What You Are Looking for Is in the Library
Ratings94
Average rating4.1
It was cute and heartwarming, but repetitive and predictable. I wanted to like it, but every chapter felt formulaic. The writing style also feels dull and uninspired. It often happens when I read other Japanese translated novels , so it could very well be a cultural thing. It reminds me of reading YA novels where the author feels the need to over explain and tell me, rather than show me. It's fine. I enjoyed reading it, but I can't in good conscience give it more than 3 stars.
I loved all the different stories and how it comes back to the fact that we can get inspiration from a book, a gift, or a situation, but we ourselves have to connect the dots. Very cosy feel good novel for everyone.
5 loosely interconnected stories of people struggling to find their ways at crossroads in their lives. While they were enjoyable I found them repetitive and a little preachy. Overall a bit boring.
Was this book a life changing read? No, it wasn't. Was it a feel good, charming read filled with endearing yet imperfect characters learning somewhat important lessons? Yes. If you're looking for a read that isn't super deep but just sort of sweet this one might be what you're looking for. I was particularly fond of fat needle felting librarian it's not often that we see that type of character presented in a heartwarming fashion so I enjoyed it greatly.
What a wonderful book that feels like a warm hug. Wish I could meet Ms Sayuri Komachi some day and see what she would recommend for me ❤️
People come into the library looking for something, and librarian Sayuri Komachi is able to help them with just the right book, just the right connection to another person.
Comforting and heartwarming. This book just fills you up with positivity. Rounded down from 4.5⭐ because the translation is a bit too Westernized for my tastes.
A sweet book that will remind you to be kind to yourself and live life at your own pace.
DNF after 2.5 stories. The stories are short, simple, and cute and there is some nice (very obvious) messaging happening, but it quickly got repetitive and predictable. The writing felt very stilted and I’m not sure if that is how the original is written or a commentary on the translation work, which in general was filled with typos.
2.75 stars
this is the kind of book that warms up to you. i found the writing overly descriptive and at a lot of times in the beginning, parts were unnecessary. but by the third chapter (which featured my favorite story), it grew on me, even if it did feel slightly contrived. this is the kind of book that requires steady patience to receive its simple, heartfelt themes. on another note, the librarian and her assistant are PRECIOUS.
4.5 - so lovely
“The days go by more happily when you have something to dream about. Its not always a bad thing to have a dream, with no plan for ever carrying it out”