Name: La Bibliothèque des rêves secrets
Rating: 4.120300751879699 (133 reviews)
ISBN: 9782493816030

Michiko Aoyama

Homme ou femme, jeune ou vieux, salarié ou retraité... ils sont cinq à franchir le pas de la petite bibliothèque tenue par Sayuri Komachi en plein cœur de Tokyo. Leur point commun : ils sont au croisement de leur vie. À chacun Sayuri Komachi, énigmatique bibliothécaire attentive aux autres, proposera un ouvrage totalement inattendu, bien loin de celui qu'ils croyaient être venus chercher. Mais ce choix ne relève pas du hasard, ce livre se révèle comme le jalon qui leur permettra de changer de vie. Sayuri Komachi dévoile à chaque lecteur le pouvoir de la lecture et l'importance qu'une personne attentive et à l'écoute peut avoir sur le destin de chacun d'entre nous. Michiko Aoyama est une journaliste japonaise. La Bibliothèque des rêves secrets, son premier roman, s'est immédiatement hissé en tête des ventes au Japon avant de connaître un succès international.

La Bibliothèque des rêves secrets

お探し物は図書室まで

cedar winslow

You told me that if you only ever look in front, your view will be quite narrow. So whenever I feel stuck or don't know what to do, I try to broaden my view. Relax my shoulders and walk sideways like a crab. 

Lindy

mikee ♡

‘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.’

Lia ♡

There are so many things to do, but I won’t make the excuse that I have no time any more. Instead, I will think about what I can do with the time I have.

Merve Ataç

I know that now. Just as every day is equal in value and no less important than all the others. The day I was born, today as I stand here now and the many tomorrows to come.

Jemima Scott

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

The majority may not accept something, but as long as there are some who do, the existence of that thing – whatever it may be- is protected.

Marsheila Harvy

'Is that what you think? That it will only ever be a dream? As long as you continue to say the words "one day", the dream is not over. Maybe it will simply remaib a beautiful dream. It may never come true. But that is one way to live, in my opinion. The days go by more happily when you have something to dream about. It's not always a bad thing to have a dream, with no plan for ever carrying it out.'

'But isn't that funny? That each person should be chasing the tail of the person in front of them, when no one is coming first or last. In other words, when it comes to happiness nothing is better or worse - there is no definitive state.'

'Things change, even if you want them to stay the same. At the same time, you can try to change, but you will still remain the same.'

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

As long as you continue to say the words 'one day,’ the dream is not over. Maybe it will simply remain a beautiful dream. It may never come true. But that is one way to live, in my opinion. The days go by more happily when you have something to dream about. It's not always a bad thing to have a dream, with no plan for ever carrying it out.

Another thing I never knew about children until I had one myself is that it is simply impossible to read your own book with a small child in the vicinity.

Things don't always go to plan, no matter what your circumstances. But the flip side is all the unexpected, wonderful things that you could never have imagined happening. Ultimately it's all for the best that many things don't turn out the way we hoped. Try not to think of upset plans or schedules as personal failure or bad luck. If you can do that, then you can change, in your own self and in your life overall. 

The heart has two eyes to perceive that which is not visible to the eye. One is the "Sun Eye," which sheds a bright light on our understanding of things from a rational and logical perspective. The other is the 'Moon Eye," which perceives things through instinct or emotion, in our imagination or dreams, such as seeing ghosts in the dark or entertaining a secret love. Both eyes exist in our hearts.

You may say that it was the book, but it's how you read a book thar is most valuable, rather than any power it might have itself… Readers make their own personal connections to words, irrespective of the writer’s intentions, and each reader gains something unique.

I do whatever moves me--thať's all the reason I need

Do you know how many people are involved from the time a manuscript is written until it reaches the reader? I'n proud to be a part of that process. 

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

“I still don’t know what I want to do, or what I can do. What I do know is that there’s no need to panic, or do more than I can cope with right now. For the time being, I plan to simply get my life in order and learn some new skills, choosing from that’s available.”

“As long as you continue to say the words ‘one day’, the dream is not over. Maybe it will simply remain a beautiful dream. It may never come true. But that is one way to live, in my opinion. The days go by more happily when you have something to dream about. It’s not always a bad thing to have a dream, with no plan for ever carrying it out.”

For fans of The Midnight Library and Before the Coffee Gets Cold, this charming Japanese novel shows how the perfect book recommendation can change a reader's life. What are you looking for? This is the famous question routinely asked by Tokyo's most enigmatic librarian, Sayuri Komachi. Like most librarians, Komachi has read every book lining her shelves--but she also has the unique ability to read the souls of her library guests. For anyone who walks through her door, Komachi can sense exactly what they're looking for in life and provide just the book recommendation they never knew they needed to help them find it. Each visitor comes to her library from a different juncture in their careers and dreams, from the restless sales attendant who feels stuck at her job to the struggling working mother who longs to be a magazine editor. The conversation that they have with Sayuri Komachi--and the surprise book she lends each of them--will have life-altering consequences. With heartwarming charm and wisdom, What You Are Looking For Is in the Library is a paean to the magic of libraries, friendship and community, perfect for anyone who has ever found themselves at an impasse in their life and in need of a little inspiration.

What You Are Looking for Is in the Library

Though I wasn't able to consistently read this book, it still gave a source of comfort for me. Being able to finish this book before the year ends gives me a sense of accomplisment as well since i never expected that i can get to squeeze in some reading time during college. This book isn't mind booglingly good but it is a good read when you want something to get you out of a reading slump. Its comforting because it also tells you to slow down, see things from another perspective and having different stories in this book gives you a variety of life lessons that you can apply to yourself. Easy world building and characters are likeable, you can easily put yourself in their shoes while reading.

Margarette

A lovely, gentle read about how different people can take inspiration from small, seemingly random things and turn their lives around. Sometimes all we need is a change of perspective. The format and structure of the book are quite similar to the last book I read (The Full Moon Coffee Shop), and the characters are also interconnected in interesting ways, but I find this book more subtle and profound.

Francine

Wholesome, playful read with inspiring stories and life lessons.

Cassandra Tang

Simple and wonderful! Its reminded me a lot of the TV show Ted Lasso, in terms of the introspection it makes you do.

Arpit

Gosh so darling absolutely love all the storylines I swear I thought this book was sponsored by fucking honeydome cookies! Reminds me that sometimes when you are searching for an answer you already know it in your soul

Angeleeka

The premise is really interesting, and I liked the different characters and stories. I just like having more of a narrative arc in the novels I read. 

Floofyflower

I love how each chapter is its own vignette but characters, themes, and details like honeydome cookies connect throughout. The inclusion of characters in many different situations and stages of life is really beautiful and I found myself connecting differently with each one. The library as the central space, inspiring a feeling of being understood for the characters and gently encouraging change was my favorite part about this book. Cozy and comforting, this book reminded me to follow my heart, give myself more credit, and remember that you can always create the change that you long for if you reach out to those in your community. 

Lila Ingersoll

Short and sweet. Gets a bit repetitive but overall an enjoyable and easy read. 

Olga V

Cara 🤍

This is such a delightful story about slowing down and looking at things more simply to work out what you want and need. I really loved the style of the writing, the translator did such a brilliant job. 

“When I buy a book, I also become part of the process as a reader. People working in the book industry are not the only ones who make this publishing world go round; most of all it depends on the readers. Books belong to everybody: the creators, the sellers and the readers. That’s what society is all about, I believe.”

Beth Bartholomew

This is such a delightful story about slowing down and looking at things more simply to work out what you want and need. I really loved the style of the writing, the translator did such a brilliant job. 

One of my favourite quotes is:

“When I buy a book, I also become part of the process as a reader. People working in the book industry are not the only ones who make this publishing world go round; most of all it depends on the readers. Books belong to everybody: the creators, the sellers and the readers. That’s what society is all about, I believe.”

"You can decide things, but there’s no guarantee everything will go as planned. It’s just that—’ Kiriyama’s voice breaks off and he pauses. ‘In a world where you don’t know what will happen next, I just do what I can right now.’" 

Having felt lost lately due to the pressures of life, this book came to me at the right time, right when I needed it the most. 

As I got to read the stories of the characters here as they go on their journey to find what they were looking for, it made me gain clarity on which direction I can lead my life into and how I can make it more meaningful for me. It doesn't matter how long it takes me to reach my dream, as long as I never stop trying to look for ways. Yes, life is hard, but in the end it will always be up to us on how we handle and face the obstacles in our way. As long as you are trying, then you are doing the best you can give as of the moment.

"You can decide things, but there’s no guarantee everything will go as planned. It’s just that—’ Kiriyama’s voice breaks off and he pauses. ‘In a world where you don’t know what will happen next, I just do what I can right now.’" 

Having felt lost lately due to the pressures of life, this book came to me at the right time, right when I needed it the most. 

As I got to read the stories of the characters here as they go on their journey to find what they were looking for, it made me gain clarity on which direction I can lead my life into and how I can make it more meaningful for me. It doesn't matter how long it takes me to reach my dream, as long as I never stop trying to look for ways. Yes, life is hard, but in the end it will always be up to us on how we handle and face the obstacles in our way. As long as you are trying, then you are doing the best you can give as of the moment.

abi a

A solid 3, a half for the cat cover (hehe). I love how it revolves mostly around books and libraries. It was such an easy read! Great for starters who wants to improve their english :)

I think this is perhaps the best one I have read out of this particular genre of novels. Focus was very squarely on each of the characters and their respective circumstances which helped care about and relate to them. The variation of attachment to the library as a narrative device also felt much more grounded in reality than anything I have read before.

It was Natsumi's story, in particular, that resonated with me. I felt anger at how unjustly she had been treated and how none of the men in her life understood her needs nor her plea. But this is the first time where someone declaring they no longer wanted to victimise themself made sense to me. It is perhaps the first time I clearly saw someone not look down on the circumstances of a victim and change them and their mindset in a way that is meant to be belittling of the very real struggles of women. Rather it was a case where someone instead went and sought a solution that would accommodate all of their circumstances.

It is perhaps the first time I story like this gave me something to think over.

I think this is perhaps the best one I have read out of this particular genre of novels. Focus was very squarely on each of the characters and their respective circumstances which helped care about and relate to them. The variation of attachment to the library as a narrative device also felt much more grounded in reality than anything I have read before.

It was Natsumi's story, in particular, that resonated with me. I felt anger at how unjustly she had been treated and how none of the men in her life understood her needs nor her plea. But this is the first time where someone declaring they no longer wanted to victimise themself made sense to me. It is perhaps the first time I clearly saw someone not look down on the circumstances of a victim and change them and their mindset in a way that is meant to be belittling of the very real struggles of women. Rather it was a case where someone instead went and sought a solution that would accommodate all of their circumstances.

It is perhaps the first time I story like this gave me something to think over.

A simple book, a simple set of stories. Nothing amazing, but it's a light story about people dissatisfied with their work or lack thereof. I didn't hate it, but didn't love it either. 

BC Hark

“I will not give up on myself. From now on, I intend to gather close all the things that are important to me. I will make my own anthology”

This short story collection is unique in how they are connected with each other. I suggest people to read this. Even if it mainly revolves around characters dealing with their job or its lack thereof, the lessons really resonate with any situation in your life.

“I will not give up on myself. From now on, I intend to gather close all the things that are important to me. I will make my own anthology”

This short story collection is unique in how they are connected with each other. I suggest people to read this. Even if it mainly revolves around characters dealing with their job or its lack thereof, the lessons really resonate with any situation in your life.

This book is really special to me. It has deep meaning that makes me contemplate life.

Manilyn Un

“what are you looking for?” / “i’m still searching.” 

a delightful read. five stories of five different people whose lives brush against each other a few times. 

開花

“what are you looking for?” / “i’m still searching.” 

a delightful read. five stories of five different people whose lives brush against each other a few times. 

Gelaine Trinidad

Melanie

This is such a delightful book. Five short stories that overlap and interweave. Set in Japan, all the narrators are trying to figure out what they want from their jobs and their life.

All the stories have really well rounded characters, and vivid imagery so you can imagine walking around next to them. They all make their way to the library, the librarian in a local community center helps them in unexpected ways.

It’s really heartwarming and uplifting. The perfect cozy book.

Suzanne

This is such a delightful book. Five short stories that overlap and interweave. Set in Japan, all the narrators are trying to figure out what they want from their jobs and their life.

All the stories have really well rounded characters, and vivid imagery so you can imagine walking around next to them. They all make their way to the library, the librarian in a local community center helps them in unexpected ways.

It’s really heartwarming and uplifting. The perfect cozy book.

La Bibliothèque des rêves secrets

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