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3.99 AVERAGE
3.99 AVERAGE
I enjoyed this nonfiction piece of work that reads like a journalist exposé. If you're picking up this book expecting to read solely about the L.A. Public Library's 1986 fire, you'll be surprised. Orlean's book offers up a backstory on the history of the L.A. Public Library, its head librarian personalities, staff, and many changes it has undergone (both physical and societal) since its conception. Some of these backstories seemed to get bogged down and pull away from the narrative of the story. In my opinion, it could have done with less of this type of minutiae.
"Actor" Harry Peak, the key suspect in the fire, waffled between claims of starting the fire to denials of any involvement. Not only did his story change countless times but his "witness's" story as well. This part of the story was my favorite.
Orlean's love for libraries and the necessity of their continued role in the community was reiterated throughout the book.
I found myself tearing up when I read about the fire. No patrons were harmed during the fire (although many firefighters suffered from heat exhaustion) but reading descriptions of countless precious artifacts and books going up in flames was painful to read about. Books have such personal meaning to so many people and countless books disappeared in flames. Some of those items were one of a kind and, thus, irreplaceable. I wasn't expecting to read about how the fire impacted the employee's mental health and life outside of work. It was heartbreaking. This book is a very special one, one that will be treasured by true bibliophiles.
"Actor" Harry Peak, the key suspect in the fire, waffled between claims of starting the fire to denials of any involvement. Not only did his story change countless times but his "witness's" story as well. This part of the story was my favorite.
Orlean's love for libraries and the necessity of their continued role in the community was reiterated throughout the book.
I found myself tearing up when I read about the fire. No patrons were harmed during the fire (although many firefighters suffered from heat exhaustion) but reading descriptions of countless precious artifacts and books going up in flames was painful to read about. Books have such personal meaning to so many people and countless books disappeared in flames. Some of those items were one of a kind and, thus, irreplaceable. I wasn't expecting to read about how the fire impacted the employee's mental health and life outside of work. It was heartbreaking. This book is a very special one, one that will be treasured by true bibliophiles.
Part who dunnit part memoir all fun. Perfect for book nerds and true crime fans.
Great read for anyone who loves books, libraries, or has very fond memories of either/both. Initially, I thought this would be mainly about the fire at the Central Library in LA and while that was obviously a main feature, there was also a lot of interesting history about the library and libraries in general. Considering I grew up in LA County and have lived my whole life in Southern California, I was surprised and fascinated by how little I knew about Central Library. The structure and extensive research reminded me of a Laura Hillenbrand book, an excellent model of non-fiction storytelling in my opinion.
Wonderful account of the fire at the LA Central Library but also the history of LA public library (and libraries in general to a certain extent). Clearly well-researched and well-written. This book is interesting and a wonderful ode to libraries everywhere. Recommend! (Also the hardback version of this book is BEAUTIFUL!)
This is a lovely, high readable book that reminds me a little bit of those I've read by John Berendt. There's ostensibly a true crime element to it, but that's the least essential part of the tale. Orlean lovingly reports on the library as an institution's present, recreates its past, and ruminates on its future, using Los Angeles's library as its specific fulcrum to discuss these ideas. I'd highly recommend it for book and library lovers everywhere. If your primary interest is in the 1986 Los Angeles library fire, or Harry Peak (the arson suspect) himself, only then may the book not meet your expectations.
I absolutely loved this. From the “true crime” aspects of the story of the fire to the fascinating history of the LA Library to the more sweeping sociological discussion of the role of the library in modern society. Truly remarkable. Writes about books and libraries with a reverence I’ve long felt.
3 stars for the parts that dragged on and on. 4 stars for the really good stuff. So overall I give it 3.5
Great book but I’d recommend reading over the audiobook!
4.5 ⭐️
Really loved this book. I especially liked that she drew attention to the fact that arson “science” has historically been a large cause of wrongful convictions. My only complaint, is that the story meandered and didn’t have a strong sense of organization. But, I finished this in two days, and I feel a renewed sense of love of libraries. I recommend picking this one up if you too love the library.
Really loved this book. I especially liked that she drew attention to the fact that arson “science” has historically been a large cause of wrongful convictions. My only complaint, is that the story meandered and didn’t have a strong sense of organization. But, I finished this in two days, and I feel a renewed sense of love of libraries. I recommend picking this one up if you too love the library.
This book was the first I heard of the LAPL fire because at the time, I was an east coast high school student uninterested in current events (though I do remember the Chernobyl disaster which happened a few days before - I wasn't that out of touch). Orlean does a fantastic job telling stories about the fire, the main suspect, and the history of the LAPL system. My only complaint is her narration of the audiobook: her voice is too nasal for me.