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3.99 AVERAGE
3.99 AVERAGE
This book was a roller coaster of ups and downs for me. I loved the parts about the science of fire. I was so bored with the bio's about librarians from long, long ago. Was into the bio about the suspected arsonist. I don't care about the architecture of the building. It was pretty meta hearing about OverDrive as I was using OverDrive to listen to this audiobook.
4 stars. One of my favorite nonfiction reads I've had in some time. I learned so much and want to research so much more. Not just an arson mystery, but a love letter to libraries and books and the written word in general. I listened to the audiobook but had to check out the physical copy so that I could revisit passages I really enjoyed. Also I am temped to dress like Charles Lummis for my own library job.
Fascinating if sensationalised history of the LA Public Library and the fire that nearly destroyed it. Also, a realistic cross-section of what modern public libraries are like. Anyone who thinks that libraries are just books should read this. Their eyes will be opened to a whole new world.
A fascinating story of the Los Angeles Central Library fire of 1986 that meanders through time to the beginnings of Los Angeles, the creation of the library, and beyond to the future of all libraries. If you’re a fan of books & reading, it’s worth picking up.
emotional
hopeful
informative
reflective
The 1986 library fire in LA was new to me. 100s of thousands of books lost or damaged. This fire burned for over 7 hours. Although focused on this event, the book is about so much more. It is about the importance libraries play in bringing together communities. They are an equalizer. Everyone is welcome AND they are free. Libraries have necessarily changed as our society has become tech driven. They have done this well and continue to thrive as a receptacle of our culture’s shared memories. This book makes me want to give my local librarian a big hug...almost!
What an amazing love story to libraries! I loved learning all the different aspects that go on in a library.
I really enjoyed the mystery of the LA Library fire, but I also enjoyed just the overall history of the libraries and those who work for the public good that flitted in and out of the memoir.
informative
reflective
medium-paced
I enjoyed this book and found it fascinating. I learned quite a bit about libraries while reading it.
I cried when this book wrapped up on my way to the grocery store today. I love it so much, I would've listened to another 10 discs.
Some of the other reviewers don't like that Orlean covers such varied topics relating to libraries, but that was my favorite part! I learned SO many things I didn't even know I wanted to know! I loved hearing about the history of libraries, the LA library, specifically, and it made me feel excited when she confirmed things that I'd learned before, like the fact that there are more libraries in the United States than McDonald's restaurants!
Listening to Susan Orlean read her own book was a real treat. She has a sweet, gentle voice that reminds me of women in my life who bring me comfort and confidence. I loved listening to her every single day, and would spend extra time in my car when I pulled into parking lots.
I would recommend this book to anyone who has ever felt at home in a library.
P.S. Does anyone know of any good podcasts about libraries?
Some of the other reviewers don't like that Orlean covers such varied topics relating to libraries, but that was my favorite part! I learned SO many things I didn't even know I wanted to know! I loved hearing about the history of libraries, the LA library, specifically, and it made me feel excited when she confirmed things that I'd learned before, like the fact that there are more libraries in the United States than McDonald's restaurants!
Listening to Susan Orlean read her own book was a real treat. She has a sweet, gentle voice that reminds me of women in my life who bring me comfort and confidence. I loved listening to her every single day, and would spend extra time in my car when I pulled into parking lots.
I would recommend this book to anyone who has ever felt at home in a library.
P.S. Does anyone know of any good podcasts about libraries?