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3.99 AVERAGE
3.99 AVERAGE
informative
inspiring
slow-paced
4.5 stars. Wonderful account of the 1986 fire that destroyed much of the Los Angeles Central Library, as well as an informative look at the history and future of public libraries. Orlean's writing is beautiful and engaging, and the first several chapters were absolutely riveting. I enjoyed the book overall, but the story seemed a bit scattered toward the end. I highly recommend to anyone who loves books and libraries!
As a lifelong fan of the library, this was a fascinating insight to the LA library and the evolution of libraries in general.
As if you needed another reason to fall in love with libraries. Great read.
A love letter to libraries and librarians, and a fascinating account of a terrible true crime, the ensuing arson investigation, and consequences for the people of LA.
I came for the unsolved, high-profile, true crime fix, but I stayed for the riveting history of libraries and the people who built them. This book spent less time on the actual arson (or was it?) at the LAPL than I expected, but filled the pages with something even more interesting: the world of libraries. I was fascinated with the history of the LAPL’s development and all of the badass women who participated therein. I loved the accounts of all the librarians who spent their lives dealing with the public in ways I never really thought about...I even identified with some of their anecdotes from years of working in science outreach, as well as time spent in retail. I just couldn’t wait for each new chapter and am so excited to explore more books about libraries in the future!
Reading this book not only made me feel special, as I, too, grew up going to the library but it was also loaned to me by a friend. The blending of genres such as mystery and history is genius (not to mention the nuanced twist). It also serves as a reminder as to why deep down we as a society care about the institution that is public libraries, encouraging the reader to explore this mostly untapped resource. In the current political climate and controversies surrounding book bans, I encourage everyone to read this book and understand how libraries may be the missing link to communities small and large.
2.5. Not as interesting as I hoped. A rather disjointed history -- of libraries in general, the LA Public Library specifically and the devastating fire at the central LA Public Library to be exact. The narration bounces around a lot and never really grabbed and held my attention. I had to make myself finish.
This was a love letter to the beloved institution that is the library. Part anecdotal, part historical, part crime and thriller. The lack of focus / direction is probably what makes this book a bit tedious to get through, but essentially this was written by a true library lover and will be cherished by other similar library lovers. While some chapters are so strong and captivating, others fall flat and are redundant/unnecessary. She writes thrilling chapters on some of the radical librarians from the 1800-1900's for example but then follows it up with unnecessary chapters on curating maps and non-English speaking seminars. It's like you end on a high only to be let-down by a dull chapter of tedious facts. I understand she is highlighting the vital services a library can offer in some cases or highlight her personal stories regarding the library (like burning a book herself to see what it's like), but the lack of direction and structure was just frustrating to me.
Overall, I resonated with the sentimentality she has towards the library as her story is similar to mine - my love for the library started with my mother and I going every week and then continued with taking my own children. The traditions and memories that we create with the library and librarians as the centerpiece are immeasurable and timeless.
While the library fire is the catalyst for what prompted her to writing the book, the details are interspersed. If you're reading this thinking you're in for a thrilling crime adventure, this is not that book. But if you just generally want to fall in love with an essential community resource and want to know more about the societal and historical implications of it, then you might get a kick out of this book.
Overall, I resonated with the sentimentality she has towards the library as her story is similar to mine - my love for the library started with my mother and I going every week and then continued with taking my own children. The traditions and memories that we create with the library and librarians as the centerpiece are immeasurable and timeless.
While the library fire is the catalyst for what prompted her to writing the book, the details are interspersed. If you're reading this thinking you're in for a thrilling crime adventure, this is not that book. But if you just generally want to fall in love with an essential community resource and want to know more about the societal and historical implications of it, then you might get a kick out of this book.
I wholeheartedly enjoyed trudging through this beautiful nonfiction love story to libraries!