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Tuesday, May 21, 2024

What You Are Looking For Is In The Library by Michiko Aoyama

 

What it's about:

Five lost souls, each with a yearning inside them to be or do something more. And a wise community librarian who guides them to the book that will help them see a path forward to seizing opportunities and fulfilling their dreams. Each book is different. But then so are the five characters. There's Tomoka, who is a young sales assistant in a department store; Ryo, who wants to open his own antique store; and Natsumi, a former magazine editor who is struggling to balance motherhood and her career. I really liked those three, but I think the last two were my favorite:  Hiroya, an unemployed artist who feels like a failure; and Masao, who just retired from his job of forty-two years and now doesn't know what to do with his life. Every chapter introduces another character, another book, another dream. I enjoyed their individual journeys and their moments of intersection. 

My thoughts:  

This was a bittersweet read for me. Don't get me wrong, I loved this quiet literary novel, but it's the book I was supposed to read this month with Melody. We planned it back in February. And I kept wanting to talk to her about it, ask her which character she liked best, compare notes, hear her thoughts and insights. I know she would have loved the Japanese setting and how books played a role in each character's journey. I really wish I could have read this book with her. I bet she would have given it 5 stars. I did. 

Happy Reading!

19 comments:

  1. My heart hurts for you, Lark. I'm so glad you read this one, anyway, even though I'm sure it was tough to do.

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  2. Oh, Lark! I would be very sad, too, but also happy to imagine how Melody would've enjoyed this unique and beautiful story as well! Sending virtual hugs your way! :)

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  3. This sounds like a great book, with an interesting setting. I'm so sorry you didn't get to read it with Melody.

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  4. Oh Lark, grief is the gift that keeps on giving! I am so sorry you didn't get to discuss it with her, but glad you enjoyed it. Hugs.

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  5. I can understand why this read was a bittersweet one.

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  6. Sounds like you are going to remember this one for a special reason. It will forever be associated in your mind with your friend; that must have been both a tough and a comforting read. Thanks for sharing.

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  7. I plan to read this book next year, so it's a relief that you liked it.
    But I can imagine, it must have been very hard for you. So sorry for the loss of your blogging/reading friend (I missed your post in April). Hopefully her blog will be on the blogosphere for a long time to come as a sort of memorial for her life and (most of all) thoughts.

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  8. I am sorry you never got to read this book with Melody. It sounds like she would have really enjoyed the book and I can see why the subject is interesting.

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  9. This sounds like a beautiful book. I can imagine that it made you sad since you wanted to read it with Melody but I am sure you will look back at this with all the love you had for her. Hugs.

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  10. Lark, I'm so sorry you didn't get a chance to read this with Melody. It sounds like a wonderful book. I'm sending hugs your way.

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  11. I'm glad you decided to read this one. I know it will forever be tied to your memories of Melody. Funny how books can do that, isn't it? I've still got the JA Jance galley I was reading when my mom called to tell me she was sick. There's a playing card marking the place where I stopped mid chapter to answer the call. I've never picked that book back up. Maybe one day I will.

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  12. Please accept my sympathy on the loss of your friend. It sounds as though reading this book was a good way to honor her memory.

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  13. So sorry about the loss of Melody. Very sad. I think she'd appreciate: this Japanese novel looks like a winner.

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  14. This book sound amazing!! I will add it to my reading wishlist. I wish you could have read this novel with Melody too!

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  15. Oh I'm so sorry. This must have been an especially poignant read. I'm glad it was this one though as it is such a calming healing read. I'm glad you enjoyed it. It is one of my favorites.

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  16. It is sad that you did not get to read this Melody. She sounds like a great blogging friend. This book is on my wish list and I will get it before the end of the year.

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  17. Oh, dear. That is bittersweet, Lark.

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  18. I'm so sorry you didn't get to read this with Melody. I still can't believe it. The story sounds really wonderful and I'm sure it will hold a special place in your heart.

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  19. I have this one sitting on my TBR pile. I am so sorry you weren't able to read it with Melody. I know she would have liked this one too.

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