Reviews

What You Are Looking For is in the Library by Michiko Aoyama

bb_aim's review

hopeful slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

jhbandcats's review against another edition

emotional hopeful inspiring reflective relaxing slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

I might have read too many warm, cozy Japanese books with cats on the covers. The novelty and charm have worn off. To me they *feel* all the same even when the stories are different. The focus isn’t on the plot but how people act and react with one another. 

What I liked was the loose interactions between characters from different chapters, showing how we’re all connected even if we don’t realize it. I was happy the proprietor of the antique shop in the second chapter showed up again at the end so we could see what really happened. 

What I didn’t like was the didactic, simplistic tone. I felt like I was reading a self-help book where the important points are being hammered into my head. I also felt like the emphasis on Sayuri’s appearance was insulting - the first time she’s described as massive and pale was okay but it was said each time a new chapter started. The point, obviously, is that what’s outside (large, weird, intimidating, unattractive) is offset by what’s inside (compassion, intelligence, lively inquisitiveness). I got it the first three times and didn’t need to read it again another two….

I think I’ll take a break from these books, at least until the cats on the covers compel me to return. 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Body horror and Fatphobia

winter_lake91's review against another edition

hopeful inspiring reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

docaphra's review against another edition

hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

ashimgarg's review against another edition

5.0

I agree - what I am looking for is always somewhere in a library. Being part of a library in any shape or form could be a real track.

books_bakes_dogs's review

hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective medium-paced

• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

5.0

Such a sweet book. A lovely, light-hearted read about the importance of libraries, the interconnectedness of the patrons they serve, and the magic of librarians. 

julia51's review against another edition

4.0

I really loved all the stories but the fact that the narrator switched with each story was really annoying 

chinola's review against another edition

hopeful inspiring reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes

4.0

vishbs's review against another edition

4.0

what i was looking for WAS in the library

jenesis_reads's review

hopeful informative inspiring reflective relaxing fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.25