Plots & Plates

Michiko Aoyama (translated by Alison Watts)

This book features five vignettes of people living in Tokyo who are all at a crossroads in their life. The stories are interconnected by a visit to the same small community library, and an encounter with a librarian who recommends a book for them to borrow.

I enjoyed this book immensely. I believe it’s the first book I’ve read by a Japanese author, and I relished the glimpse it allows into Japanese life and culture.

I found the characters to be relatable (perhaps it’s reflective of my phase of life?), and the stories uplifting. I also loved that there was an element of magic and mystery as a through-line throughout the novel.

This book has helped me to get out of a reading rut. I have raved about it repeatedly to friends and family, and rushed out to find and read two more of Aoyama’s books: Hot Chocolate on Thursday and The healing hippo of hinode park. While these were also very enjoyable (3.5 stars), there’s something special about What you are looking for is in the library which makes it unique. I didn’t know what to expect when I opened the cover, and was quickly taken in by its charm.

It is an easy and comforting read, and I recommend it if you are wanting to try something different, or if you need a book hug.