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

When Jeff and I were in Tokyo in December, there was one thing we could not believe: how polite and kind everyone was. Yes, they also were wearing the nicest clothing we have ever seen, but underneath those designer suits, was a caring community. In a bout of confusion at the metro, when we tried to put the receipt into the ticket reader instead of the ticket, two separate people rushed to our aid to help. Two complete strangers offering help without being asked just because they are so kind. Tokyo is an amazing place, and our visit made me want to read more Japanese fiction. "What You are Looking For is in the Library" by Michiko Aoyama and translated by Alison Watts is an incredibly charming and thoughtful book. The premise is intriguing: Does a librarian have the power to recommend a book and change a person's life forever? In this case, the librarian is Sayuri Komachi, who has read every book, on every shelf, in her library.  She assesses all of her patrons and tries to pair them with the exact book that will suit them best. Set in the fictional neighborhood of Hatori, the library is a place that connects the residents to each other and the world. When Komachi asks each patron what they are looking for, she does not mean just for today but for the future and forever. Sweet, charming, thoughtful but with the absence of being overly saccharine, "What You Are Looking For is in the Library" Is a tribute to the gratitude and kindness of the people of Japan. They take the time to take care of themselves, as well as each other. Japan, I will be back one day, and I can't wait. To buy this book on Amazon click here.