Aoyama, Michiko - What You Are Looking For Is In The Library

Five stories of disconnected or lonely souls. Underachievers, never-weres, has-beens.
They gradually intersect at a small community library. Not necessarily physical connection, yet their stories and fates brush.
By the end, these threads are more apparent, and more contrived.

The librarian is stereotyped as gargantuan, which may put some off.
There are messages of a second act, even a third, and in many ways this is an inspirational read.
Female characters seem to fare better than males, in terms of actually improving their lot, or doing something about their lives rather than planning to do something.

Hiroya, 30, still lives with his mother, does not work, shuffles through life.
He wants employment he can be passionate about.
Masao, 65, retired, vegetating in his home, while his younger wife may or may not care.

Thinking afterward, I wondered if author Aoyama was making sly comments about men in society.