In this wonderful novel—which has achieved tremendous success both in Japan and worldwide—five individuals cross the threshold of the small bookstore managed by Sayuri Komachi in the heart of Tokyo. Whether man or woman, young or old, working professional or retiree, the common thread binding them is that they each stand at a crossroads in their lives. To each of them, Sayuri Komachi offers an unexpected book—one entirely different from the title they originally came seeking—a book that will help them transform their lives and reshape their destinies. Thus, this captivating novel reveals to us the power of reading and the importance of listening to others, affirming that the true value of a book lies more in our own personal interpretation than in the inherent power of its words.