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elaineb_reads's review against another edition
challenging
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
4.5
I enjoyed reading this book. There was a lot of interesting information about libraries and the fire that burned down the Los Angeles Central Library. I was interested in this book because of my interest in libraries and was not disappointed. It did take a long time for me to finish because I started reading this book in the middle of my finals and struggled to pick it back up after finals were over.
mdevlin923's review against another edition
3.0
The Los Angeles Public Library caught on fire on April 29, 1986, which resulted in huge amounts of damage. In addition to chronicling the events of the fire and subsequent arson investigations, Orlean includes historical information about the Los Angeles Public Library system (its inception, various library directors, construction, etc.) as well as services that the library currently provides.
vlreid's review against another edition
5.0
An absolutely delightful book which weaves information about all aspects of libraries, while focusing intermittently on telling the story of the Los Angeles Central Library fire. A love letter to all libraries.
aeclark12's review against another edition
4.0
Though the story of Los Angeles Public Library fire frames the narrative, this is an ode to public libraries in general, the services they provide, and the people who staff them. Lots of interesting characters, anecdotes, and trivia.
pothosethos's review against another edition
5.0
This is a love letter to libraries and the people who make them run. The writing was absolutely spellbinding and I laughed out loud at some of the people she finds in the library. This book made me feel the magic of libraries sooo strongly and I have a strong urge to frolick in the stacks and sit down in a comfy spot to read and people watch✨
nemvagyokitt's review against another edition
adventurous
informative
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
4.25
Was not expecting to enjoy a book about books as much as I did! Susan Orlean is such a genius writer, and I was so impressed with the way she weaved together so many stories
stephsbooktalk's review against another edition
Mini Audiobook Review: Thank you so much to Simon & Schuster for the complimentary book!
If you are a fan of libraries, are a librarian, want to be a librarian or going to school to be a librarian you should read this book.
The main storyline throughout the book is about a fire that burned over 7 hours in April of 1986 destroying 400,000 books and damaging 700,000 books. But it was so much more. It talked about the history of libraries, the value of libraries and notable figures throughout the history of libraries.
This book was very fact heavy and I was reading it in small chunks as it was a lot to take in. So be prepared for that if you do decide to read. But I suppose that comes with the territory of a non fiction book.
I recently started working part time at a library and this game me such appreciation for the history of libraries. And I get so happy to see people come in and out on the days I work. I am also still amazed at how people are still getting new library cards and then there are those who do not use any of the services the libraries offer. The book does talk about at the end how much the library does for their communities and I know I see it at the one I work with and those I follow.
I paired my reading with the audio and the author was the narrator. I thought her narration was really well done. You could tell how much research and work Orlean put into crafting this book.
A quote that I found memorable:
"The idea of being forgotten is terrifying. I fear not just that I, personally will be forgotten, but that we are all doomed to being, forgotten - that the sum of life is ultimately nothing; that we experience joy and disappointment and aches and delights and loss, make our little mark on the world, and then we vanish, and the mark is erased, and it is as if never existed."
Note: I do not rate non fiction books.
If you are a fan of libraries, are a librarian, want to be a librarian or going to school to be a librarian you should read this book.
The main storyline throughout the book is about a fire that burned over 7 hours in April of 1986 destroying 400,000 books and damaging 700,000 books. But it was so much more. It talked about the history of libraries, the value of libraries and notable figures throughout the history of libraries.
This book was very fact heavy and I was reading it in small chunks as it was a lot to take in. So be prepared for that if you do decide to read. But I suppose that comes with the territory of a non fiction book.
I recently started working part time at a library and this game me such appreciation for the history of libraries. And I get so happy to see people come in and out on the days I work. I am also still amazed at how people are still getting new library cards and then there are those who do not use any of the services the libraries offer. The book does talk about at the end how much the library does for their communities and I know I see it at the one I work with and those I follow.
I paired my reading with the audio and the author was the narrator. I thought her narration was really well done. You could tell how much research and work Orlean put into crafting this book.
A quote that I found memorable:
"The idea of being forgotten is terrifying. I fear not just that I, personally will be forgotten, but that we are all doomed to being, forgotten - that the sum of life is ultimately nothing; that we experience joy and disappointment and aches and delights and loss, make our little mark on the world, and then we vanish, and the mark is erased, and it is as if never existed."
Note: I do not rate non fiction books.