career. The thirty-year-old aspiring illustrator, who is unemployed, is consumed by thoughts of his unfulfilled artistic dreams. The forty-year-old former magazine editor, who was transferred to a less demanding but unfulfilling position after returning from maternity leave, is grappling with the need to balance work and home life. Lastly, a recent retiree is questioning his value in society.
Despite the fact that these characters are all experiencing self-doubt and uncertainty at different points in their lives, Ms. Komachi’s insightful advice has a significant positive influence on them all.
The author examines the necessity for interpersonal relationships, friendship, community, and most importantly, the idea that personal development and change are possible at every stage of life, via these five interrelated stories. This short story is a tribute to the function of libraries, the wisdom of librarians, and the ability of books to change lives. An overarching subject in this book is how literature help readers gain perspective, inspire clarity of thinking, and motivate personal transformation. My only criticism is that I wish we had learned more about Ms. Komachi, the lovely and astute librarian.
“Regardless of the writer’s intentions, readers form their own personal connections with words, and each reader gains something unique.”*
What did I like about the book?
This is a delightful and comforting book, skillfully written in straightforward but exquisite prose with genuine and well-considered characters and situations. It is also instructive and inspirational. This book was fantastic, and I have no hesitation in recommending it to anybody who appreciate stories about libraries and the significant influence that reading and books have on our lives.
This little book is incredibly poetic and has a profound message. There’s always time to make a fresh start.
readingthatbook.com 