lhhrmn's review against another edition
4.0
I really enjoyed this one! The first third-ish read like a love letter to libraries and I was almost sad it was interrupted by the history of the fire and specifics about the LAPL! The only thing that bugged me a little was how she felt the need to describe every librarian she spoke with in maybe not the most flattering descriptions? It just seemed odd, since the level of detail was a bit superfluous and she had to know they'd someday read the book and the descriptions of themselves.
ginsbergcat's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
fast-paced
4.5
agmaynard's review against another edition
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
4.0
This is a salmagundi book! And might irritate some people who want only one narrative thread, or for weaving and doubling back not to take place. I had no trouble following the story of the 1986 fire and its investigation, the history of the Los Angeles Central Library and key staff, and select history of libraries, its present, and future. Nifty catalog entries start each chapter Recommended!
cosmicpool's review against another edition
4.0
This was a really good book, interspersing the story of the library fire with the history of the Los Angeles public library, and a smattering of other book- and library-related topics.
I listened the the audio book read by the author, which was excellent except for when she read short segments in languages besides English (e.g. book titles in German, French, and Italian). They were all horrifically mispronounced! She really should have consulted a pronunciation coach.
I listened the the audio book read by the author, which was excellent except for when she read short segments in languages besides English (e.g. book titles in German, French, and Italian). They were all horrifically mispronounced! She really should have consulted a pronunciation coach.
jerihurd's review against another edition
5.0
That was a shockingly compelling read and not at all what I expected. This paean to books and libraries centers around the 1986 fire of Los Angeles' Central Library, the largest library fire in US history. She uses the fire, and her investigation into both the arsonist and the fire's aftermath, to explore the larger history of libraries and books, as well as her own personal connection with the power of a strong library community. Seriously, I couldn't put it down, and not just because I'm a librarian. Orlean tells a fascinating story, especially her tale of the literary tragedies of WWII--the millions and millions of irreplaceable books and manuscripts lost to bombs, fire and book-burnings.
Highly recommended and a great example how good nonfiction can be.
Highly recommended and a great example how good nonfiction can be.
stinsylinson's review against another edition
3.0
I appreciate how thoroughly immersed in the subject the author gets. You can sense the passion coming through on the pages and it helps you get wrapped up in the story. At first the way we jumped in and out of the Library Fire story was dizzying...but before long I found myself caring more about the library's history than the potential crime of the fire itself.
hamsammitch's review against another edition
5.0
wow, this book was amazing! listening to the audiobook was great, the way that Orlean intertwines the stories and lives of all the people who impacted the community of Los Angeles through library work was incredible. the way that the story of the investigation of the fire was weaved into the stories of people’s lives made the destruction that occurred even more tangible, as it made you realize just how important libraries are to the communities around them. this book made me cherish my job even more than I already do, almost brought me to tears at times hearing about the devastation that occurred in 1986 to Central Library. listening to Orlean lay out her years of research, interviews, and experiences seemed like listening to a familiar podcast or hearing stories told by an old friend. loved this book a lot and highly recommend!