Take a photo of a barcode or cover
3.99 AVERAGE
3.99 AVERAGE
A book about libraries! Many anecdotes about libraries in general, woven into information about the Los Angeles Central Library. Recommended to me by a librarian.
looks like the author would get slapped if she adds some dialogues.... i hate books that are all about descriptions. if you do too, skip this book
EDIT: it's more about how libraries work than a real investigation. if you want a detective story, this would not be for you - i thought that too)
EDIT: it's more about how libraries work than a real investigation. if you want a detective story, this would not be for you - i thought that too)
Great read about the Los Angeles Central Library, its fire and history, and vignettes about libraries and librarians.
3.5 stars. I expected a kind of literary who-dunnit, and while there was a bit of that, this book was really a love letter to libraries. I suspect that any reader who has ever worked in a library will spend the whole read nodding along at the observations on the challenges and joys of working in or running a library, particularly one with as high a patronage as the Los Angeles library. For someone like me who has not worked in a library (but might like to one day?) a lot of the information about work done in or by libraries was surprising or eye-opening. My eyes glazed over a bit during some of the history and architecture chapters. With no emotional connection to this particular library, those details missed the mark a bit with me. Fiction-lover-me, of course, wishes there had been more about the mystery of the arson, and more resolution. Stupid real life.
But it's all okay, because even without that final knot getting tied, the story was fascinating and a very enjoyable read. (Not to mention that the book itself is SO pretty.)
But it's all okay, because even without that final knot getting tied, the story was fascinating and a very enjoyable read. (Not to mention that the book itself is SO pretty.)
A very engaging look at the history of the LAPL Fire, the history and necessity of libraries and library people, and the compulsion for story telling and connection that drives us.
Loved it. All of my librarian friends should read this
As a librarian and lover of libraries, it was fascinating to read about the history of LA’s central library. It was a good reminder about the ways that they have morphed and evolves over time, as well as what common themes persist. The parts related to the fire investigation were less interesting to me, but I was impressed all the same of how she used that narrative to tie together the weaving history of the city and the role of its library throughout. Now I definitely need to go visit the central library since I haven’t been before!
Ugh. This book was so boring. Especially boring on audio.
I wasn't sure what to expect when I opened this book of non-fiction. I was almost immediately enchanted. I don't know if it is because of my lifelong love of libraries... of places that books and information are kept and freely offered, or because of my love of history... or my interest in mysteries.. or just the parts of this book that are about the shifting timeline of memory and reality and wanting to be remembered and the strategy of achieving that goal... Anyhow, I copied a bunch of quotes in my journal and loved this read for her tremendous research as well as her empathy and compassion. Later, I attended a lecture by the author about this volume and this experience has led me to wish to read some of her more contemporary magazine articles in The New Yorker Magazine.
I say "chef's kiss" on this book Susan: You knocked it out of the park; and I am very sorry about losing your Mom-- I know how that feels and it sucks.
I say "chef's kiss" on this book Susan: You knocked it out of the park; and I am very sorry about losing your Mom-- I know how that feels and it sucks.