Review: What you are looking for is in the library, Michiko Aoyama.

@debbies.little.bookshelf

This is a gorgeous novel that is just as much about finding yourself as it is about the serendipity of life. I love books about the interconnectedness of people’s lives, stories where you have ordinary people who find their happiness and purpose by appreciating where they are and learning that they are capable of so much more. Books like this make being human feel so far from mundane and make you feel like you’re right where you’re supposed to be.

Five ordinary people, each at crossroads in their lives, find themselves drawn to the same library at just the right time. When they need it most they meet Mrs. Komachi, the wise and very magical librarian, who has the perfect book for each of them. Her rogue book recommendations lead them toward the clarity, comfort, and growth they didn’t even know they were searching for. The whole book kept reminding me of an Albert Einstein quote, “The only thing that you absolutely have to know, is the location of the library.”

I adored how “normal” each character and their struggles were, there’s something in this book that everyone can relate to. As someone who always worries about the future, that I’m not doing enough or could be doing better, it’s a gentle nudge to remember that we all do the best we can with what we are given, we are always where we are meant to be, and everything happens for a reason. It’s such a quiet reminder that small moments of kindness or encouragement can truly change someone’s world. Each character’s journey felt so relatable, and I couldn’t help but root for them all. Definitely recommend this one for anyone looking for a heartfelt and thought-provoking read.