If you love libraries (and who doesn’t?!), then you will love The Library Book, by Susan Orlean. The author of bestsellers, The Orchid Thief and Rin Tin Tin: The Life and the Legend, Orlean has written another gem (and bestseller!) in The Library Book. Part whodunit, part a love letter to libraries, the catalyst for the story is the 1986 fire that destroyed the Los Angeles main library branch.
Orlean had initially mentioned to her publisher that she would “enjoy spending a year in a library to see what goes on.” After being invited to tour the Los Angeles Central Library, Orlean discovered much to her astonishment that the library had been the target of a suspected arson in April, 1986 that destroyed or damaged over one million books and other library materials. On any other day this story would have made headlines around the world. Instead it was overshadowed by an even larger conflagration-the Chernobyl nuclear plant meltdown in the Soviet Union. And although a suspect was arrested, he was never charged, and the crime remains officially unsolved.
For a library lover like Orlean, this story was too important to ignore. The Library Book tells the story of the fire and its aftermath-- how the Central Library came back bigger and better. Orlean spent time in every department in the library and her descriptions of the day-to-day workings and behind the scenes details are fascinating. She brings vivid life to libraries which are historically the preservers of history and knowledge and have now become the centers and lifeblood of communities.
Believe the rave reviews about this book. Talk to a librarian about how special their jobs and work places are and you will begin to understand why libraries are so vital and special.
Rating: ***** stars (I LOVED it!)
- Helen, Technical Services Librarian
ARE YOU AND THIS BOOK A GOOD MATCH? DISCOVER MORE WITH NOVELIST APPEALS! The Library Book
GENRE: History Writing TONE: Dramatic WRITING STYLE: Compelling; Richly Detailed; Witty LOCATION: Los Angeles, California SUBJECT: Arson; Arson Investigation; Fires; Librarians; Libraries; Library Science
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