What You Are Looking For Is In The Library

WHAT YOU ARE LOOKING FOR IS IN THE LIBRARY by Michiko Aoyama (translated by Alison Watts) is an international bestselling novel that profiles five library patrons: a womenswear sales assistant, an accountant with big dreams, a working Mom seeking balance, an underemployed young man and a recently retired one; all are seeking purpose and fulfillment in some form. Sayuri Komachi is the librarian in Tokyo who makes reading recommendations and transforms the life trajectories of her patrons in this gentle story. She answers their requests (e.g., books on the game, Go, or on software coding), but also encourages connections with unrelated titles. This short novel is a joy to read. Aoyama speaks to readers as her characters reflect:

“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’.”

“I'm still searching. Searching for somewhere I can be accepted as I am. Just one place is all I need. Somewhere to be at peace.”

“How much had my own thinking limited my opportunities?”

“Is this the secret then? If you throw yourself into doing the things you like, it's possible to live a happy, healthy life...”

“You told me that if you only ever look in front, your view will be quite narrow. So whenever I feel stuck or don't know what to do, I try to broaden my view. Relax my shoulders and walk sideways like a crab.”  

“My plan is to appreciate every new day. And take a wide view of things.”