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A review by wowsmeows
What You Are Looking For is in the Library by Michiko Aoyama
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
"In a world where you don't know what will happen next, I just do what I can right now"
This book follows five individuals, all in different stages of their lives but all feeling trapped by their current circumstances. Each of them find themselves visiting their local library and end up finding the inspiration to change the trajectory of their lives.
Each chapter focuses on one of the five characters, which does start to feel a bit repetitive as each storyline more or less follows the same formula. That being said, it is a cute and cozy concept and I think the author did a great job of showing that all you really need in life is to find something you're passionate about and run with it.
My only complaint would probably be how terrible all of the male characters are. At best they are complely useless, and at worse they are ignorant. I don't know if this was an intentional social commentary from the author, but it felt incredibly frustrating and down right misogynistic. Because this is set up to be a cosy and inspiring read, every character ends up getting their happily ever after, and their shortcomings aren't really fully addressed.
Overall this book was a cute, fun read and it did make me think a lot about life and the power we all have to change our own destinies. I'd definitely read books from this author again, but hopefully with more fleshed out and well-rounded male characters.
This book follows five individuals, all in different stages of their lives but all feeling trapped by their current circumstances. Each of them find themselves visiting their local library and end up finding the inspiration to change the trajectory of their lives.
Each chapter focuses on one of the five characters, which does start to feel a bit repetitive as each storyline more or less follows the same formula. That being said, it is a cute and cozy concept and I think the author did a great job of showing that all you really need in life is to find something you're passionate about and run with it.
My only complaint would probably be how terrible all of the male characters are. At best they are complely useless, and at worse they are ignorant. I don't know if this was an intentional social commentary from the author, but it felt incredibly frustrating and down right misogynistic. Because this is set up to be a cosy and inspiring read, every character ends up getting their happily ever after, and their shortcomings aren't really fully addressed.
Overall this book was a cute, fun read and it did make me think a lot about life and the power we all have to change our own destinies. I'd definitely read books from this author again, but hopefully with more fleshed out and well-rounded male characters.
Content Warnings
Minor: Misogyny