THE BOOKSHOP WOMAN is a lively account of Nanako Hanada’s avocation as a book recommender, a task that she undertook bravely in the aftermath of separating from her husband. 

Hanada was employed at Village Vanguard, a popular, eccentric bookstore in the heart of Tokyo. An avid reader since childhood, she was well-suited to the work. So when she found herself alone outside work hours, she joined a website called PerfectStrangers. With some trepidation, she presented herself as someone who could advise people on the book “that’s perfect for you.” This would provide her with a number of exhilarating ways to help others while comforting and examining herself.

"Hanada’s international acclaim and undeniable success as an author who combines literary knowledge with psychological insights and enjoyable humor should lead to further projects and an ever-widening readership."

Hanada’s first contact was Tsuchiya. They met at a café and had a pleasant, personal chat as he made it gradually clear that he would gladly connect with her sexually if she wished. She gently declined and recommended what she felt was the perfect book for him: SEX IN JAPAN. The encounters continued, with men who secretly might have craved a physical partnership but with whom she could have lively conversations and give appropriate reading suggestions. Hanada also met with women and occasionally groups of PerfectStrangers aficionados. She had entered into this unusual life pattern to “escape my own lacking life.” 

After numerous meetups with the goal of assisting her companions, Hanada began to recede from the role she had initially and so carefully carved. She had learned much from the “perfect strangers” she assisted and now wished to open other doors and set new horizons for herself. The opportunity came to work in the book department of a large chain store. Finalizing her divorce, she packed and moved to start the job, followed by another. She realized that working in bookshops allows her to continue to share her literary acumen directly with those she interacts with, which is gratifying for all concerned. 

Translated by Cat Anderson, THE BOOKSHOP WOMAN has become a global bestseller and the basis for a miniseries. In sharing her personal, intimate journey, illustrated with small sketches of the faces of those she contacts, Hanada offers readers a chance to contemplate what might be their own “best book,” suggesting ways to obtain and cherish that as a source of inspiration for all of life’s twists and turns. 

Hanada’s international acclaim and undeniable success as an author who combines literary knowledge with psychological insights and enjoyable humor should lead to further projects and an ever-widening readership.