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A review by jhbandcats
What You Are Looking For Is in the Library by Michiko Aoyama
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.
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.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror and Fatphobia