A wonderful little selection of stories about people finding the strength and courage to pave their own paths, even if they don't realize they are the ones doing it. Similar to Before the Coffee Gets Cold in its methodology and format, this story follows people who want to make a change in their life. And a trip to this library sends them there. Loved it

A series of characters with a librarian in common, who suggests to them, in addition to what is required, another book, which will lead them to discover and follow their own path. Rather similar to Toshikazu Kawaguchi's Coffee series and the Chicken Soup for the Soul.

Una serie di personaggi con in comune una bibliotecaria, che gli suggerisce, oltre a quanto richiesto, un altro libro, che li porterà a scoprire ed a seguire la loro strada. Piuttosto simile alla serie del Caffé di Toshikazu Kawaguchi e ai brodini di pollo per l'anima.

I received from the Publisher a complimentary digital advanced review copy of the book in exchange for a honest review.

This is a lovely little book with a number of different stories about people who find themselves a bit stuck...in their jobs, in their lives...and who, through contact with a librarian in a community library, find a way through. As a librarian, I really liked the idea for this collection of stories. I enjoyed how they intertwine, and the librarian is brilliant - bonkers, but brilliant!
The stories are gentle, quite sweet in places, and it just made for a really pleasant read.

Utterly magical with a powerful and positive message. Loved how there were a few stories intertwined. Fabulous read.

Unfortunately I had to dnf this one. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with the book or the writing but it just wasn’t for me. I didn’t like before the coffee gets cold and this is a similar style, if you liked that you may well enjoy this book

This is a charming story for book lovers. This is a lovely ‘soft’ story. I recommend for people that lovely found friends that morph to friendships.

This book is an elixir for the heart. The writing is so calm and peaceful, and it soothes you. There are five distinct characters and their experiences with the library, but there are little connections in the background, which were fun to spot.

My only gripe was with the husband in the third story who says this to his wife who is struggling with her career while being the (almost) only person taking care of their child: ‘When you get emotional and say things like “help me” or “do more”, I don’t really know what to do. But if you explain it logically and give me specific suggestions, I can understand.’ This is your child too! You should know what needs to be done. Your wife shouldn't have to spoonfeed you. His attitude just annoyed me, but again, not a big deal in the overall context of this book.

This book is a heartwarming read, and there were definitely moments that resonated with me and made me tear up. This is going to be a book that I will immediately pre-order and keep close to my heart.

This book is truly magical. I read it a few months ago in a different translation and I was surprised to find an email from the wonderful Sara Roberts, inviting me to read this edition. I thought it meant something, similarly how in the novel, people find their answers after receiving a book recommendation and a special gift from Sayuri Komachi. I thought I needed to share my review.
What You Are Looking For Is In The Library is a collection of five interconnected short stories. It’s about finding answers when you feel stuck, about taking action and discovering something new about yourself and others. It encourages you to follow your dreams. I honestly believe that everyone should read it. It has this power to shift your perspective for the better.

What You Are Looking for is in the Library is a tale told through five different library patrons. Each of them has something going on in their life that is causing them some kind of problems or anxiety, but thanks to the strange reading recommendations from the librarian, each eventually finds a way forward. There is perhaps the barest hint of magical realism at play in the librarian's skill at matching each customer with the book they really need, although she denies any such gift, but essentially this is a sweet contemporary tale of people for whom a book opens up a new world of possibilities. It really is a homage to books and reading, and the way another's words can sometimes change our lives. Highly recommended to book-lovers in general and especially fans of Japanese modern fiction. I am giving it 5 stars.