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What You Are Looking For Is in the Library by Michiko Aoyama

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What You Are Looking For Is in the Library

A Novel

by Michiko Aoyama

Length 7 hours 18 minutes

Language English

Narrators Hanako Footman, Susan Momoko Hingley, Kenichiro Thomson, Winson Ting & Shiro Kawai

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Bookseller recommendation

“In a series of heartwarming vignettes Aoyama reminds us of the magic of books and the unexpected treasures we can find when we open our hearts and minds to new possibilities. In each tale, the protagonist, intentionally or not so intentionally, finds themself in the library requesting books on a topic they believe they need to research in order to improve their lives. There they are met with a surprising librarian and the beginning of an unexpected journey. This brief book has the power to charm and inspire, offering a bit of magic and hopefulness in a sometimes dreary world. ”
— Nancy • Raven Book Store

Bookseller recommendation

“Man... I love cozy contemporary Japanese fiction. What sets What You Are Looking For Is in the Library apart, though, is how each featured character really takes it upon themself to better their own life. The catalyst might be the (almost supernaturally) accurate book recommendations from their local librarian, Komachi, but each protagonist reflects and takes action in very different ways. And the story resolutions are so grounded, it's easy to see yourself in the characters' shoes. The audiobook goes above and beyond with a full cast; each chapter has its own voice talent, which is great because you get to hear so many different approaches to the one consistent character, Komachi. ”
— Holly • Kew & Willow Books

Summary
About the author

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?

Fiction Fiction - Literary

Michiko Aoyama was born in 1970 in Aichi Prefecture, Honshu, Japan. After university, she became a reporter for a Japanese newspaper based in Sydney before moving back to Tokyo to work as a magazine editor. What You Are Looking For Is in the Librarywas short-listed for the Japan Booksellers’ Award and became a Japanese bestseller. It is being translated into more than fifteen languages. Michiko Aoyama lives in Yokohama, Japan.