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3.99 AVERAGE
3.99 AVERAGE
Susan Orlean pays tribute to libraries, focusing on the Los Angeles Public Library Central Branch, and the mystery surrounding a fire that consumed a good part of its collection in 1986. Orlean reinvestigates the case, talking to witnesses, investigators and jurists, as well as the family of the suspected arsonist. In between, she provides a fascinating history of the Los Angeles Public Library, going back to its earliest head librarians, some of whom were real characters. She also profiles the library's departments, staff members, and patrons with respect and love for their roles. It's a heartwarming page-turner and a must-read for anyone who loves libraries now, or remembers loving them as a child.
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
My new favorite book. I learned so much about libraries and Los Angeles. There were 2 regrences to Cleveland! Beautiful written, thoughtful, made me feel all the feels. Just a lovely book. Also the hardnack edition has all kinds of lovely details. Also underlined my copy a bit.
informative
medium-paced
I will rate & review this book after my book club meeting on 3/26/20.
I loved how this was written; it was like taking a wander down the eilses of a library. A little bit of everything but still staying on message. If you're into books; or libraries are your happy place I strongly recoomend it.
Describes the catastrophic Los Angeles Library fire and explores the possible guilt of the leading suspect, She also describes the tremendous impact the library has had.
I thought that this would be more about the fire and its aftermath. On this count, it fell short. Orlean did a very good job of detailing the history of the library and its impact on Los Angeles which often made the book feel like it was full of rambling and sidetracks. Just not really what I was expecting.
I thought that this would be more about the fire and its aftermath. On this count, it fell short. Orlean did a very good job of detailing the history of the library and its impact on Los Angeles which often made the book feel like it was full of rambling and sidetracks. Just not really what I was expecting.
informative
medium-paced
I love that it took several chapters for me to realize this was non-fiction! I loved how it spanned across the history of the LA Central Library - whew, as dramatic as a soap opera storyline. Learned a bunch, was riveted about the book saving & later preservation, and feel even more in love with libraries. ♥️
Not only interesting because of the story of the fire in the LA Library but also absolutely fantastic for bookworms because of the love of books and the library that shines through. And with that, the history of the library is also very interesting. Loved this book and I now wanna visit my local library.
I’m not big on non-fiction books but as someone who has loved libraries her entire life, I couldn’t put this one down. I learned a lot about libraries, the ‘86 fire, LA. It was easy to read and almost read like a podcast with lots of interesting characters.