A set of lightly intertwined stories about people from different stages and walks of life who are looking for a new direction to take or are facing change. The characters all end up walking into the small local library, where they are led to Sayuri Komachi, a special librarian, who asks them what they are looking for, and in her list of book recommendations is one unexpected one that will help the reader make a change or find direction in their life.

Translated from the Japanese, What You Are Looking For Is In The Library is an English language debut from award winning author Michiko Aoyama. From the minute I saw this one, I knew it was something special. It has a lovely black cat on the cover, with stacks of books, a cup of tea and view of blue skies on the cover. My edition is also such a lovely sized book to hold in your hand.

I, of course, love a book about books and/or librarians. I think we can all relate to how a story or an idea in a book has helped us see a new way of being or understand something important about life, and I love that this book reflects that. This one has a hint of magic in it, just a little, because Sayuri seems to be able bring out the question in her library patrons that really needs answering and knows what book will help them. But it’s just a hint of the magical, not fantasy or magic realism really.

I loved how all the different stories really have their own voice and perspective. Each one feels like a different and unique character with their own set of problems, and for me that really made this book something special. I also liked the nature of the problems that each person faced. Their lives and concerns are very different, and the problems are not surface things, which would be cute. It’s not a magical fix that Sayuri offers. It’s more about finding a way forward. One character wants to open a shop, and finds a way to do this by splitting his time, not by magically being given loads of money or an easy way out. The stories all take place in one region or area, and I liked how they were all separate, but had little overlaps or sometimes the characters knew each other.

I also liked the way that when each person meets Sayuri, they all see her slightly differently, through their own eyes. She is a large person and she is pale, all the characters agree on that. But the way they describe this or respond to her really reflects them in some way. I really enjoyed this part. Sayuri is a wonderful character. She’s slightly mysterious. Is she magical or are all librarians magical in some way? We are always seeing her through the eyes of other characters, and so piecing her and little bits of her story that way. I loved that.

This was such a pleasant book to read. So many books lately are about trauma or intense themes, but this one was more everyday and down to earth. This book is full of charm, friendship and inspiration. It’s a calm and pleasant read. The characters have everyday problems and it’s wonderful when they are able to find the solutions with a push from one of Sayuri’s books. I really enjoyed the themes of meaningful work, finding a place in society and belonging or connecting. And, of course, the power of books and librarians to change our lives.

Read It If: This is a book for bibliophiles, people whose lives have been changed by books or librarians. It’s charming without being too light, and insightful without being too heavy.

Thank you to Harper Collins Canada for the copy of this book for review.