A REESE WITHERSPOON x HELLO SUNSHINE BOOK CLUB PICK A WASHINGTON POST TOP 10 BOOK OF THE YEAR * A NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER and NEW YORK TIMES NOTABLE BOOK OF 2018 “A constant pleasure to read…Everybody who loves books should check out The Library Book.” –The Washington Post “CAPTIVATING…DELIGHTFUL.” –Christian Science Monitor * “EXQUISITELY WRITTEN, CONSISTENTLY ENTERTAINING.” –The New … “CAPTIVATING…DELIGHTFUL.” —Christian Science Monitor * “EXQUISITELY WRITTEN, CONSISTENTLY ENTERTAINING.” —The New York Times * “MESMERIZING…RIVETING.” —Booklist (starred review)
A dazzling love letter to a beloved institution–and an investigation into one of its greatest mysteries–from the bestselling author hailed as a “national treasure” by The Washington Post.
On the morning of April 29, 1986, a fire alarm sounded in the Los Angeles Public Library. As the moments passed, the patrons and staff who had been cleared out of the building realized this was not the usual fire alarm. As one fireman recounted, “Once that first stack got going, it was ‘Goodbye, Charlie.’” The fire was disastrous: it reached 2000 degrees and burned for more than seven hours. By the time it was extinguished, it had consumed four hundred thousand books and damaged seven hundred thousand more. Investigators descended on the scene, but more than thirty years later, the mystery remains: Did someone purposefully set fire to the library–and if so, who?
Weaving her lifelong love of books and reading into an investigation of the fire, award-winning New Yorker reporter and New York Times bestselling author Susan Orlean delivers a mesmerizing and uniquely compelling book that manages to tell the broader story of libraries and librarians in a way that has never been done before.
In The Library Book, Orlean chronicles the LAPL fire and its aftermath to showcase the larger, crucial role that libraries play in our lives; delves into the evolution of libraries across the country and around the world, from their humble beginnings as a metropolitan charitable initiative to their current status as a cornerstone of national identity; brings each department of the library to vivid life through on-the-ground reporting; studies arson and attempts to burn a copy of a book herself; reflects on her own experiences in libraries; and reexamines the case of Harry Peak, the blond-haired actor long suspected of setting fire to the LAPL more than thirty years ago.
Along the way, Orlean introduces us to an unforgettable cast of characters from libraries past and present–from Mary Foy, who in 1880 at eighteen years old was named the head of the Los Angeles Public Library at a time when men still dominated the role, to Dr. C.J.K. Jones, a pastor, citrus farmer, and polymath known as “The Human Encyclopedia” who roamed the library dispensing information; from Charles Lummis, a wildly eccentric journalist and adventurer who was determined to make the L.A. library one of the best in the world, to the current staff, who do heroic work every day to ensure that their institution remains a vital part of the city it serves.
Brimming with her signature wit, insight, compassion, and talent for deep research, The Library Book is Susan Orlean’s thrilling journey through the stacks that reveals how these beloved institutions provide much more than just books–and why they remain an essential part of the heart, mind, and soul of our country. It is also a master journalist’s reminder that, perhaps especially in the digital era, they are more necessary than ever.
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It was interesting and. Obtained some real gems, but too much statistical data. I still enjoyed it, but will only recommend it to friends that I know love libraries, books, and their history.
I haven’t been inside a library for years. This novel pulls you into the shelves.
Loved this book. I have never been a fan of LA but I learned a lot about it and about the LA Library system. Incredible community services. This is a great read.
I couldn’t foresee a book about a library fire would be so informative and entertaining, but Susan’s knowledge was very in-depth and a joy to read.
I grew up in Los Angles and love the architecture of the library. I found the book informative and hard to put down.
Wonderful prose, image building
Phenomenal writing of the true events of the fire of the first public library intermingled with the arson trial.
interesting history
Very interesting history of the Los Angeles library system and the fire.
I loved this book. Not only is it the story of the LA Central Library Fire, it is an exploration and evolution of libraries, the people who work there, and the patrons served. If you love the library and definitely if you have worked in one, you really should read this book.
Orleans manages to make what might seem like a rather mundane topic absolutely riveting. The central story of the book is the massive 1986 arson (or is it?) fire of the main branch of the Los Angeles Library System, but she weaves into it spellbinding stories about library history, other historical incidents, and fascinating and quirky people. She’s a masterful writer, and I often found myself rereading sentences to savor her word choice and the way she puts words together.
Susan Orlean’s The Library Book was a super captivating read. I had borrowed this copy from the library. A story about the huge fire at the Los Angeles Public Library in 1986, but much, much more! Susan Orlean’s relationship with going to the library, the fire and the community response, the mystery of how it happened, the history of the library and people involved in the development and continued life. I finished the book and said “Wow!” I promptly bought my own copy, and I recommend the book every chance I get.
Susan Orlean’s THE LIBRARY BOOK shows off her writing and reporting skills to excellent effect. The book centers on a major fire in the main branch of the Los Angeles Public Library that happend in 1986. It was the biggest library fire in United States history. But her examination covers a lot more than that!
It’s a story of a guy, and a library. It’s history and possibilities, and mystery. It’s a beautiful book, not one I would usually read, but I’m glad I did.
If you love books about books, this is a must read.
I loved this book. It’s about libraries and books and quirky characters and history. It has intrigue and humor and fascinating information. Read it!
I was inspired with libraries before reading this book, but this story made me realize the important role that libraries have played throughout human history.
Great writing!
I love her use of description of people and places.
This book reminded me of Devil in the White City the way it interweaves the arson investigation of a fire at the LA public library with her love of books and the history and use of libraries. Really fascinating.
So well written. Beyond the telling of the fire at the Los Angeles County Central Library in 1986, the book conveys the importance of libraries in the life of the individual and their importance in society and in cultural life. Well researched and written.