What are you looking for is in the library

“In the long, long history of evolution, without doubt, I am living now, in the present.”

I recently read a book named "What Are You Looking For Is in the Library" by Michiko Aoyama. It's a simple, lighthearted read that offers a refreshing perspective on life. The book feels warm and welcoming, evoking a sense of simplicity and encouraging readers to pursue what truly makes them happy.

The story begins by introducing various characters, each navigating different stages and struggles in their lives. There's an artist, a 30-year-old unemployed man, a retired man, a married woman with a child, and more. Each grappling with their daily lives, trying to find purpose and direction.

As adults, many of us experience moments of doubt and confusion. We question if we are on the right path or doing the right thing. For instance, someone might dream of being a writer but end up in a corporate job or aspire to be an entrepreneur but feel stuck in a different role. This book resonates with those universal feelings of uncertainty and the quest for fulfillment.

Each character in the story is drawn to a local library for various reasons. This library is a community hub near their homes, run by a librarian named Ms. Komachi, who enjoys felting.

When she asks customers, "What are you looking for?" it often catches them off guard, making them ponder their true desires. They realize they are not just looking for a book but searching for a deeper meaning or purpose in life.

Ms. Komachi has an incredible intuition. When customers share snippets of their lives or express their struggles, she listens carefully and recommends the right set of books. For instance, a woman was looking for a children's book but she starts sharing her frustrations about wanting to write a novel while managing a job and a child. Ms. Komachi listens intently and provides exactly what she needs, whether it's guidance on balancing parenthood and writing or inspiration for her next creative endeavor.

In another scenario, an accountant working in a furniture shop dreams of opening an antique store but keeps postponing it, thinking "Someday." When he visits the library, Ms. Komachi asks "What are you looking for?"

He ends up confessing his dream of starting his own business. She listens carefully and then gives him books on antiques, entrepreneurship, and even an intriguing book on gardening titled "How Do Worms Work? A Gardener’s Collection of Curious Questions and Astonishing Answers." These thoughtful recommendations help him find the courage and knowledge to pursue his dream.

Along with the book recommendations, she also gives thoughtful bonus gifts, which further help people find meaning in their lives. Every narrative ends with a happy ending in one way or the other. Whether it’s the characters finding their true calling and doing what they always wanted to do or simply changing their perspective on life.

It’s interesting to know how when you read a book everybody remembers it differently. You may say that it was the book, but it’s how you read a book that is most valuable, rather than any power it might have itself.

A few thoughts that deeply resonated with me:

“In a world where you don’t know what will happen next, just do what you can right now.”

“You managed to find employment, you go to work every day and you can feed yourself. That’s a fine achievement.”

“From big things to little, there are some things we simply cannot force to go to plan, no matter how hard we try.”

“This is where I am. It’s night now. The Earth will turn and morning will come….”