Michiko Aoyama

“What You Are Looking for Is in the Library” by Michiko Aoyama — a charming, internationally bestselling Japanese novel about how the perfect book recommendation can change a readers’ life — has been published by Hanover Square Press.

What are you looking for? So asks Tokyo’s most enigmatic librarian. For Sayuri Komachi is able to sense exactly what each visitor to her library is searching for and provide just the book recommendation to help them find it.

A restless retail assistant looks to gain new skills, a mother tries to overcome demotion at work after maternity leave, a conscientious accountant yearns to open an antique store, a recently retired salaryman searches for newfound purpose.

In Komachi’s unique book recommendations they will find just what they need to achieve their dreams. “What You Are Looking for Is in the Library” is about the magic of libraries and the discovery of connection. This inspirational tale shows how, by listening to our hearts, seizing opportunity and reaching out, we too can fulfill our lifelong dreams.

Aoyama was born in 1970 in Aichi Prefecture. After university, she became a reporter for a Japanese newspaper based in Sydney before moving back to Tokyo to work as a magazine editor. “What You Are Looking for Is in the Library” was short-listed for the Japan Booksellers’ Award and became a Japanese bestseller. It has been translated into more than 15 languages. Aoyama lives in Yokohama.

“A delightful, gentle unfolding of stories that offer hope and joy to those who find themselves in a pivotal moment in life.” — Kirkus

“A comforting read filled with serendipity and simple wisdom, this is a celebration of community, connection, and the transformative power of libraries.” — Booklist

“There’s more to Aoyama’s novel than kindness. There is a subtle, provocative thread about misremembering; a pageant of interesting jobs; and a suite of mature, cooperative relationship. [T]he novel is an undeniable page-turner, its mechanism energized by a simple question, posed again and again by the uncanny librarian, Mrs. Komachi.” — Robin Sloane, New York Times Book Review