I’m starting this on the very first day of the year, filled with hope and anticipation. This year, I wish for more laughter, making peace with ourselves, noticing the little things that bring us joy, embracing imperfection, being kinder to ourselves, and exploring more of this beautiful life and world. 

The Holiday season has kept me a bit busy, making me slow down a bit, being with family and friends, doing things which I like the most. Still having a few more days left and slowly getting back to the routine, I’m taking a quick break from the break to jot down the thoughts wandering through my mind before they slip away.

I have been an avid reader since childhood. Back then, I didn’t stick to any specific genre—I would read anything and everything that came my way. But everything changed a decade ago when I picked up The Girl on the Train. I was completely hooked! For me, it felt like the best mystery novel ever, mainly because I couldn’t guess the mystery until the very end. There started my love for mysteries.

Before that, I had read a few Sidney Sheldon novels, but The Girl on the Train turned mystery into my absolute favorite genre. Alongside mysteries, romance has always held a special place in my heart. Give me a great book in either genre, and you’ll see me disappear until I’ve devoured every last page!

This year, I made it a point to step out of my comfort zone and explore nonfiction—a genre that has always been my least favourite. Still, I couldn’t resist sneaking in a couple of fictional indulgences, including Better than the Movies and its sequel, which are hands-down my favourites.

Now, coming back to the topic, I recently attended a meetup called the “Silent Book Club.” It was a unique experience where we had an hour of silence to read whatever book we brought, followed by the chance to interact with fellow book lovers. This was my first meetup, and it was wonderful to hear so many book recommendations and connect with others who share my love for reading.

That’s where I first heard about What You Are Looking For Is in the Library. Intrigued, I decided to give it a try. I started reading it toward the end of December, determined to finish it before the New Year. Although I missed my goal by just a day, I wrapped it up on January 1st—and what a delightful way to start the year!

It is a book written by Michiko Aoyama, a Japanese novel translated to English. It felt like a very breezy, light read. It beautifully captures the everyday struggles people face and how they often find themselves stuck. The beauty of this book lies in how relatable it is—you can see yourself or the people around you reflected in its pages.

The book is a collection of five short stories, each featuring individuals from different age groups, all at crossroads in their lives. The characters are incredibly realistic; their experiences echo moments we’ve all encountered at some point.

The story revolves around a library and its kind-hearted librarian, Sayuri Komachi. She doesn’t just provide the books people ask for—she also offers seemingly irrelevant ones that somehow help them see their lives in a new light. What I loved most about this book is that it doesn’t focus on dramatic, life-changing events. Instead, it highlights the power of small nudges in the right direction—tiny moments that steer the characters toward where they need to be.

The book begins with Tomoka, a young woman stuck in a monotonous sales job. Life feels dull and uninspiring until she visits the library. Alongside the books she asks for, she’s handed a kids book. This seemingly random choice inspires her to bake a cake (a castella cake, mentioned in the book, where two field mice cook a cake in a frying pan)—a simple act that changes how she perceives her everyday tasks like cooking and cleaning. As she learns to find joy in these little things, her outlook on life shifts. Though her job remains the same, it no longer feels uninteresting. Tomoka’s story is my favourite because of how beautifully it shows the power of perspective.

Then there’s Natsumi, a former magazine editor struggling to adjust to motherhood and a career that no longer excites her. Her story resonates deeply with the challenges many new mothers face—finding balance and rediscovering themselves amid the chaos.

Hiroya, an artist struggling to find inspiration, lives with his mother and feels directionless. A trip to the library introduces him to a book unrelated to his request, yet it sparks a renewed passion for drawing.

Ryo dreams of owning an antique shop but feels tied to his stable accountant job. The library visit and an unexpected book give him the courage to pursue his passion alongside his current career, showing him that dreams and practicality can coexist.

Lastly, there’s Masao, a 65-year-old retiree who feels invisible and purposeless. His story concludes with a touching transformation as he rekindles relationships with his wife and daughter, finding meaning in expressing gratitude and embracing life anew.

This book felt like a warm hug, reminding me that it’s never too late to make a change. One of my favourite aspects is how it celebrates the power of small steps—how even tiny shifts in perspective or action can lead to meaningful transformations.

What You Are Looking For Is in the Library nudges you to reflect on your own life—where you are and where you want to be. If you’re feeling lost or just need a gentle reminder that answers often lie in unexpected places, this book is a perfect pick.