A review by jerihurd
The Library Book by Susan Orlean

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.